Page 31 of The Groom Wore Plaid
“But your sister was to leave us to marry. Bringing a McCallum here might have changed things.”
And there was nothing to deny about that. Maggie had changed everything—including his plans to choose his own wife, someone perfect for him. What those “perfect” characteristics might have been, he’d never had the chance to narrow down. But he was a logical man, and having regrets wasn’t logical. He’dmade his choice, and the rest of the Duffs would just have to accept it.
“Have you made certain the patrols will pay particular attention to such out-of-the-way places in the future?” Owen asked.
Harold nodded. “I’ll have another discussion. This will not happen again. But will we be able to find the culprit?” He spread his massive hands and shrugged.
Owen didn’t like such uncertainty. He was the chief, his people’s protector. Someone out there was determined to cause problems, and Owen had to be the one to stop it. He wouldn’t have Maggie in danger. Just the thought made something cold and ugly settle deep in his chest, and he didn’t bother to examine it too closely.
THATevening before dinner, Maggie prepared herself carefully, choosing her plainest gown and watching as Kathleen wrinkled her nose but said nothing. The lace “decorating” the stomacher looked as if a five-year-old had sewn it on, and after the maid had gone, she’d carefully ripped the hem. She pulled a few strands of her hair out of its neat chignon, loosened the laces of the bodice, and strategically placed several folded petticoats inside as if she was gaining weight. She looked at herself in the standing mirror and had to grin.
In the great hall, she saw Owen glance at her, then glance again, but he displayed no emotion. To her dismay, he put on a show before his clan, kissingher hand and leading her in triumph to the dais. She was prominently on display, the subject of wide-eyed stares. She hoped Owen felt embarrassed, even if only secretly.
She also couldn’t help wondering who in the crowd had been with Gregor, wanted her gone, perhaps was even setting fires to gain Owen’s attention.
Maggie pointedly set her law book down on the table beside her plate and saw Owen look at it, then at her. After giving him a polite smile, she put her head down and began to read, painstaking though it sometimes was.
At one point, Harold came and said something quietly to Owen, then left the dais again.
Maggie frowned and tried to keep her nervousness hidden. “Is something the matter? Is it another fire?”
He arched a brow, then said with obvious reluctance, “It was about the last fire.”
“I was told ye went to see it today.”
“There are no secrets among the clan,” he said dryly. “You and I have several,” she reminded him.
He ignored that. “There was nothing to see there, and Harold just informed me that although the men searched long and hard, they found nothing to implicate anyone.”
“I wish ye would have told me you were going. I would have come with ye.”
“Assuming I would have permitted it, and I would not have.”
“And why not?” she asked, affronted.
He leaned toward her. “You’re telling me you won’t be my wife. Why would I give you a place at my side?”
“So ye’re punishing me now for telling ye the truth?”
“This isn’t a punishment. If anything, I’m granting you my protection. I won’t risk you being hurt, Maggie.”
“So ye really think the fires are happening because of me.” She wilted a little inside.
“I believe the fires are happening because ofmeand my decision to change the contract. My people do not know me as perhaps they should. The patrols have been increased. It will not be so easy to find a solitary target to burn.”
She regarded him solemnly. “I do believe ye’re trying to make me feel better.”
“I am not.”
“Good, because ’tis unnecessary. I can handle anything that happens here. Since I’m involved, I wish to be told the truth and not kept in the dark.”
“If I deem it safe.”
She groaned and said heatedly, “You are not my father, Owen.”
“No, I am even more important in your life—your future husband.”
“I’ve already said—”
