Page 36 of The Highlander Who Loved Me

“’Tis true that her aunt and uncle acted oddly when she told them she intended to journey here,” Malcolm volunteered. “But they dinnae prevent her from leaving.”

“Perhaps they wanted her to leave so she could be taken in the woods,” the McKenna said. “Those men might have been acting under the orders of her relatives.”

“That seems a most far-fetched notion,” James scoffed. “Especially since she resides under their roof. She is already under their control.”

“I agree that something strange is going on,” Aileen said. “Yer father is right to be concerned about the lass. The only way to secure her safety is to make certain she has a husband to protect her.”

“I’ll say it again,’tis no business of ours,” James insisted, searching for support from his brother. Malcolm could not possibly be in favor of this mad plan. But his brother met James’s desperate gaze with curious interest.

Malcolm glanced at their mother. “I agree it could be the best solution.”

James narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath before blurting out, “God’s blood, ye cannae force her to marry!”

“Who said anything about forcing the wee lass?” The McKenna stared innocently back at his son. “Yer mother would have my head served on a platter if I demanded such a thing.”

Aileen’s head bobbed in agreement. “Though most think differently, I find it barbaric fer a man to take a bride against her will. I would never allow it. Nay, Davina will be given a choice of husband.”

“And what of our choice?” James asked.

“I’ll be giving ye the same power. Ye are free to decide if Lady Davina would be a suitable bride,” the McKenna answered. “If ye both decide against it, I’m sure we can find another member of the clan who is worthy of the honor.”

“Truth be told,’tis something I’m already considering,” Malcolm said casually. “She’s a different sort, but a fine lady nevertheless. And Lileas likes her.”

“Aye, but does she like Lileas?” The McKenna laughed and Aileen joined him.

James sucked in a loud breath. He started to walk away, then turned and stared at Malcolm, frustrated when he realized he could not read the emotion on his brother’s face. Was Malcolm jesting? Or was he serious about taking Davina as his bride?

The impact of such an event struck James hard. Wounds he believed had healed slowly began to open and fester. He knew the trauma that Davina had suffered; he knew her reasons for not wanting to marry.

But that had happened years ago. Perhaps she was now ready to put the past behind her and consider becoming a wife. To Malcolm? James gave his brother a hard look. He was the heir, the one with more to offer. Yet beyond the material, women found him charming, clever, and fascinating.

Would Davina feel the same? The very idea rankled, taunting James. Frustration and anger rose inside him. Was it merely fate or bad luck that always seemed to place Malcolm in the more advantageous position?

“So, will there be a contest between us, James, to see who can win the lovely Davina?” Malcolm smiled affably, but underneath was a steel glint of determination. No matter what the competition, his brother despised losing.

“Nay. ’Tis a game I have no stomach to play,” James replied airily, hiding his tightly clenched hands behind his back. “If ye want her, and win her, then she is yers.”

Even as he spoke the words, James knew he was deluding himself. Witnessing his brother claim Davina for his wife would be torture, a blow from which he might never recover.

And yet, he refused to say anything more on the matter.

“The McKenna wants to see ye,” the maid said as she waylaid Davina in the hall. “I’m to take ye to his private solar.”

A sense of unease stole over Davina. She swallowed back her nerves as all manner of thoughts entered her mind. Why did the laird want to see her privately? Had James said something to his father about her? Would she be asked to leave?

“Is something amiss?” Davina asked.

The servant hitched her shoulders, indicating her lack of knowledge. “’Tis the laird’s business and none of my concern.”

Yet despite her show of indifference, Davina could see the woman was bursting with curiosity. Castle life could become rather tedious, especially in the winter months when many were confined indoors. A juicy bit of gossip was something to savor and share, and the individual relating the news was often filled with self-importance. No doubt the maid was as eager to learn the cause of the summons as Davina.

Davina’s mind continued to spin as she followed the maid. All too soon they stood in front of the closed door. The servant cast a sympathetic glance her way before respectfully withdrawing. Davina wiped her damp palms on the skirt of her gown, shook off her nervous thoughts, then timidly knocked.

A booming voice bade her to enter. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the heavy oak door, coming up short when she saw that the laird was not alone in the chamber.

Malcolm stood near a narrow window, while James was at the opposite side. Malcolm smiled in welcome; James scowled. Ignoring them both—and the tension in the room—Davina turned her attention to the laird. She dropped a formal curtsy, then took the seat the McKenna indicated beside Lady Aileen. The older woman reached over and patted her hand reassuringly.

Davina’s momentary relief quickly faded as all eyes turned toward her. She felt a sudden chill run up her spine. Folding her hands demurely in her lap, she struggled to overcome her foreboding.

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