Page 26 of The Wrong Bride
“Many of the young men live here,” Samuel continued. “They’re the chief’s gentlemen, chosen from the finest youth from our best families. They’re well trained in battle, but they’re also tacksmen, who act as the administrators for all the land and people.”
Riona eyed McCallum, who was listening to Samuel talk. She asked, “So Dermot chose all these men?”
“As did my father, of course,” McCallum answered. “I am confident they chose well. I look forward to becoming reacquainted with them all again.”
It sounded to her like divided loyalties were a problem waiting to happen, but that could only help her cause. If McCallum was distracted, he wouldn’t notice her focus on Dermot. Hugh took another deep sip of the whisky being passed in thecuach.He’d mentioned his father’s reliance on strong drink, and wondered if that made him careful about it for himself.
When the meal was over, McCallum came out from behind the dais and talked to many people. She simply watched him, glad he didn’t ask her to join him since she wouldn’t have a clue what they were discussing. No one came to talk to her except Samuel, and when he was drawn away, she stood alone beside her chair, feeling lost and alienated.
And then she saw Dermot momentarily alone as he turned to take another swig of the whisky being passed. Inhaling a fortifying breath, she approached him, wearing a forced smile.
If Dermot was surprised, he didn’t show it.
“Lady Catriona, glad I am to finally meet ye,” he said, bowing over her hand.
“Glad or relieved, sir?” she asked.
He smiled, and it was an easier thing on him than it was upon his cousin, although there was a resemblance in the strong bones of the forehead. “A chiefis only happiest when he has a good wife at his side, my lady. With you, Hugh has found luck and favor.”
Riona tilted her head. “High praise, sir, but you have yet to truly know me.”
“We can all learn about each other.”
“Then tell me of yourself. As the McCallum’s cousin, were you raised within the castle?”
“Nay, I am the son of a chieftain from lands to the east of Loch Voil.”
“How does one become the tanist?”
“I was selected at the great gathering that followed the old McCallum’s death, just as Hugh was. Hugh could have attended, of course, but he felt it important to bring home his bride.”
The disapproval was obvious in his voice, and she was surprised he didn’t hide it from her. It gave her hope that focusing on getting to know him was the right course.
“Laird McCallum was selected as the tanist for his father?” she asked.
“When he reached adulthood, aye, the summer after Sheriffmuir. He was well admired for his bravery during the Rising.”
There was an edge to his voice that intrigued her. “Were you there, too?”
“I brought him home after fighting at his side,” Dermot said, his gaze now on McCallum as he talked with several young men. “I can attest to the bravery of all the men of our clan.”
“Yourself included,” she murmured.
His gaze sharpened on her, even as he gave a small smile. “Surely I cannot be expected to speak ofthat,my lady.”
She chuckled, and it felt rusty, for she hadn’t had a reason to laugh in a long time. But she was playing a part now, and it made it easier to hold back her fear.
“Do you have a wife to perform brave deeds for, Dermot?”
He shook his head, then spoke dryly. “Not yet. I’ve been busy these last months with the McCallum lands, including helping my father. There doesn’t seem to be enough time to court a young woman.”
If Riona decided to come to him for help, at least he wouldn’t have a woman distracting him.
“Did you know Laird McCallum growing up?”
“Of course, Lady Riona. We often ran the hills together.”
“I understand he was something of a scamp.”
