Page 59 of The Devil in Plaid
“What has Matthew said on this matter?” she asked.
Jamie lifted his shoulders. “He thinks I worry for naught. He believes it much more likely that scouts spotted us, then circled ahead to cut us off.”
She blew out a long breath. “Matthew’s thoughts are reasonable, especially in light of what ye’re suggesting. Forgive me, Jamie, but I cannot believe that one of our own has turned traitor.”
“I feel the same, and yet I cannot shake this feeling. Ye ken now why I hesitate to bring this plan to the council. I pray to God I’m wrong, but if I’m right, we have to be careful.”
She stood tall, her shoulders pushed back. “No matter. We do not need to involve the council. I will take the message.”
Jamie stiffened. “Absolutely not!”
“Just hear me out,” she said. “Hamish knows me. He will trust our plan if it comes from me.”
“Ye cannot expect me to allow ye to do this.”
“Matthew and Alasdair can accompany me. Their trust is assured.”
Jamie shook his head at her. “I’ve said nay, and I meant nay.”
Anger flashed in her eyes. “Ye must put the good of our clans first. I am the logical choice to go. We will take every precaution. Alasdair and Matthew will ensure my safety. We only go but to the outskirts of their territory. If ye send a warrior from one of our clans, Hamish is liable to flee or, at the very least, he’ll be suspicious. But if they see me and can hear our plan from my lips, they will know we are forthright.”
“I will not allow this,” he snapped. Then he threw his hands up. “I will go.”
Her eyes narrowed on him. “Ye cannot leave an army without its leader. Hundreds of men camp out in our baily and the grounds beyond. They have come here under yer command. I am yer wife, but first and foremost, like ye, I am lady to our people.” She took his hands in hers. “I can do this, Jamie. Please do not underestimate me.”
Fury coursed through him. He turned away from her, his hands gripping the mantle.
“Speak to me, Jamie.”
“I am angry,” he growled. He turned to face her. “Not at ye. I am angry at our fate.” He shook his head. “Ye cannot go. I will find another way, one that does not put ye at risk.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Ye’re my husband, and I am ye’re wife—but not first. First, we are laird and lady. This is my duty.”
“Nay, ‘tis mine,” he barked.
She took a deep breath. He watched her grapple for control. At length, she said in a steady voice. “I am capable of more than making yer keep smell nice. I can do this, Jamie.” She took his hand, her eyes beseeching. “Let me do this.”
He expelled a slow breath and cupped her cheeks. “Ye’re a stubborn woman and great lady, Fiona MacDonnell.”
A smile curved her lips. “Fiona MacLeod, if ye please.”
He kissed her. “I do please.”
“Then I can go?”
“I cannot promise that I will not recant what I am about to say, but…” He expelled another rush of air. “Aye, ye will take this Hamish and his son our message, but only Alasdair and Matthew can know. In the final hours after we march, I will reveal the truth of our plan to the rest of the warriors.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “This is the right course. Three clans will join together for lasting peace.” She stood on her toes, pressing a kiss to his lips. “I will be there and back before ye even have time to worry.”
