Page 6 of Return to Clan Sinclair
She heard the conversation halfway back up to the library. To her surprise, however, the door was shut tight. At the top of the passage she fumbled in the dark for the latch, wishing she’d made note of it before descending to the grotto.
“If you move,” he said directly behind her, “I’ll open the door for you.”
She jerked, startled by the sound of his voice so close. How had he crept up on her unaware?
“Where do you suggest I stand?” she asked.
His hands on her shoulders surprised her. She almost brushed aside his touch, but he was trying to help, so she allowed him to guide her to the far wall.
The total darkness was disorienting. He smelled of the sea and sun-warmed skin and was entirely too close.
“There,” he said, bending low, so near she could feel his breath on her forehead. “Just stand there for a moment.”
“You’re an American,” she said.
“You sound Irish,” he said. “But if you’re Macrath’s sister you should be a Scot.”
“Would you please open the door,” she said.And move away, please.
He chuckled as if he’d heard her unspoken words, turned and engaged a latch she still couldn’t see.
The door swung open to reveal four surprised people.
Alistair evidently hadn’t been told where they’d disappeared, Brianag scowled at her, and Macrath and Virginia both looked amazed as she exited the secret passage behind the stranger.
“Ceana!” Virginia reached her and, in a flurry of silk and warmth, enveloped her in an embrace. “Dearest Ceana, what on earth are you doing here and how glad I am to see you.”
The second person to embrace her was her brother. He did so in such an exuberant manner, it left no doubt about his welcome.
“It’s about time you came to Drumvagen,” he said, stepping back. “Where are the girls?”
“I left them at Iverclaire,” she said, knowing she’d have to tell him the whole story. Or tell Virginia, which was the same thing.
“Bruce,” he said, reaching over to shake the hand of the stranger. “I see you’ve met my sister.”
“She’s met your youngest as well,” the stranger said, laughter bubbling up in his voice. “I’m afraid I had to rescue Carlton once again. He climbed out of his window and was heading for disaster.”
Virginia’s hand went to her lips. “Oh no.”
“Thank you,” Macrath said.
“You might want to put an iron bar across the window. Or move him so that his window doesn’t overlook the beach. It seems to be a temptation.”
Macrath only nodded. Bruce left the room, leaving the four of them standing there. Brianag glared at all of them before she, too, departed, mumbling about uninvited guests.
“I should have sent word,” Ceana said.
“Brianag is getting up in years and she’s been testy of late. I apologize for the rudeness with which you were treated.” He glanced toward Alistair, who evidently had told his father about her arrival. “Drumvagen is known for its hospitality, and I’m sorry you weren’t shown that.”
Virginia wound her arm around Ceana’s.
“Let’s go and make sure you are made welcome,” she said. “And then I want you to tell me everything happening in Ireland. And Iverclaire.”
Oh, dear, that would be a tale, wouldn’t it?
CHAPTERTHREE
To her great surprise, her valises were taken to a guest chamber at the end of the hall on the second floor. A brass plaque on the door was inscribed with her name.
