Page 60 of The Plight of a Scottish Lass
He laughed and replied, “I doubt it.”
Dyna’s next comment surprised him. “Tamsin, are you returning to MacQuarie Castle or staying here?”
Tamsin looked up at Thane and asked, “Would I be able to return to your castle with you, Thane? I’d like to determine whether I can locate my daughter.”
Thane paused for a moment, her request possibly forcing him to break one of his mantras. His one requirement of all his guards was that no adult females were allowed to live inside the castle walls. He couldn’t risk watching any harsh treatment of a bairn. If he allowed Tamsin, he’d have to allow others inside.
But he had no choice.
“Of course.”
What the in thunder was he to do now?
Chapter Thirty-Four
Lennox
“What the hell is going on?” Lennox MacVey asked as he approached his friend near the stables.
Sloan Rankin nodded his head toward the keep. “We need to talk. Hear the man out, then we can talk privately.”
Lennox nodded, then led the way into his keep, heading toward the solar. He nodded to his mother to let her know to send a light repast in, then to join them. She knew everything that happened between his father and the other chieftains of the region, so Lennox considered her input invaluable.
His father had made her listen quietly in the background of all meetings, only offering her opinion when they were alone. She did the same for her son, and Lennox approved. But then again, his mother was quicker than any other woman he’d ever met.
Perhaps that was why he’d never married. He wanted an intelligent wife, but hadn’t found one worth pursuing yet, ignoring his mother’s persistent cajoling.
He opened the door to his solar, taking the seat behind the desk while Sloan and the third man took two seats on the opposite side.
Lennox started, “What has the two of you riled? Summer is here and the weather is lovely. Enjoy it.”
Sloan’s consternation was more than evident on his face; it was also in the sweat of his palms. Lennox couldn’t help but wonder what had his friend so upset.
His mother had obviously picked up the same because she entered, a serving lass behind her carrying a tray with ale tankards along with a platter of berries and cheese. The serving lass settled everything and left as quickly as she’d entered.
His mother nodded to the two men, then took a seat againstthe back wall.
“Rut, feel free to sit closer,” Sloan said. “We know you’ll take everything in.”
“I’m fine here, Rankin. Continue, Lennox.”
Lennox didn’t try to hide the glitter in his eyes at his mother’s raised chin and narrowed eyes. The woman knew exactly how to handle herself and everyone else. He’d learned much from her over the years.
Lennox looked directly at Neil MacClane and asked, “What news have you for us?”
“MacDougall’s brother is still here. Gone daft.”
This was news, something that completely surprised him. He arched a brow, saying nothing, knowing MacClane would continue if he didn’t speak. Rankin caught his gaze but kept his thoughts to himself.
“I saw him myself. Ulchel, the fool. He’s gone daft. We have to stop him.”
“Why?” Lennox asked, steepling his fingers in front of him as he leaned back in his chair.
“Because he’s planning to attack Duart Castle. Then he’s going after MacQuarie Castle. He told me. The fool has lost his mind. His brother kicked him out for attacking a lass in the clan. Now he’ll do anything to gain his brother’s approval. He wants back in the clan, and he believes that if he gets Duart Castle back, his brother will forgive him. That’s his first step. After, he thinks he’s going to control the isle by himself. Or rather, he plans to get Duart back for his brother, then he’ll take over the rest of the isle.”
They both smiled, Lennox hiding his better than Sloan.
“Aye, you two included. He thinks he’ll have his brother’s guards behind him and MacQuarie’s men, then you two are next.” Neil wiped the sweat from his brow before taking two long swigs of his ale.
