Page 79 of Sinful Scottish Laird
“I didna say me,” he said evenly. “But there are other men who would see a Stuart on the throne and theSassenachbanished from Scotland. They wouldna worry so much about a capital offense, as there is no one here to catch them save their own, aye?”
“Oh my God,” Daisy said. She pressed both hands against her abdomen.
“We’ve arranged passage on a ship that has not yet returned to port,” Mr. Kimberly said, looking concerned.
“Go to Skye,” Cailean said. “See Irving MacDonald in Portree. He’ll see you safely to England. Tell him I’ve sent you to him.”
“But...but what of Auchenard?” Daisy asked. “We’ve not found a caretaker.”
“I’ll look after it,” Cailean offered. “Until you come again.”
“Do you really think Lady Chatwick will be free to return here?” Spivey asked. “She’ll no doubt have more children, and her responsibilities to Lord Chatwick are such that she can’t simply summer here.”
Cailean looked at Daisy. She looked, he thought, a little ill. “We are different in the Highlands. If we want something, we reach for it,” he said to Daisy. “Our...circumstancedoes no’ prevent it.”
“Daisy, dearest,” Spivey said laughingly. “Don’t listen to what this man says. He means to unnerve me, that’s all. You’re in no danger here. Personally, I find it impossible to take the advice from a free trader.”
“Aye, so would I, were I you, Captain,” Cailean said calmly. “But even a free trader would no’ risk the lives of women and children, would they? You best heed me.”
Now Spivey twisted about, his expression full of ire. “Is there more you wish to say, Mackenzie? Or have you delivered all the dire warnings you mean to?”
“I’ve said what I came to say,” he said. “I’ll take my leave now.”
“Thank you, Arrandale,” Mr. Kimberly said. “I can’t thank you enough. You’ve been a good friend to us.”
“Don’t go, not yet,” Daisy said. “At least finish your brandy?”
“No, thank you,” Cailean said firmly. He offered his hand to Mr. Kimberly. “It has been a great pleasure, sir,” he said. “I hope to see you again one day, aye?”
“God willing,” Mr. Kimberly agreed and shook his hand effusively.
He next turned to Spivey. “Best you take the loch to the sea and avoid any travel over land.”
Captain Spivey lifted his chin. “I am quite capable of seeing the family from here.”
That remained to be seen.
Cailean had to face Daisy now, had to say goodbye. He felt sick, a little weak in the knees. He bowed over her hand, kissed the back of it, his lips lingering a moment too long on her soft skin. “You will come again.” It wasn’t a question. It was a command.
“I hope,” she murmured.
He could see the tears beginning to build in her eyes, and he wanted to spare her that, particularly in front of Captain Spivey. Or in front of him. It was heartachingly difficult as it was. “You will be missed,” he said tersely and let go of her hand. “Haste ye back,” he said. And with the small smile he managed to muster, he began to walk out of the room.
“Wait...before you go,” Daisy said behind him.
Cailean hesitated; he glanced back. Daisy moved toward him, and behind her Captain Spivey was ambling closer. The captain was not a naive man—he knew better than to let his prize catch drift too far. “Lady Chatwick?” he called to her. “Is everything all right?”
She put out her hand, halting Spivey’s advance. “Please, Captain, I should like a word with Arrandale. If he’s to look after Auchenard when we go, there are things he should know.”
She turned away from Captain Spivey and walked quickly to the door, as if she feared the captain would follow her.
Cailean followed her out of the great room.
In the corridor, she paused, glancing nervously over her shoulder. “I haven’t... There is more I want to say,” she said.
“No,” he said and grabbed her hand, squeezing it. “Donna say more, Daisy. Donna say what you might later regret, aye?”
She looked exasperated, but he was quite earnest.
