Read Online The Highlander Takes a Bride by Lynsay Sands - Free Book Online Page B

at Greer as he moved along the table toward the chair in the center. Much to her irritation, he looked amused rather than offended at her feigned misunderstanding of his name. Really, that smug smile just made her want to punch him . . . or not. She really didn’t understand her reaction to the man.
    “Saidh?”
    “Hmm?” She turned to peer at Murine questioningly.
    “I think ye’d best be careful while here,” Murine said quietly.
    “Careful o’ what?” Saidh asked with surprise.
    Murine hesitated and then admitted, “I had the oddest sensation along me arm when Laird MacDonnell stood behind ye. It was like there was some kind o’ heat bouncing between ye. I’m thinking mayhap ye’d do best to avoid being alone with him while yer here.”
    “Oh.” Saidh waved her concern away. “I’ll be fine.”
    Murine looked as if she wanted to say more, but paused and glanced past her as Montrose stood up at the far end of the table. A sigh slipped from her lips, but she forced a smile for Saidh. “It looks as if we are leaving.”
    “Oh.” Saidh stood when Murine did and accompanied her along the tables in the hall. They were halfway to the keep doors when Saidh blurted, “Murine, if ye’re e’er in trouble or in need o’ aid, do no’ hesitate to write me at Buchanan or e’en to come there. Ye’ll always be welcome.”
    “Thank ye,” Murine said and paused to hug her. “Ye’re a good friend, Saidh, and the same goes fer you. If ye’re e’er in trouble or in need, me door will always be open to ye.”
    Saidh hugged her briefly, then stepped back with a smile to walk her outside. She was surprised to step out of the great hall and find the bailey swimming with horses. The stable master had obviously been busy since she’d entered the castle. It made Saidh feel bad that she’d left him to tend to her mount rather than do it herself.
    “Mount up, Murine. We do not have all day,” Montrose snapped as he slung himself into his own saddle.
    Murine smiled tightly, but moved to do as instructed.
    Saidh watched her mount and then moved up beside the horse and rubbed the mare’s muzzle as she commented, “Joan’s tincture must be working, Murine. It seems to me ye’ve no’ fainted once since the babe was born.”
    “Aye.” Murine gave her a real smile. “I’ll ha’e to write Joan and thank her.”
    Saidh nodded and stepped back. “Safe journey.”
    “Safe stay,” Murine said solemnly, and then turned her horse to follow her brother out of the bailey, followed by the soldiers.
    “Ye’re worried about her.”
    Saidh tore her gaze away from Murine’s stiff back and glanced at Greer as he paused beside her. The man was huge, something she hadn’t really taken note of until now. He made her feel small and dainty in comparison, something even her brothers, who were all large men, had never accomplished.
    She turned to peer after the last of the soldiers riding out of the bailey and nodded solemnly. “Her father made no provisions fer Murine in his will. No’ even a dower. She’s dependent on her brother now and I fear he’s no’ the most caring o’ brothers.”
    “Was her father no’ Laird Beathan Carmichael?” Greer asked.
    “Aye,” she said and noted the frown that pulled at his face.
    Greer shook his head. “He did no’ seem the type o’ man to leave his daughter penniless and dependent on a half brother like Montrose Danvries.”
    “Ye knew him?” she asked with surprise.
    “I worked fer him a time or two,” he admitted.
    Saidh’s eyebrows rose at this news. “Worked fer him at what?”
    “I was a sword for hire ere Allen died and I inherited the title,” Greer admitted without shame. “Laird Carmichael hired me on a time or two. I liked him,” he added. “And I suspect someone is no’ dealing honestly with Murine if she thinks she was left without resources.”
    Saidh frowned at the suggestion and peered back to the now empty drawbridge, thinking that perhaps she