The Highland Laird (Lords of the Highlands #8) - Amy Jarecki Page 0,45
will you be?”
“A few hours. I hope to return in time for the noon meal.”
“And what of Albert? He needs to step outside soon.”
“I took him out not long before you woke, and he knows the way now. I doubt anyone will suspect a dog traipsing about, but you must remember there are ships sailing the seas around Kerrera, and some are not friendly. You won’t hear them when they’re a half mile out, but they will most definitely see you, and that we cannot risk.”
* * *
An old sheepdog rushed across the grass, barking like a savage as Ciar approached the croft. Preparing to defend himself, he gripped the hilt of the rusted sword, hoping there’d be no need to use it.
Just in time, Archie bolted out of the cottage. “Come behind, ye flea-bitten mop o’ fur.”
His wife, Nettie, was right behind, wiping her hands on her apron. “What’s all the commotion?”
“Just an old friend,” said Ciar as he continued forward.
Both of them gaped as if they’d been surprised by a visit from royalty. “What the blazes are ye doing on Kerrera, m’laird?” asked Archie.
“I’ve something to speak to you about.” Ciar gave the man a pointed look. “In private, though I’d be much obliged for a basket of eggs, bacon, and anything else you have to spare, Nettie.”
She thwacked his arm. “Is that all the welcome we’ll see? Why not come inside and have a smoke and a pint? Ye look as if ye’ve been in the wars.”
He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Perhaps some other time. At the moment I’ve business with your husband.”
“You men, always so serious. Trouble with the Hanoverian king?” Nettie asked as she returned to the cottage.
Ciar chuckled. “You’ve heard about that, have you?”
“Visited the mainland four days past.” Archie cupped a hand to his mouth so Nettie wouldn’t overhear. “Heard about your unfortunate turn of events.”
“I’m surprised you know.”
“Brought a few new head of sheep over from the mainland yesterday. There are redcoats everywhere.”
“Have they been here?”
“Why would they come to an island with one cottage, a few hundred sheep, and a ruined keep?”
“I have a feeling they’ll befall Kerrera soon.”
“Oh? I’m guessing you didn’t depart Fort William amicably.”
“You’d be right.” Ciar escorted the crofter to the old barn. “I need your help, friend.”
“Ye ken where my allegiance lies. If ye want me to take up my sword, I’ll stand beside ye through thick and thin. There’s nothing I’d like better than to feed those redcoats a serving of my icy dirk.”
Kicking a bit of straw, Ciar gave the man a sincere smile. “I appreciate your candor, but I’d rather not start a war with the crown at the moment. Not over a trio of murdering rats who tried to pin their crime on me.”
“They meddled with the wrong man, I’ll say.”
“I hope you’re right.” Ciar brushed the dust off an oxen yoke hanging from a pillar. “I need you to find Livingstone and tell him I must see him straightaway. Tell him to come alone and to bring ink and quill.”
“Ye aim to fight this with a pen?”
“Nay, but there’s a woman with me, and—”
The crofter’s eyes bugged wide as his mouth dropped open. “I’ll be damned. A woman has tamed the wild beast?”
“Bless it, if you would listen.” Ciar punched the yoke. He’d always been called “the beast” on account of his appearance, but he didn’t like anyone referring to Emma as anything other than a delicate flower. “She’s the reason I’m walking free at the moment, and I’ll not hear a word against her.”
Archie grinned, his teeth crooked and brown. “So, ye like her a great deal, do ye?”
“No…er…yes.” Ciar looked to the rafters. “She is a very bonny young lady. She also happens to be Grant of Glenmoriston’s sister.”
“And that’s a problem?”
“Presently he doesn’t know she is…ah…with me.”
“Oh, dear.”
“Aye, and I need to rectify that as soon as possible.”
“Are ye certain? If I ken Grant, he’s more likely to sever your balls afore he lets ye explain.”
Ciar adjusted his stance. At no time did he or any man relish being told his cods were at stake. “Hence the quill.”
“Very well. What else do ye need?”
“Weapons—dirk, sword, pistols. And we need food. Plenty of it, but I’ll fetch it from here at night. I don’t want either you or Nettie coming to the cellars. You must act as if nothing whatsoever has changed on this island in the past fifty years. Understood?”