Page 20 of The Devil in Plaid
Father and daughter exchanged looks. Jamie could not deny their anguished expressions. He took a deep breath. They needed time to say goodbye, but he could only afford to give them another day.
“We leave the morrow after.”
Gordon’s face brightened. “That is generous of ye. There is much to plan. If ye will excuse my daughter?”
Jamie nodded curtly.
The lass’s eyes still shone bright with tears, but she held her head high as she hastened behind the screen, disappearing from view.
“Mathe,” Gordon called out, motioning to a serving lad. “Show Laird MacLeod to the chamber in the east wing.”
“There is no need,” Jamie interjected. “I will see to my own arrangements.”
The alliance would not be official until vows were spoken and their union consummated. Until that time, he would continue regarding Clan MacDonnell as his enemy, and he had no intention of bedding down with the enemy.
“Yer daughter, no doubt, intends to bring her trunks and servants. She is permitted two lady’s maids, but that is all.”
Gordon shook his head. “But there is no time to ready her maids and herself in a single day.”
“Lady Fiona will not be traveling with her servants or yer warriors. They can travel with the lady’s belongings when preparations are finished.”
“But…I do not—”
“My men and I will escort yer daughter,” Jamie explained. “Our alliance will be void if she is killed or taken by the MacKenzie during our journey. This is the only way I can be sure to protect her. We will not travel by road. Instruct her to wear appropriate clothing and be prepared to sleep out of doors. Allow me to speak plainly—itwillbe a hard journey.”
