True to the Highlander(70)

“Aye?” He ate his breakfast, curious where Elaine was going with this.

“She told me what really occurred with Madame Giselle. She was no’ drugged or sent here by ship. ’Twas magic that brought her here. She had nothing to eat or drink in the woman’s company.”

“Elaine—”

“Dinna give me that look.” She straightened with a scowl and placed her hands on her hips. “How oft have we heard of some person disappearing, only to return months later with fantastic tales of some foreign land they say they found themselves in?” Her eyes offered a challenge. “Their stories are always the same. They have no inkling how they got there or how they got back. Mayhap this Madame Giselle is fae. I have no reason to doubt True. There’s no reason for her to concoct such a tale, and she seemed loath to share it. ’Twould be far simpler to hold to the version you and Father concocted.”

Malcolm shook his head, considering the possibility. “I will no’ argue. I concede, I’ve heard the stories you speak of.”

“She’s afraid Giselle will take her away from us the same way. True loves you, Malcolm. She fears giving her heart if she’s to be plucked from your side at any moment.”

“She told you this?” He sat up straighter at the first good news he’d heard since his return.

“Aye. She also told me she plans to leave us to become part of a traveling minstrels’ group come spring if Giselle hasna returned her to her home by then.”

“The devil you say.” His brow rose. “Why would she do such a thing?”

“She is frightened of being taken from us and frightened by an uncertain future. Put yourself in her place. True feels she is only a guest here. She worries our hospitality will come to an end. She told me it is time for her to find a way to support herself and Hunter on her own.”

“This is my fault.”

“Aye, ’tis all your fault.” She grinned at him. “Now set it aright.”

“Send someone to fetch Liam for me. Have him meet me in the great hall by Sext.”

“I will. ’Tis good to see you up and about, Malcolm. I’m glad you are home.”

Malcolm reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. “’Tis good to be home.”




Robley grinned at Malcolm as he descended the stairs to the great hall. “Up and about, cousin? I’ve come in Liam’s stead. He’s on the mainland doing guard duty. I believe this is the day he guards our Lady True.”

“Can you tell me where she is?”

“Aye. I take my turn guarding her camp. We all do.” He chuckled. “True has no idea she is so well protected. There is no’ a single MacKintosh here who does no’ ken what she does each and every day, yet none speak of it.”

“Take me to her.”

“I am the clan’s first choice to wed the lass.”

“Robley, dinna push me.” Malcolm’s control was at an end. He glared at his cousin and stood his ground.

“Humph. Let us be off.” Robley turned on his heel and headed to the ferry landing.

The day was uncharacteristically fair for this time of year, and Malcolm was glad for the sun warming him as the ferry took them across the loch. He surveyed the forest, now bare of leaves, and spied True’s thin column of smoke. Had she no sense at all? He shook his head and frowned. ’Twas a good thing Liam had maintained the perimeter guard, for surely her camp would have been a beacon for brigands and worse. The thought of Black Hugh riding the hills crossed his mind, and a chill slipped down his spine.

“I ken what you’re thinking, Malcolm.” Robley met his gaze with a grave expression. “She’s no’ been raised in the Highlands or in the manner we have. It hasna occurred to her the smoke gives her away. She’s no’ had an easy time of it. Consider her tender feelings before you crush her further.”

“Think you I dinna ken I’m to blame for this?” Malcolm scowled at his cousin. “You need no’ worry about her tender feelings.”

“Aye, but I do. If she refuses you, I will offer for her.”

Malcolm had never before seen Robley so serious. “She will no’ refuse me.”

His cousin made no reply as the ferry landed.

Robley had described where her camp had been set, and Malcolm immediately knew the place of which his cousin spoke. ’Twas just around the next bend in the burn flowing toward the loch. Careful to keep quiet, he rounded the curve and came to a halt. The sight caused his eyes to widen and his jaw to drop. All thoughts for her tender feelings fled. He stomped into the clearing with every muscle in his body tense. “Alethia,” he growled. “You will get dressed this instant.”