Page 29 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
His plan to find a tinker who could seek more information from Iona slowly returned to his thoughts. In fact, when he visited the village the following day, he would make it is business to look for one of the travelers and seek their assistance.
“I am pleased tae see ye looking so well, Davina,” Aileen said. “The roses are in yer cheeks and yer eyes are sparkling.”
For a moment Davina looked flustered. Her cheeks turned even pinker and she looked down at her platter as if unsure how to respond to Aileen’s remark. He could see that compliments were not something the lass was used to. And yet, she was such a rare and special beauty that compliments should have been poured on her like torrents of rain.
“Thank ye, Aileen. Ye’re very kind.”
Maxwell turned to Everard. “I daresay ye’re keen tae catch up with the news from Canna.”
Everard huffed. “I was wondering when ye’d finally get around tae it. Did Hugo sail on the tide, as Séamus said he must.”
“Aye. He departed fer the Isle of Man soon after ye sailed. If he was able tae find onward passage once he landed, he could be well on the way tae France by now.”
“And will the islanders stick tae their agreement tae spare the French vessels until a month has passed?”
Aileen chimed in. “There was much grumbling from the sailors who depend on the French bounty. But me faither is a very persuasive man and he smoothed the troubled waters fer the meantime.”
Maxwell snorted a laugh. “Aye. But only because he promised each of them an additional share once they were apprised of which ships didnae carry MacDougall’s cargo.”
Everard caught Davina’s subtle indrawn breath. Whenever the name MacDougall was mentioned, that fleeting shadow crossed her face.
Once the meal was finished, they walked back to the solar fer a dram of whisky before bedtime. Maxwell was yawning and decided it was time to end their talk.
“We’ll sail across the bay in the morning after we break our fast,” he muttered between yawns. “There’s much work yet tae be attended tae and I am looking forward tae a night in me own bed again.”
“Ye must visit wi’ us, Davina. I ken ye will love the herbs and flowers that grow free in the machair. And tomorrow there is the market in the village.”
Davina smiled at that, looking a little wistful. “I’d love that, Aileen, but I dinnae ken if I am ready tae take tae the water again.”
“I understand. Mayhap one day soon ye’ll find the courage tae set off across the water.”
They quaffed their drams and rose to take their leave. As they strolled across to the door, Everard put up a hand and they all paused, their eyes fixed on him.
He spoke to Davina. “If I were tae offer tae take ye across in me small boat, would ye trust me enough tae accompany me?”
Davina looked up, regarding him with eyes that seemed to bore into his very soul. He held his breath, waiting for her answer. Finally, the solemn expression changed and, as her lips widened into a beaming smile, he released the breath he’d been holding.
“I believe I dae trust ye, Laird MacNeil, fer ye saved me life from the waters once already. I will sail the bay tae the village wi’ ye.”
Aileen clapped her hands gleefully. “’Tis a good thing ye dae, Everard. I look forward tae seeing ye both when ye come tae our home.”
“There is one thing…” Davina’s expression changed from delight to anguish.
“Aye?” Everard’s heart plummeted. Mayhap she’d found she didn’t trust him after all.
CHAPTER TWELVE
They set off not long after Maxwell and Aileen, in a tiny sailboat that made Davina gasp when she saw it. She unthinkingly clutched Everard’s arm.
“I was expecting yer birlinn.”
“Dinna fash, lass.” He patted the hand that was holding tight to his arm. “I’ve sailed across the bay ever since I was a wee lad. ‘Tis nay far and we’ll be on the water fer only a few minutes.”
She shook her head. “’Tis any water that makes me afraid. I’m averse even tae the water splashes over me face when I am bathin’.” She fought down the panic that was rising in her chest and raised her gaze to meet his. “It makes nay sense, me laird. I dinnae doubt yer competence and I thank ye fer yer concern.”
He held her trembling hand as she stepped into the tiny craft. The feel of his strong hand was reassuring, and she breathed inand out slowly, keeping her steady as she scrambled onto the little board where she could sit.
“Keep yer gaze fixed on the shore and we’ll be there in a trice.”
