Page 105 of Wedded to the Devilish Highlander
“Aye, Reid is right,” Thomas agreed as the ale and whisky arrived. “Ye did what ye thought was best, and under the circumstances, it was. So, what’s bein’ done about O’Gunn?”
Archer gestured for the footman to pour the drinks—the ale into tankards and the whisky into small cups.
“Me opinion is that he willnae last long where he is,” he began. “When news reaches his clan and makes its way down to the common man, they willnae trust him anymore, and when they find out what I did to his spies, he willnae have enough supportto start any sort of uprising or rebellion. He might nae even make it out of his castle.”
“Laird MacLennan killed two of his council members—spies,” Reid added.
“They’d been on the council since me faither was Laird,” Archer explained. “He was murdered by them, and they meant to do the same with me. If it werenae for Reid and Eileen, they might have succeeded.”
“And the traitors have all been dispatched?” Thomas asked.
“Aye,” Archer replied.
“Good.” Thomas let out a long breath. “I’ll talk with me clan, and we’ll decide what’s to be done with O’Gunn. He captured and tortured me braither, and I cannae let it pass.”
“Aye, that’s fair,” Archer said, taking a swig of whisky.
“Our clans are connected now,” Thomas continued. “We’ll make an alliance, whether through marriage or nae, but I like yer character, Fleming, and if ye were to take me sister as yer wife, I’d only see that as a good thing.”
“I appreciate the sentiment,” Archer said, “but that’s nae what I want. It’s nae the right place for Eileen. However, our clans should unite. The first weapons comin’ out of me forges will goto ye. I assume we can count on each other if the time ever comes?”
“We’re bound together now,” Thomas affirmed.
“I can drink to that,” Reid piped up.
The three men raised their tankards and clinked them together, sloshing some ale into the whisky cups. They slammed their tankards down on the table, sending foamy sprays in the air, before draining them.
Archer wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I didnae expect to have two McFairs at me table under such circumstances, but I’m glad ye’re both here.”
“Aye, the same back to ye.” Reid smirked.
“If ye’re leavin’ in the mornin’, then tonight should be one of celebration,” Archer said. “Goodness kens that me castle and clan could do with that. Will ye both join us?”
“Aye, we will.” Reid nodded quickly.
“Aye,” Thomas confirmed. “For now, I’d like to freshen up and get changed after hours on the road. I look forward to drinkin’ with ye this eve.”
The three men rose together, and Thomas shook Archer’s hand again. Archer gestured for one of the footmen to show Thomas to his quarters and draw him a bath.
Reid lingered behind as his brother left. He was well enough to wear a shirt over his bandages, and he walked a little straighter than he had the previous day.
Archer made a mental note to keep an eye on him that evening, in case he hurt himself when he was in an already fragile condition.
Reid took a swig of whisky before approaching him with a smile. But that smile turned serious when he got close. “I saw ye with Eileen today when ye left for yer walk.”
“Aye.”
“I saw the way she looked at ye,” he continued. “And I hear the way she talks about ye. If I didnae ken any better, I’d think she’s developin’ feelings for ye.”
“Aye, I worried she was,” Archer sighed.
“Ye were worried about that?” Reid asked. “She’s a braw woman, is she nae? Most men would dream of a woman like that developin’ feelings for them.”
“Aye, she’s a braw woman, there’s nay doubt about it. But I put her in danger by keepin’ her here. I managed to catch up withMillar, but if I hadnae, she would have been lost to both of us. Aye, it worked out fine this time, but what about next time? I do care about her, and that’s why I cannae put her in that position. If somethin’ happens to her here at the castle, it’ll be me fault because nay one would want to hurt Eileen just to hurt her.”
“All right.” Reid patted his shoulder. “I owe ye me life, Laird MacLennan. “I trust ye to do what’s best.”
“Thank ye,” Archer said.
