Page 40 of Taken By the Highland Villain
Nathan rubbed his fingers together, idly contemplating the idea. It had merit. He could always use more territory. Perhaps he might enact the plan against the man-at-arms no matter what transpired between himself and Laird MacFinn.
If he played his cards right, he might see the man-at-arms banished or hanged, and be able to have Laird MacFinn declared unfit to lead his clan.
With no heirs, it would be a simple matter to convince the Highland Gathering that he or Laird MacAllister was the proper caretaker. And even if Laird MacAllister absorbed the lands, the two of them had an understanding. Arrangements could be made.
Yes, it was an excellent plan—a proper punishment for the way Jude Reid had humiliated and intimidated him at the market a few days ago. He would see it set in motion at the first opportunity.
But first, he would claim his Valerie. Nothing, not even vengeance, could come before that.
Valerie’s first impression of MacAllister Castle was one of severe, almost oppressive coldness and austerity.
Her first impression of Lady MacAllister, with her flame-colored hair, warm brown eyes, and welcoming smile, was that such a vibrant and gentle-looking lady did not belong in such a place. Standing in the entry hall of MacAllister Castle, the slender figure reminded Valerie of a candle flame surrounded by cold ash and on the verge of dying out.
Lady MacAllister’s smile was tired as she clasped Valerie’s hand in welcome. “Thank ye for coming. I’ve been meaning to visit a seamstress. So many of my dresses need to be fitted better these days…”
Standing so close, Valerie could see the too-prominent collarbones, the shadows under Lady MacAllister’s eyes, and the edge of a bruise on one thin wrist, which Lady MacAllister moved to hide as soon as she saw where Valerie’s gaze had wandered.
“It is nothing. I’m fair clumsy sometimes.”
Valerie nodded and smiled, but behind the smile, a small spark of anger flared. She’d seen plenty of clumsiness before—Brigid had never been the most graceful child—but she’d also seen marks like the ones on Lady MacAllister’s wrist.
If someone left a mark like that on me, I’d drive my dagger in their ribs. And if a man ever laid a hand on my sisters like that, I’d drive the dagger somewhere lower and far more vulnerable.
Still, she had no idea what had happened, and even if she had known the truth of how Lady MacAllister had gotten that bruise, it was not her place to interfere. Unless Lady MacAllister was harmed directly in front of her, or asked her for aid, then all she could do was offer her services as a seamstress.
Craig, however, seemed very familiar with Lady MacAllister, and she could see that he was concerned. The sharp-eyed man-at-arms had likely noticed the same things she had.
Perhaps a word to Craig and Jude might afford Lady MacAllister some protection.
And if I see or hear someone so much as raise their voice to her, they’re getting needles in their most painful place.
Mayhap I could find some way to get her out of the castle and convince her to go to visit my sister Brigid. Emily or Lily would take one look at her, and she’d be safe behind the walls of MacKane Castle for as long as she wished.
Aye, if I can convince her to visit me, to finish some aspect of the fitting…
With that plan in mind, Valerie gathered her courage. “Do ye want me to take yer measurements first, or would ye like to show me a dress and have me alter it while ye wear it?”
“Och, the latter would be easiest, if ye would. I wouldnae wish to take up more of yer time than necessary, and that seems fastest.” Lady MacAllister smiled softly. “This dress fits well enough, though, so I would have to change.”
“It is nay trouble. I can wait.”
“Och, if ye would… my braither is visiting. He’s currently in the Great Hall. Perhaps the two of ye could keep each other company while I gather the garments I need ye to work on?”
“Of course, I would be happy to…” The words died on Valerie’s tongue as the door opened and an all-too-familiar voice filled the hall.
“My dear Valerie! So pleasant to see ye again!”
Ice filled her blood. Beside her, Craig stiffened as well. Valerie gestured for him to stay back as she turned to face the speaker, forcing a smile on her face as she did so.
“Laird MacOlley. I confess, I am most surprised. What brings ye to MacAllister Castle?”
“Och, I was visiting my sister, Ailsa. It was the same reason I happened to be in the market the other day.” Laird MacOlley smiled. “I wanted to speak to her afore our wedding. I didnae realize till I met ye then that ye were visitin’ the neighboring clan.”
Valerie didn’t believe him for a moment. Lady MacAllister might be his sister, but that was the only truth in his words. She doubted he was there just for a familial visit—he showed no concern for his sister’s condition, obvious as it was.
And there’s another reason I dinnae like the man. What sort of braither is he, nae to be worried about her? Conall might be a bear and a brute sometimes, but he’d have the head of any man who looked wrong at Brigid. In fact, he didtake the head of a man who hurt her, and that was when they were strangers to one another!
Valerie longed to call Laird MacOlley a liar, but she knew that doing so would only invite trouble, for Lady MacAllister as well as herself. She might have taken the risk on her own behalf, but she would not risk the safety of the other woman. So she forced herself to continue smiling, as if she believed every word.