Page 77 of Cottage in the Mist
“I’ve promised you I’ll no’ let him come to harm. And I’m a man o’ my word.” Alec’s voice came from close to her ear and she jumped. “Now tell, me, Lily, why are you truly here?”
Again she wondered at how much truth she should share. So much of it was overwhelming. Still she’d already admitted that she thought he was a killer—and he’d done no more than deny it. Maybe it was best to stick with as much truth as she could manage.
“I’m here for Bram Macgillivray.”
This time the ripple in the crowd was anger, but Alec held up a hand, quieting his men. “And why would you be looking for him?”
Lily’s chin lifted again. “Because I love him.” Her gaze collided with Alec’s. “And because the two of you are on a path of destruction that has to be stopped before one or both of you wind up dead.”
“But I told you I dinna kill the man’s father.”
“Ah, but you’re aware of the fact. I certainly didn’t mention it.” She was glaring at him now, feeling heat wash across her face.
“Blast it, woman, everyone knows about it. ’Tis no’ a secret. And admitting that I know is no’ the same as admitting my guilt.” They squared off. “And while we’re talking o’ guilt, what does your mother think of her daughter conspiring with the enemy?”
“My mother is dead.” The words fell into the clearing with the power of a broadsword, silence holding as the big man next to Alec crossed himself again.
“I’m sorry.” Alec’s voice was gruff with emotion. “And your father?”
“Dead as well. But don’t go getting ideas that I’m suddenly under your wardship or something.”
This last brought a smile. “I can see you’re a woman with her own mind. But still—a Macgillivray?”
There was no reasoning with a Scot, clearly. They all seemed to come with the same thick head. “You and Bram are not as different as you might think. And besides, you can’t help who you love. It just happens.” Even when said person is from another century.
“And Bram Macgillivray—he loves you, too?”
The flush across her cheeks burned brighter. “I believe so.”
“I’m not saying I doubt you. But you ken the last time a Macgillivray and a Comyn were together it dinna end so well.”
Lily pulled the silver chain from beneath her shirt and plaid, lifting the ring for everyone to see. “Yes, Alec, Ikenit well.”
25
“I canna say ’tis an easy tale to swallow,” Alec Comyn said, frowning at her. They’d withdrawn to sit upon a fallen log. Fergus sat across from her on a large boulder with William glowering over at Alec from just behind Fergus. Alec’s man Dougan Macniven stood just opposite William, his hand never leaving the hilt of his claymore.
Across the way, she could see Jeff keeping watch as the healer ministered to Robby. If the situation had been less serious, Lily would have smiled. But instead she moved her gaze back to her cousin’s. Convinced that Alec was telling the truth about not attacking Dunbrae, they’d told him everything, including the bit about her and Jeff coming from the future. And Lily, had it not happened to her, doubted she’d have believed the story either.
“Nevertheless,” she said, opening her hands in supplication, “what we’re telling you is true.”
“I said it isna easy to accept.” Alec shrugged. “I dinna say that I doubted you. If for no other reason than the ring you wear. In all honesty, I find it harder to believe that you love a Macgillivray than that you traveled through time.”
“Which just shows you how ridiculous this blood feud really is.”
“I canna argue with you there. I have no trouble defending my honor or my clan when the moment calls for it, but I dinna hold with ancient grudges. Whatever truly happened all those years ago, it should no’ affect what’s happening now.”
“But clearly it is having an effect,” Fergus answered. “And if it’s no’ you, then someone else must be using the feud to their own advantage.”
The conversation was interrupted as a rider galloped into the camp. Alec started to rise, but Dougan waved him down again. “I’ll handle it.” The big man strode off toward the rider just as Jeff walked up to the group.
“One of my scouts,” Alec said, as he waved Jeff to a seat on another stone. “How fairs Corley?”
“Geordie believes that he’s turned a corner,” Jeff replied. “He credits Lily’s intervention with having saved him. Especially cauterizing the wound.”
“Thank God,” Lily said, relief flooding through her. Although in reality he was little more than a stranger, once she’d realized Robby’s connection to Bram, her heart had become involved. If Bram cared about this man, then so did she. And she’d been so afraid he’d die on her watch. One more thing for Bram to have to forgive.
“Did he say anything more?” Alec asked.
