Page 17 of A Flawed Scotsman

“I am included in every council meeting at Ross Keep,” Ruari began. “I am a warrior as well as care for the warhorses. I am practiced in healing, farming, sword fighting and have traveled to meet with lairds with my cousins and sat in negotiations. This is, by far, not the first time I have experienced something like this and not my first time dealing with either of the two Laird Mackenzies. I can say I know this Mackenzie well enough.”

A cold shiver of apprehension traveled down Calum’s spine. If anything, he’d just handed the Frasers a stronger reason to marry Esme with the man.

Clamping his jaw tight, he gave the man a firm nod, hoping that it conveyed agreement. However, he could not bring himself to say anything in reply. Fury raced through him until an idea struck.

At one point, he was sure to have gained Esme’s admiration. What if he tried to seduce the lass?

“How does yer daughter fare, Laird?” Calum asked.

A concerned expression crossed over the laird’s features. “Esme will live. We have a remarkable healer. I can never repay him or ye,” he looked to Ruari, “for what ye’ve done for my precious daughter.”

“Will she recover soon then?” Calum inquired. “I certainly hope so.”

“The healer expects that she’ll be out of bed at least by week’s end. Perhaps, she’ll be able to walk unaided soon.”

By the time the sun fell, Calum had come up with a plan. It would take some work, but first he’d ensure to remain at the keep.

After last meal, he waited for Laird and Lady Fraser to be alone and walked up to the high board. “My laird, is it possible for me to remain here at the keep? I would like to be available to ye at short notice in case my presence is required.”

There was a short hesitation, perhaps not normally noticeable, but Calum was quite astute and noted it. “Aye, of course. I will order a room prepared.”

“I must travel to the village to retrieve clothing and see that things are taken care of, but I will return in the morning.” He bowed slightly, ensuring to meet Lady Fraser’s gaze. “I am glad to hear that Lady Esme will recover fully.”

Lady Fraser smiled. “Thank ye, Calum. Ye are kind.”

When he turned to walk away, he couldn’t help the curve to his lips. It would be easier to ensure the plan for Esme and Ruari not to marry by being inside the home.

Calum hurried outside to find his mount, only to stop at seeing Ruari Ross standing next to a huge, black horse. The man’s calm demeanor contradicted the beast’s. It pawed the ground and huffed with agitation. The entire time, Ruari ran a hand down the animal’s back and spoke to it softly.

“A beautiful beast ye have there. Seems a bit untamed,” Calum said, making sure to keep his distance.

Ruari slid him a look but, instantly, returned his attention to the horse. “He is not quite domesticated. Are ye leaving?” the man asked.

With a chuckle, Calum shook his head. “For tonight, yes. I will return early in the morning as Laird Fraser asked me to remain for a few days. Ye see, he has come to rely on my counsel for important matters.”

“And ye give it freely?”

Whatever the question meant, Calum had to take a deep breath to keep from telling the man it was none of his concern. How dare the imbecile ask such a question?

“Of course. I am but a humble servant.”

The large Scot looked directly at him then. “As town constable, do ye consider it the right kind of experience that ye should travel to see the Mackenzie?”

It was hard not to react. Instead, Calum smiled. “One would think not, however, after attending so many negotiations with my laird, I am as well versed as any nobleman. As ye observed, I am also a member of the council.”

Although he did not have to explain himself, he knew there was nothing the interloper could say once he was informed of his standing.

“We have a large council,” Ruari started. “They keep my cousin well informed and give good council. I’ve never heard one of them trying to convince us to allow being overtaken.”

At the comment, words left him. Calum looked to the horse, giving himself time to think. “Not every circumstance is as simple as it seems on the surface. Perhaps ye do not understand that, at times, many things are at play. We are a much smaller clan than yers.”

Once again, the hazel gaze seemed to pierce through his. “That is when things become dangerous.”

Calum could not stop the narrowing of his eyes. In that instant, he hated the man. “It can be. Especially for those who are not familiar with a particular situation.”

“Sometimes, seeing things as an outsider means my view is clearer.”

At the comment, Calum’s stomach clenched. He would have to proceed with caution. The man saw through him and that could prove deadly.