Page 18 of The Lady's Guide to a Highlander’s Heart
“What did ye say?” Flora swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry.
“I said ’twas a dreadful shock tae me tae find ye gone and the laird dead, and that I left the castle myself on the morn, wishin’ tae have nae more tae do with Dunrannoch.”
“Did he believe ye, do ye think?”
Maggie shook her head. “I’d say he was suspicious. He looked about the hall keenly, as if tae spot ye.”
Flora’s mind jumped from one possibility to another. The matter on which Calder wished to speak with Ragnall had likely naught to do with her, but if he thought she might be here, who knew what he’d suggest.
The two were seated together at the high table. If she got close enough, she might be able to overhear their conversation.
“Give me the jug of ale, Maggie.”
“Nay! I will nae!” Maggie shook her head vehemently. “If ye be thinking o' going near Calder, ’twill be a mistake. The man is nae tae be trusted.”
“I’ll be careful, I promise.”
Reluctantly, Maggie handed her the pitcher and, with eyes lowered meekly, Flora entered the clamour of the hall.
* * *
“I’ve told ye,Calder, I’ve nae wish tae relinquish control of any part o' Dalreagh lands.” Ragnall drank to the bottom of his cup and pushed it aside. “’Twas the old chieftain’s desire that the two branches be brought together again, tae lend strength tae the clan. If we cannae hold what’s ours, some other will take it from us. ’Twould be madness tae divide what now stands united.”
“’Tis all well for ye, Ragnall, being chosen tae lead the clan.” Calder gave a discontented grunt. “But, ye ken ma vexation. For years, Malcolm told me he’d pass the lairdship o’ Dunrannoch tae ma hands, along wi’ the safekeeping o’ his daughter. I’d hae been satisfied wi’ that. Instead, I’ve naught but the stewardship o’ the castle—and that by yer favour alone.”
Ragnall pushed aside his trencher. “The responsibilities o’ the laird are nae tae be taken lightly. All depend on ma will: generations of families, bairns and elders. ’Tis a duty I intend tae uphold until ma dying breath.”
Calder mumbled something.
“If ye’ve aught else tae say, I’d rather hear it tae ma face!” Ragnall folded his arms, taking on a sterner tone. “If that’s the sum of it, I’ll be taking ma leave of ye.”
“Nay! Calm yerself. Ye and I shouldnae fall out.” Calder clapped Ragnall upon the back. “Though I ken why ye be wantin’ tae retire early. I hear ye have a new bit o’ skirt waitin’.”
“Ye hear that do ye.”
Standing three steps behind, Flora’s ears pricked up.
“Aye, and a pretty red-haired lass, too. When ye’ve had enough o’ her, ye can mebbe pass her along ma way.” Calder gave a lascivious grin. “Some recompense, ye might call it, for the lass as was promised me afore ye laid claim tae her.”
Ragnall narrowed his eyes. “’Tis nae ma intention tae be done wi’ her anytime soon, so I advise ye tae cast yer net elsewhere.”
On quiet feet, Flora crept a little closer.
“As ye like it.” Calder shrugged. “’Tis yer prerogative as laird and chieftain. First pick o’ the juiciest. Just have a care who ye take under yer roof.”
“And what are ye meaning by that?” As Ragnall leaned forward, Flora ducked in to refill his cup, stepping back again before either man had time to notice her.
Without glancing her way, Calder held his own aloft, inviting her to pour from her jug. “Only that I see ye have Flora Dalreagh’s former maid serving. Wi’ the events of a certain night remaining dubious—” Calder touched the side of his nose, “I’m surprised ye be willing tae have her wandering aboot. For all ye know, ’twas her and that ‘butter-wouldn’t-melt’ lass as sent the old man tae the other side. The pair scooted away afore dawn, after all.”
Flora's blood froze in her veins. Little chance, then, of persuading Calder to support her claim to innocence.
She expected Ragnall to agree with the foul insinuation, for the diversion of suspicion could only aid him. Instead, his voice turned menacing. “’Tis in the past, and that’s where it stays. Only God and Malcolm Dalreagh know the truth and whoe’er it was who sent him tae his maker, they’ll make their own reckoning on Judgement Day.”
Calder raised his hands in resignation. “We’ll say nae more. Only keep yer eye on that lass, Maggie. If she’s nae hiding something, I’ll eat ma own sporran!”
As Calder inclined his head, indicating Maggie on the far side of the room, Ragnall looked away briefly and, in that same moment, Flora saw Calder drop something from his hand into the laird’s drinking vessel.
By the time Ragnall looked back again, Calder had raised his cup.
