Page 32 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
“Please forgive me fer causing ye concern,” she mumbled. “I understand t’was foolish of me tae trust a stranger.”
Everard heaved in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Never mind, lass. I’m pleased tae have found ye safe and well.”
Looking around, Davina caught a glimpse of the man, his tall form disappearing into the crowd. “There he is, me laird. That tall man wi’ the grey hair.”
Everard swiveled, his eyes searching the crowd, but by now the man was gone. “I would like tae find him and ask what he is daing here.”
“He is gone. I dinnae wish tae think on him any further.”
Everard grunted his assent, yet his eyes still searched the crowd.
“Come. Let’s be away from here. ‘Tis but a short walk out of the village and we’ll be at the home of me braither and Aileen.”
Although it was not a great distance, Davina was dragging her feet by the time they arrived at the impressive stone house. She made an effort to keep up with Everard’s long strides, but eventually she fell behind.
He waited for her to catch up. “Mayhap ye’re nae yet strong after yer illness.”
She shook her head. “I am tired.”
Aileen and Maxwell welcomed them warmly and they sat together in the garden while one of the servants brought them refreshing rosewater and lemon drinks sweetened with honey.
While they enjoyed the pleasant garden and the shimmering sunlight in the leafy setting, the servants served them cheese, nuts, bannocks with butter and jam and strawberries. After they’d finished their meal, Everard mentioned that he’d had conversation with the tinker.
Maxwell nodded. “Ah, I am pleased tae hear that.”
Davina’s curiosity had been aroused and she wondered what possible business could Everard have with the tinker. Perhaps something as simple as tools he was missing and wished to purchase. When no more was said, she allowed the thought to fade.
Everard leaned back and folded his arms. “Have either of ye heard the name Dùghall MacKinnon?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
From the corner of his eye Everard observed Davina straighten herself and tense at his question. She raised a nervous hand to brush back an imaginary strand of hair from her face, her eyes flicking from Aileen to Maxwell, as if gauging their response.
Aileen thought for a few moments and shook her head. “I’m aware of the MacKinnons, but I’ve nay heard this name afore.”
Maxwell grimaced. “How come ye’re enquiring about a MacKinnon? Ye ken we have little tae dae wi’ that tribe. Especially as they’re friends wi’ MacDougall and nay friends tae King Robert. Although they pay lip service tae their allegiance.”
“I believe he’s nay one of the MacKinnons of Mull but he’s from the Island of Pabhay.”
“Ah.” Maxwell grew thoughtful. “I kent the MacKinnons split many years ago. Many were from Mull, but others made their home on Pabhay. A different breed altogether.”
“Yet they’re kin?”
“Aye, but distant enough.”
“And ye dinnae ken this name?”
Maxwell shook his head. “I’ll see what I can find out. Why d’ye ask?”
Beside him, Everard heard Davina draw in a sharp breath. He had no wish to cause her embarrassment, so he made no mention of her foolishness.
“I heard the name at the market. I was curious tae ken what business a man from Pabhay would have on the Isle of Barra. ‘Tis of nay importance.”
He turned to Aileen. “I wonder if ye’d care tae show Davina around yer new house?”
Aileen grinned at Davina. “Of course! Would ye care tae see it? We can talk a little about what tae plant in the garden and when.”
Smiling prettily, Davina rose and followed Aileen along the path and into the house.
