Highlander Most Wanted Page 0,46
attempting to right herself enough so that she could rise from the bed, the door swung open and she frowned at the breach of her privacy. Not that she’d been guaranteed any such thing. But she’d assumed, and she should have learned better by now.
Relief was instant when she saw it was Taliesan poking her head through the door. Genevieve immediately smiled in welcome, happy to see a friendly face.
“Oh, ’tis good you’re awake. I much wanted to speak to you regarding the laird’s condition and what is happening within the clan,” Taliesan said. “May I enter?”
“Of course,” Genevieve said, motioning her forward.
She patted the edge of the bed encouragingly, aware that she’d never been so openly inviting to another person in all her time here.
Taliesan seemed delighted with the overture and limped over, her gait much quicker and smoother this morn. Genevieve hoped that meant Taliesan’s leg wasn’t paining her as much as usual.
Taliesan settled on the bed next to Genevieve and impulsively reached over to hug her.
“What was that for?” Genevieve asked in bewilderment. But she found she didn’t mind the affectionate gesture at all. It made her feel … wanted. Liked.
“You just looked as though you needed it,” Taliesan said kindly.
“I did, and thank you,” Genevieve said with a smile.
Taliesan’s expression sobered. “What goes on, Genevieve? The Armstrongs and Montgomerys alike are being close-lipped about the laird’s condition, which has fueled gossip that he lies dying in his chamber. There is much worry as to what our fate will be if that happens. ’Tis widely known that Patrick instigated the attack, and that some of the men who swore allegiance to the laird turned betrayer.”
“How many?” Genevieve asked sharply.
Taliesan’s eyes widened. “You do not know?”
Genevieve grimaced. “I know not anything. I spent the night tending the laird’s wounds and watching for any sign of fever. I’ve only just come to my chamber a short time ago.”
“Then ’tis sorry I am for disturbing you. You should be resting.”
Genevieve shook her head. “I am well rested,” she lied. “I would know what is occurring within the clan. Brodie left Bowen’s chamber last eve to determine if there were more traitors in our midst.”
Taliesan sighed, her mouth turning down in an unhappy frown. “ ’Tis a sad and disgraceful tale I bring you. There were three other McHugh warriors who remained behind and made a vow to support Bowen Montgomery. ’Twas discovered that they played a part in the killings of two men. One a Montgomery and one an Armstrong. They are to be executed, and the clan is in uproar over it.”
“ ’Tis not less than they deserve,” Genevieve spat. “They follow in the old laird’s footsteps. A path steeped in treachery and dishonor. They bring shame to your clan’s name. The clan should be first to want justice to be served.”
“But they are husbands and fathers to our clan’s women and children,” Taliesan said quietly. “ ’Tis not such a simple matter when wives and children will be left without a husband and father.”
“Aye, I know it, but they should have given the matter due consideration. The consequences of their actions were spelled out long before they chose to travel the path they trod.”
“When will it end?” Taliesan asked softly. “Our clan is bathed in blood, betrayal, and treachery. All because of Ian McHugh.”
“Nay,” Genevieve said fiercely. “He carries not the full blame. Patrick McHugh allowed his son free rein. Patrick was laird, not Ian. He was too weak and dishonorable to stand up to his son and correct the wrongs that have brought this clan low. ’Tis on him and Ian that the clan should turn their ire. Not me. Not the Montgomerys or the Armstrongs. They set in motion all that has occurred when they made the choices they made.”
“You are right, of course,” Taliesan murmured. “But ’tis still sad that brother is pitted against brother. Father against son. Wife against husband. ’Tis no position for any clansman to be in. We are family. If we don’t stand together, how can we stand for anything else?”
Genevieve grasped Taliesan’s hand. “Aye, ’tis sad indeed, but there is naught you and I can do to change it. ’Tis their decisions. Their choices. They must live with the consequences.”
Taliesan sighed. “I know you are right, but I still have no love of the entire sordid mess. It makes me fear for the future of our clan—our bloodline. Already we have a Montgomery laird. How long will it be before