Page 62 of Keeping Kate

Chapter 17

The inn was not far now, its windows glowing with lantern light. Beyond, in the distance, Alec saw a vehicle rolling toward the inn yard. “With luck, that is Jack at last, well and hardy.”

Kate sat straighter. “Jack? Thank God! I have been so worried.”

Hearing the concern in her voice, Alec felt a pang of envy. He guided the horse past the inn toward the oncoming chaise and waited. Soon the vehicle drew to a halt.

“There you are,” Alec said as Jack dismounted and came toward them.

“Jack!” Kate said. “Are you well? What happened?”

“Met with a mishap, my lass, but all is well now.Catriona Bhan,so good to see you again,” Jack added in Gaelic, and tipped his hat.

Alec frowned as Kate smiled brightly. Why did it never occur to him to gentle her with compliments and charm, as Jack did so easily? He scowled further.

“I have been recuperating from an adventure, lass. Alec found me and urged me to return to meet you here.”

“Oh? He did not mention it.” She sent Alec a frown.

“I had no chance while you were writhing like a kelpie,” he muttered.

“I am sorry to have missed the festivities. I can see how well you are both getting along,” Jack said. “What are you both doing out here?” He looked pointedly at Alec’s taut grip over Kate’s waist.

“A wee dispute, but we are sorting it out,” Alec said.

“He will not let me go home where I want to be,” Kate said.

“Och,that again, is it,” Jack said.

“In my opinion, the lady should stay at the inn, but the lady prefers traipsing about the hills unescorted by her assigned custodial officer.”

“Ah,” Jack said, and had the wisdom to say no more.

Kate and Jack spoke in Gaelic, while Alec listened and tried to follow. She asked Jack if he was hurt, and then answered him that she was fine. Then she added that Captain Fraser could be a—

“Baobach,”Alec repeated. “What is that?”

“Blockhead,” Kate answered.

“Not always, my lass,” Jack said. “He is a trustworthy lad and never doubt it. But he has his secrets.”

Kate laughed. “So do I.”

“If you two are quite done now,” Alec snapped. He knew his thunderous scowl gave away an unbecoming jealousy. “We have no time to stand about talking.”

“Aye, we are in a terrible hurry to put me in prison,” Kate told Jack. “But I am so very glad you are safe and well.”

“And I am glad to be back with my fairy queen.” Jack inclined his head.

“How do you attract any women spouting such nonsense?” Alec asked sourly.

Jack laughed. “Is Jeanie MacLennan here at the change-house?”

“You know she is,” Alec replied. He felt unaccountably irritated, and knew it had to do with Kate, Jeanie as well. He turned the horse back toward the inn, and Jack ran to climb up to the chaise to guide its horses into the yard behind them.

“You seem displeased,” Kate said. “You must be glad to see Jack.”

“I saw him earlier and told him so already. We three should move on tomorrow, but Jack wants to spend time with Jean and the bairn, while you and I go ahead.”