Page 74 of My Brave Highlander

Seona nodded. "I thank you for understanding. 'Tis simply that I don't yet ken what the future holds."

"Aye, well, none of us do."

Just outside the great hall, Keegan bowed to them. "Lady Seona, Lady Isobel, how lovely you both look this eve."

"I thank you, sir." Seona curtseyed.

Isobel mirrored her actions. "Master Keegan."

"Please allow me to escort you both to the high table."

Isobel certainly didn't need an escort. Upon seeing Seona's bright blush, she realized why he was paying so much attention to them.

"You two, go ahead. I must see if I can find Lady Jessie," Isobel said as an excuse to give the two a few seconds alone.

Seona gave her a pleading look. Isobel waved her onward with a smile. After glancing around and not seeing Jessie, she followed them.

Keegan pulled out a chair for Seona and then one for Isobel. Her eyes met Dirk's for a moment, and he sent her a wee secret smile, then she seated herself beside Seona.

Once Keegan walked away, Isobel leaned in closer. "I saw that," she whispered.

"What?" Seona questioned.

"I'm thinking he is smitten with you."

"Shh." The other lady's blush was fiery as she glanced around to see who might be listening.

Isobel held back a giggle, then whispered, "He is a handsome one." Keegan resembled Dirk, so naturally he would be attractive.

"Oh, do stop, I beg of you."

Isobel grinned and glanced along the table to find Dirk observing her with much interest.

Aiden sat in the chief's larger chair—which simply didn't seem right to Isobel. And his scowling, but larger, younger brother sat beside him one chair over from Isobel. Maighread took the seat between them, and Lady Patience sat on Seona's other side. Though Isobel did not relish sitting beside the woman, if Maighread made any malicious comments about Dirk, Isobel would be more likely to hear them.

During supper, tension permeated the air so strongly Isobel could hardly concentrate on her food—venison stew and bread, and then a course of roasted grouse, onions and parsnips. The few times Isobel had snuck a look at Maighread, the older woman had been glaring swords and daggers at Dirk. He'd sent a few dangerous looks his stepmother's way as well.

Maighread murmured something to Haldane, but it was so low Isobel couldn't hear with the roar of conversation in the great hall. What were they plotting?

Dirk talked quietly to his uncle and Laird Rebbinglen. Wide-eyed and fidgety, Aiden watched those around him. He appeared out of place and uneasy with the situation, especially since his mother's arrival. The previous nights, he'd been much more relaxed and eager for the music to begin so he could join in the fun.

When next she glanced at Dirk, his gaze was on her, shifting between her and Maighread with curiosity and concern, perhaps even annoyance. Surely he wasn't angry with her. Did he miss her sitting beside him as she had the nights before? She hoped so. Would he again escape to the stables, and if so, should she follow? Would he want her to?

Once supper was over, one of the musicians played a ballad and another joined him in song.

"I'm exhausted from all the travel," Maighread said to Isobel. "I think I'll retire early."

"We will too," Patience said, rising.

"I'd rather stay a bit longer," Seona said.

"Nay, young lady. Off to bed with you now."

Seona exhaled an annoyed breath, rose and followed her aunt.

"I'm not yet finished with my tart," Isobel said. Though she knew she should follow Maighread everywhere to learn her secrets, she craved staying near Dirk a while longer.

"Good night. I'll see you in the morn," Seona said.