Page 37 of In the Highlander's Bed

Now, Fiona wore black, never smiled, and spoke only when necessary, even to him—or should he say,especiallyto him? She wouldn’t even live with him, choosing instead to have her own tent where she kept herself separate from the others.

He leaned toward Grace. “Has she talkedto you? Has she said what happened at Fort William?”

Grace shook her head, her mouth twisting with cynicism. “She doesn’t have to tell me anything. The truth is there in the way she holds herself. Can’t you see it? Or are you, like everyone else, pretending ignorance?”

Before he could respond, Thomas returned, with Brian at his heels. The giant looked at his woman and Gordon, a frown forming between his eyes. “Grace, I’d not thought you’d still be here.”

She shrugged. “I was leaving.”

“Aye, go then,” Thomas said.

The woman did. After she left, Thomas turned back to Gordon. “Was she wanting you?” he asked.

Gordon frowned, surprised by the question. “You know I have other matters on my mind.”

“I want her just the way she is. Don’t be giving her any of your lectures, Gordon. Don’t interfere.”

“I won’t. I haven’t.” Gordon held up his hands to show he held no tricks.

“Yes, right,” Thomas said, his doubt clear on his face. He turned and stomped out of the tent.

Gordon couldn’t hide his frustration. “I wish that woman would leave,” he said to Brian.

“She has him whipped,” the younger man agreed.

“Does she know it?”

Brian rolled his eyes. “What woman doesn’t?”

Gordon shook his head, clearing his mind of the matter. He had no time for Thomas’s love life. “Let me write this letter,” he said, turning his attention to the task at hand.

He knew what he wanted to say and did so in straightforward language. He and Colster knew each other. At one time the duke had been a member of the clan, until Colster betrayed them by taking the Sword of the MacKenna.

Gordon sanded and sealed the ransom note. “Deliver this but don’t wait for an answer,” he told Brian. “I wrote instructions on how he should send word to make the exchange, and I’ve given him one week from receipt of the letter to do so. You won’t have time to linger, and don’t trust anyone.”

“Yes, Gordon.”

“Now ride, and ride fast.” He tossed the money purse to Brian. “I expect you to return in five days’ time. That’s hard riding. Take only the freshest horses. If you are not back, I shall worry.”

A grin split Brian’s face. “You needn’t worry.” He bowed and left.

Gordon was tired and ready for his bed. Outside, he saw Thomas, who had found Grace…or perhaps Grace had found him. As the second in command, Thomas wielded a good amount of power in the clan. Grace would keep her eye on that. They stood by the fire in furious conversation.

Nodding a good night, Gordon would have walked past, but Thomas stopped him. “What if the duke doesn’t give you the sword?” he asked soberly.

“He’ll give it to me,” Gordon answered.

“But if he doesn’t?” Thomas pressed.

“Then we won’t return Constance Cameron,” Gordon said.

Thomas’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully, “And what will you do with her?” He shook his head. “You lack the ice in your veins to deal with such a matter.”

“But you don’t,” Gordon answered.

“No, I don’t,” the giant said, satisfied.

“Then I shall hope Colster gives us the sword.”