Page 6 of Bride of the Wicked Laird (Sparks and Tartans: The MacKinnon Clan’s Romance #11)
CHAPTER SIX
“ Y e seem somewhat distracted this morning, Braither.” Maxwell adjusted the sail and joined Everard at the oars. The small boat skimmed effortlessly across the still waters of the Chaisteill à Bagh. The breeze was pleasant, and the spring sunshine, although not without a chill, was welcome. It was a shiny morning and, after another storm overnight, everything seemed fresh and new.
Everard, who had been gazing across the bay snapped his head around to answer his brother. “Aye. Mayhap I am a trifle disquieted this morning.”
Maxwell chuckled. “Would yer faraway look have aught tae dae wi’ the lass who dined wi’ us last night?”
Everard huffed indignantly. “I’ve nay interest in the lass if that’s what yer mind is turning tae. Other than tae say that I’ve thought some more of what we spoke of yesterday.”
Maxwell, using his oar as a rudder, turned the direction of their sailboat to face the open sea. The brothers were en route tae the nearby Isle of Vatersay fer one of their regular trading visits and tae catch up on the news of their cousins who resided on the tiny isle.
In the stern were stacked several bales of wool, ready for spinning, and a number of substantial lengths of woven plaid. These would be exchanged for barrels of mead produced by the beekeepers on the island.
“Yer frown tells me ye’re nae altogether at peace wi’ the idea of the lass staying at Kiessimul.”
Everard bent to the oar, shaking his head. “I have nay misgivings about Davina herself. I believe she is trustworthy and if she is ready tae work with Broderick as she says, she will be a great asset tae us.
“Then ye’re concern is with her unknown kin?”
“Aye. Our bowing tae Island hospitality means she has every right tae sanctuary wi’ the MacNeils.”
“Ah.” Maxwell nodded knowingly. “Therein lies the problem. We dinnae ken if her kin are friend or foe. And, if they are foe, will they take offense at us providing her with a safe haven?”
Everard’s frown faded. “I’ve thought hard on this, but I believe we must make an effort to seek out knowledge about her kinfolk. I’m thinking of sending someone tae Iona tae meet with the Abbess and seek what information they can.”
“I thought ye said nay tae that as it would make a trail straight tae our door.”
The wind blew kindly in Everard’s hair, which he wore a little shorter than his brother. Maxwell’s longer locks were fastened by a leather thong at his nape. With the wind in his face, and the smells and the feel of the sea speeding the boat to their destination, Everard felt all was right with the world. Whatever might come, he would be ready for. And, although he was loath to mention this to Maxwell, his thoughts for the past days had seldom strayed from Davina and his wish to keep her safe.
“There are frequent travellers that pass through, tinkers and the like, bringing goods, small trinkets, pretty things fer the ladies. Many of these folk come from the mainland. There are one or two I could trust tae ask a few questions at the Abbey.”
Both turned their heads to the fast-approaching shore of the other island. “’Tis a wise plan, braither. If yer tinker tells the nun that he’s met with Davina somewhere on the mainland, that would throw any pursuers off the scent.”
“Me thoughts exactly.” Everard brought the boat around as Maxwell adjusted the sail. “’Twill be good tae see our cousin Fergus and his family.”
Fergus and Eillean and two of their bairns were waiting onshore as they pulled into the cove and tied the little boat at the mooring. Fergus was a giant of a man with a head of night-black hair but he sprouted a mysteriously red beard. He made an imposing figure beside his petite, dark-haired wife.
After their greetings, the three men unloaded the boat with assistance of his cousin’s lads, and then they set off up the path toward the MacNeil house.
Everard was in two minds as to whether he should mention Davina, but in the end, he decided that a brief outline would not be a problem. He was keen for Fergus and the other MacNeils to keep a watchful eye out for any strangers who appeared, or anyone of the clan who was asking too many questions.
After they’d made the trade, they were invited to share ale and oatcakes with the family.
Everard wasted no time broaching the topic of Davina. “We’ve a guest wi’ us at Kiessimul that may be at risk.”
Fergus, whose eldest boy was straddling his lap and devouring the crumbs from the last of the oatcakes, looked up with a bemused expression.
“And what is the name of this stranger?
Everard gave a wry laugh. “That’s a good question, fer I’m unsure of that meself. She’s a lass who almost drowned and has nae recollection of her kin.”
He offered no further explanation but Fergus seemed satisfied enough with that. If Everard did not wish to share any further details it was not his business to ask questions.
“How can I be of help?”
“I’d be grateful if ye and our other kinfolk can keep a watchful eye on the comings and goings at the Island and send a message tae me if there is aught that disturbs ye. If there are any strangers ye’d ken, but if there are others visiting or trading, who mayhap ask too many questions, then I’d be grateful if ye could send word.”
The big man nodded. “Ye can count on me, me laird.”
Eillean piped up with, “Ye can count on us all.”
It was dusk by the time they’d returned to Kiessimul and the conversation between Maxwell and Everard had soothed out some of the bumps in their concerns about Davina and the danger she might be in.
“She may nae take kindly tae being shadowed, but I’ll ensure that Mildred keeps an eye on her.” He tied several deft knots in the mooring rope and joined his brother, who was strolling along the slipway to the gate.
“I’ll join ye fer a meal in the solar in an hour’s time.”
Maxwell nodded and sloped off. Everard watched his brother head off, smiling to himself. The newlyweds were so wrapped up in each other’s company he was surprised he’d been able to coax Maxwell away from his beloved to make the trip to the Isle of Vatersay.
He crossed the courtyard, intending to catch up with Davina and see how her first day with Broderick had fared.
He came upon her in the garden and the sight of her made the breath hitch in his throat. She was so intent on the herbs she was collecting that it was several moments before she looked up and registered his presence.
Her serious face changed into a beaming smile and she bobbed a quick curtsey. “Good evening, me laird.”
He grinned. How delightful she looked in the soft twilight, the last rays of the sun catching the streaks of gold and red in her auburn hair, and her bright eyes lighting up with a golden glow.
She brushed her hands and lowered the trug full of various herbs.
“I see ye’ve been fully occupied.”
“Oh yes.” Her voice brimmed with enthusiasm. “It has been a good day. Broderick has been away across the bay fer most of the day and I’ve been busy.”
“I look forward tae hearing more about yer activities. Will ye care tae join meself, the Lady Aileen and me braither Maxwell MacNeil and me advisor, Hugo, fer supper? We’ll be dining in the solar in an hour or so.”
Her cheeks flushed an appealing soft pink and he noted that a day in the sun had deepened the band of freckles across her cheeks.
“Why yes. Ye are very kind. I look forward tae taking supper wi’ ye.” She glanced at her mud-speckled hands. “I will need tae scrub away the soil before then.”
“Very well. I shall see ye in the solar.” He turned and walked off, smiling to himself. He was suddenly seized with hunger and very much looking forward to taking his supper in the solar.