Ransom

Chapter Fifteen

The screams began in the middle of the night. Judith Maitland awakened with a start, realized she was hearing Alec's bloodcurdling cries, and threw the covers off, but before she could get out of bed, Iain had already reached the children's chamber.

Graham and Michael were sitting up on their mats wide-eyed with fear. Alec fought his father, kicking and scratching. The boy was trapped in his nightmare, and no amount of soothing or shaking could bring him back. His son's tormented screams were unbearable, and Iain didn't know what to do to make him stop.

Judith sat down next to her son, took him into her arms, and rocked him. After several minutes, the child calmed down. His body relaxed against his mother, and he appeared to be sleeping peacefully again.

"Dear God, what hell did my son go through?" Iain whispered.

Tears streamed down Judith's face. She shook her head, her sorrow so overwhelming she couldn't speak. Iain lifted Alec from her lap, kissed the top of his head, and then put him back into bed. Judith covered him with his blanket.

Within the next hour they were awakened twice more by their son's screams, and both times they ran to his side. Judith wanted to bring Alec into their bed, and Iain promised her that if he screamed again, he would let Alec sleep with them.

It took a long time for Judith and Iain to get back to sleep, but when they finally did, they weren't disturbed again. They both slept late, past dawn, until their older son, Graham, came running into their chamber. He went to his father's side of the bed, touched his shoulder, and whispered, "Papa, Alec's gone."

Iain didn't panic. Assuming his son was already up and about, he motioned for Graham to be quiet so he wouldn't disturb his mother. Then he got out of bed, washed and dressed, and went out into the hallway, where Graham waited with Michael.

"He's probably downstairs," Iain whispered as he pulled the door closed behind him.

"He wouldn't go downstairs, Papa," Graham blurted.

"Stop worrying," he ordered. "Alec hasn't disappeared."

"But he did before, Papa," Graham whispered, growing more fretful by the second.

"Both of you, go downstairs and find Helen and have your breakfast. Let me worry about Alec."

Neither boy moved. Michael's head was bowed, but Graham looked his father right in the eyes when he said, "It's dark down there."

"And you don't like the dark." Iain tried his best not to sound perturbed.

"I don't like the dark neither," Michael admitted, his gaze still directed on the floor.

The main door opened, and Brodick and Ramsey came inside. As was their preference, they had both slept outside under the stars. They didn't like being cooped up with walls pressing in on them. They were used to being lulled to sleep with the scent of pine and the brisk wind surrounding them. 'Twas a fact, the only time they liked beds was when they had women with them, but they never slept the night through with any of their female companions.

Michael spotted his brother and went running down the stairs. "Ramsey, Alec's gone."

"What do you mean, he's gone?"

"He's not in his bed."

Iain came bounding down the stairs then. He went into the great hall and pulled the tapestries back from the two windows near the entrance. Light flooded the room.

"He's around here somewhere," Iain said, trying not to become alarmed.

"The guards would have seen him if he'd ventured outside."

Ramsey said. "Where the hell is he?"

Ramsey was obviously concerned, but Brodick, on the other hand, wasn't the least fazed.

"He's with Gillian."

Both Ramsey and Iain looked at their friend. "Why would he be with Gillian?" Iain asked as he rushed back up the stairs.

"He feels safe with her."

Iain whirled around. "And he doesn't feel safe with his mother and his father?"

Brodick started up the stairs. "Of course he does, but he knows she'll let him in her bed. He's sleeping with her, and you aren't going in her room unless I'm with you."

"For the love of…" Iain didn't finish his thought. He strode down the hallway, and without bothering to knock, opened Gillian's door. The room was dark, Brodick brushed past him and went to the window. He lifted the tapestry, tied it with the cord hooked to the wall, and then turned around.

Alec was in her bed all right, just as Brodick had predicted. He was cuddled up against her, his head resting on her shoulder. Gillian was sleeping on her back with her right arm wrapped around the little boy as though she were trying to protect him, even in sleep. Her other arm was stretched across the bed, palm up, and in the light, the scars and raw abrasions were startling to see.

Ramsey stood in the doorway, and though usually diplomatic, he reverted to the days when Brodick's manners had rubbed off on him. "What the hell happened to her arm? It's a mess."

Fortunately, he'd whispered the comment and hadn't disturbed Gillian or Alec.

Brodick pulled the tapestry back in place so that the sun wouldn't bother them, and nudged Iain to leave.

Iain didn't budge. "One angel protects another," he whispered. He turned then and went into the hallway. "We will do what she asks," he told Ramsey.

"We wait to retaliate?" Ramsey asked, already frowning over that possibility.

"Yes, we wait."

Brodick was still in the bedchamber. He'd spotted his plaid on the chair, picked it up, and covered Gillian and Alec with the Buchanan colors. He looked at her once again as he was pulling the door closed and felt a strange contentment wash over him. It suddenly dawned on him that he was never going to let her go.

Like it or not, she was going to belong to him.

Gillian awakened an hour after dawn and felt thoroughly rested. She washed and dressed with care in her own clothes. The servants must have washed her gowns last night and then hung them in front of the fire, for they were dry and spotless.

The tunic she wore over her pale yellow gown was a deep, emerald green that her uncle had often told her enhanced the color of her eyes. After securing the braided cord around her waist so that it would droop just so on the tilt of her hips, she brushed her hair, pinched her cheeks for color, and went downstairs.

She ate breakfast with Judith and the boys. Graham begged his mother to let him take Michael and Alec to the field to watch the soldiers training, and after she gave her permission, they grabbed the wooden swords they would spar with and went running out the door.

"Now we can talk," Judith said. "Did you sleep well? You're up early. I was sure you'd stay in bed until noon at the very least. You have to be exhausted."

"I did sleep well," she replied. "And I wanted to get up early. I must leave today."

"Leave us so soon?"

"Yes," she replied.

"Where are you going?"

"Home with Ramsey."

Judith's eyes widened. "Does Brodick know?"

"Not yet. Do you know where he is?"

"He's down at the stables with Iain and Ramsey. Would you mind if I tagged along? I really would like to see Brodick's reaction to hearing you want to leave with Ramsey."

"Why would he object? He knows I have to search for my sister, and he also knows she's a MacPherson, so he surely understands I have to go to the Sinclair holding to look for her."

"With Ramsey."

"Why do you look so incredulous? Do you know Winslow acted the very same way last night when I mentioned I'd be going home with Ramsey today. He also asked me if Brodick knew about my plans. It was most peculiar."

"I can see I'm going to have to explain."

"Yes, please," Gillian said.

"Ramsey and Iain and Brodick are like brothers," she began. "And they are extremely loyal to one another. But surely you've noticed in the time you've been with Brodick that he's a very possessive man. All the Buchanans are," she added with a nod.

"What are you trying to tell me?"

Judith sighed. "When Iain and I were newly married, my husband didn't like it when Ramsey was near me."

"Why? Didn't he trust him?"

"Oh, yes, he trusted him all right, and so does Brodick, but women, you see, tend to lose their heads over Ramsey. You've got to admit he's a handsome devil."

"Yes, but so are Iain and Brodick."

"Iain was a bit… insecure… but after a while, he calmed down because he knew my heart belonged to him. Brodick doesn't know, you see, and he's therefore going to be difficult about you leaving with Ramsey."

"He won't be difficult," Gillian assured her.

Judith laughed. "You think you know him so well, then?"

"Yes, I do," she said.

"There's also a little rivalry between Ramsey and Brodick. It should have caused a rift, but it didn't. As I told you last night, about eight years ago, the two of them went to England to find brides. What I didn't tell you is that Brodick found a woman he thought might do."

"What happened?" she asked when her friend hesitated and began to blush.

"This woman gave herself to Brodick."

"They were betrothed?"

Judith shook her head. "No, but she gave herself to him. Do you understand?"

"Do you mean she took him to her bed?"

Their voices had dropped to whispers and they were both blushing now.

"Knowing Brodick as I do, I'd say he took her to his bed, but she had to have agreed or he wouldn't have touched her."

"And he told you this?"

Gillian looked flabbergasted. Judith laughed as she answered, "Good Lord, no, he didn't tell me. Iain did, but it took a good six months of nagging to get my husband to finally confide in me. You mustn't ever let the men know I've told you this story. Promise me."

"I promise," Gillian hastily agreed so she could hear the rest of the tale. "What happened to the woman? Brodick is a very honorable man and he wouldn't take an innocent-"

"But she wasn't innocent," Judith whispered. "She had been with other men."

"Oh, dear," Gillian whispered, thinking that it was a pity the woman was English.

"One of the men happened to be Ramsey."

"No."

"Hush," Judith whispered. "I don't want the servants to overhear."

"Both of them took her to their beds?"

"Yes, but neither knew for a time that she was playing one against the other."

Gillian's mouth dropped open. "No wonder Brodick dislikes the English so. What happened when they figured it all out?"

"Neither one of them wanted her, of course. They came home and vowed they would marry one of their own or not marry at all."

"Did Brodick love her?"

"I doubt that he did," she replied. "If he'd loved her, he would have been furious with Ramsey, but as it was, he was barely bothered."

"What about Ramsey?"

"He took it all in stride. Women throw themselves at him," she added. "And that's why Brodick will be difficult about your leaving with him."

"You told me he trusts Ramsey."

"It's you he'll be concerned about," Judith told her bluntly. "As I said before, women tend to lose their heads over Ramsey."

"And he'll be concerned that I… oh, for heaven's sake," Gillian cried out, and then laughed. "You're wrong, Judith. Brodick won't care one way or another."

Judith stood up. "Shall we go find out?"

The two women walked side by side down the hill. The lairds were easy to spot, for they stood together beyond the stables, like towering trees in the center of a field, as they observed the soldiers sparring with their swords.

All three turned as the two ladies came toward them. Gillian noticed that Iain couldn't seem to take his eyes off his wife. Love obviously hadn't lessened in the years they had lived as man and wife. "Gillian has something to tell you," Judith announced.

"Laird," she began.

"Iain," he corrected.

With a quick nod, she began again. "Iain, I would first thank you for your kindness and your hospitality."

"It is I who should be thanking you, Gillian, for bringing my son home to me."

"She wants to go home with Ramsey, and I think she should," Judith announced emphatically so that her husband would know she supported Gillian's plan. "She wants to leave today."

"Is that so?" Iain replied with a glance at Brodick.

"Ramsey, did you plan to go home today?"

"I did," he answered, and she noticed he, too, looked at Brodick.

"I know how important it is for you to find the man who betrayed Ramsey."

Iain interrupted. "He betrayed all of us, lass."

"Yes." She hurriedly agreed so she could explain her position before she lost her nerve. Telling the giants what they were going to do took courage, especially when she was standing so close to them. She wanted to get the speech she'd rehearsed with Judith on the way down the hill said as quickly as possible.

"I have until the fall festival to accomplish what I came here to do, which means I don't have much time. I'm going to find my sister, God willing, and since she's one of the MacPhersons and the MacPhersons are now part of Ramsey's clan, I'm going home with him today to start searching. I expect all of you to cooperate."

After giving her speech, she folded her arms across her waist and tried to look confident.

"I see your mind's set," Iain said dryly. "We expected you would want to go to Ramsey's holding."

"You had me worried for nothing," she whispered to Judith.

"We'll see," Judith whispered back.

"Ramsey, what say you? Will you take Gillian home with you today?" Iain asked.

"We can leave immediately if that is Lady Gillian's wish."

"What about you, Brodick?" Judith asked. "What do you think of Gillian's plan to go home with Ramsey?"

Gillian didn't give him time to answer. "Brodick's going to come with me," she blurted out. "Is that right?" he asked quietly.

Her heart was suddenly pounding a furious beat and she could barely catch her breath. She realized then that she was in a panic, and it was all because she was terrified Brodick would leave her. Dear God, why and how had she allowed herself to become so attached to him in such a short time? She knew she shouldn't involve him in her problems, and yet the thought of watching him walk away from her knowing she would never see him again was simply unbearable.

"The Buchanans are feuding with the MacPhersons," Judith whispered softly. "I think perhaps you ask too much of Brodick."

"She has yet to ask me anything," Brodick said. "Judith, the Buchanans aren't feuding with the MacPhersons." Iain corrected his wife's misconception. "They just don't like them. They don't like anyone they perceive as a weakling."

"Not everyone can be as strong as you are, Brodick. You should defend the weak, not trample on them," Gillian said.

All three lairds grinned as they glanced at one another, and it dawned on her then that they were actually amused by her attitude. They obviously thought she was naive. "Is this not so?" she challenged.

"No, it isn't so," Brodick answered. "The weak don't survive in the Highlands."

Both Ramsey and Iain nodded their agreement. "The MacPhersons are leeches," Brodick said, addressing his remarks to Ramsey now. "They'll drain the strength out of all the Sinclairs, including you. They like being taken care of," he added. "And they sure as certain don't want to be strong. Once they've used up and destroyed you, they'll simply go to another compassionate laird and beg him to take them in."

"You make compassion sound like a sin," Gillian said.

"In this instance it is," he answered.

"Ramsey has only been laird for a short time, but he's already earned the reputation of a compassionate man," Iain remarked. "That's why the MacPhersons came to him."

"I, too, have little tolerance for a fit man who would deliberately embrace sloth and let others take care of him and his family. However, I think you're both mistaken about the MacPhersons. Their soldiers are poorly trained, and that is all there is to it. They aren't weak; they're inept."

The discussion continued, but a movement to the east caught Gillian's attention. There were four young ladies standing together near the tree line watching the lairds. All of them were busy primping. One redheaded woman kept pinching her cheeks, while the others groomed their hair and smoothed their skirts. All of them were giggling. Their carefree attitude made Gillian smile. She assumed the women wanted to look their best when they spoke to Laird Maitland, but were politely waiting until he was no longer engaged in conversation.

"That's exactly our concern, Ramsey," Iain said. "You'll train the MacPhersons, and then they'll turn on you."

"Fortunately, Iain and I won't let them destroy you," Brodick said. "If you won't watch your back, we will."

"I know what I'm doing," Ramsey announced authoritatively. "And you will both stay out of my affairs."

"Do you think it was a MacPherson that Gillian saw? Could one of them be your traitor?" Judith asked.

"The thought has crossed our minds," Iain replied.

Judith looked at Brodick. "If this man hears that Gillian has seen him… if he knows she can point him out, then won't he try to silence her? Alec told us there were three men who took him, so we know this traitor isn't acting alone."

"But he doesn't know I saw him," Gillian argued. "So I am quite safe."

"Who besides the three of you know that Gillian saw the traitor?" Judith asked her husband.

"My brother, Patrick, was told, and while I'm away, he will watch over you, our sons, and Ramsey's brother. Dylan and Winslow were also told, and Ramsey plans to explain the situation to his commander, Gideon, as well."

Turning to Ramsey, he added, "Patrick won't let Michael out of his sight until this is over."

"My brother couldn't be in safer hands," Ramsey replied.

"Why was Winslow told?" Judith asked softly.

"Surely you trust Brodick's brother," Gillian stammered. "You cannot be concerned he would break his laird's confidence."

"I trust Winslow with my life," she said. "That isn't why I asked my husband the question, but as you know, Winslow is commander over our troops," she explained. "And I know Iain had a good reason for telling him. I want to know what it is."

Iain looked uncomfortable. He glanced at Gillian and then turned to his wife.

"Winslow needed to know so that he could prepare."

Judith wouldn't let it go. "Prepare what?"

"Our troops."

Gillian stiffened. "For battle?"

"Yes."

"You're going into England?"

"Yes."

"When?" Gillian demanded.

"When you give us the names of the Englishmen," Brodick answered.

She took a step toward him. "Us? Then Dylan is also going to prepare your soldiers?"

He smiled. "My soldiers are always prepared. He will simply see to the details."

"But why?"

"How can you ask me such a question? Iain's my ally and my friend, and Alec is my godson. It's my duty to retaliate on the boy's behalf."

"But there's another reason as well, isn't there?" Ramsey asked.

Brodick, guarded now, slowly nodded. "Yes, there is another reason."

"And what would that reason be?" Judith asked.

Brodick shook his head to let her know he wasn't going to explain. Gillian turned to Ramsey. "What about your commander? Is he going to prepare your troops?"

"Yes."

Incredulous, she addressed the one person she believed was still sane. "Judith, they cannot think to invade England."

"They think they can," Judith answered.

"We're only going after three men, not the entire country," Iain said dryly.

"But they are three powerful barons," she said. "If warriors ride into England armed for battle, I assure you King John will hear of it. You will risk war with England, whether you intend to or not."

"Ah, lass, you don't understand," Brodick told her. "Your king won't even know we're there. No one's going to see us."

"Do you think you're going to become invisible?"

"Now, Gillian, there's no need for sarcasm," Ramsey said, flashing a heart-stopping grin she would have found charming if the topic hadn't been so obscene.

"Of course King John will know you're there," she cried out in frustration. "Tell me, Brodick. When exactly are you planning this invasion no one's going to know about?"

"Iain already answered that question," he replied. "We'll leave as soon as you give us the names of the English pigs."

"I see," she said. "Now that I thoroughly understand your plans, I'm never going to give you their names. I'll find a way to deal with them. One way or another, justice will prevail."

Iain scowled. "Gillian, what do you think you could do? You're a woman-"

Brodick defended her. "She's strong, and she's determined, and very clever. I honestly think she would find a way to defeat the bastards."

"Thank you."

"It wasn't praise," he countered. "I'm simply stating what I know to be true. However, I cannot let you rob us of our rights, Gillian. We have just as much at stake in this as you do."

"Revenge isn't my primary motive," she argued. "But it's yours, isn't it?"

He shrugged. She turned to Ramsey in hopes of ending the discussion. "I could be ready to leave in just a few minutes."

Ramsey nodded. "Are you coming with us, Brodick?"

"It's time for that direct question, lass."

"Brodick, I seem to remember that when Annie Drummond was about to pour that godawful mother's fire on my arm, you told her I wouldn't make a sound."

"And you didn't, did you?"

"No, I didn't," she answered. "But you didn't ask me. You told me. I'm just following your lead."

"For the love of God," he muttered, his patience at an end. "If you want me to come with you, then ask. Do it now, Gillian, or I'm leaving."

"You would leave me?" she whispered, appalled he would threaten such a thing.

He looked like he wanted to throttle her. "Ask me," he demanded again.

"I don't want you to think that I need you…"

"You do need me."

She took a step back. He followed. With a sigh, she tried again. "It's just that I've gotten to know you quite well and I trust you."

"I already knew you trusted me."

"Why are you making this so difficult?"

"I'm a difficult man."

"Aye, he is," Ramsey agreed.

The others had obviously heard every word she'd said. Feeling like a fool, she asked, "Will you come with me?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

Brodick tilted her chin up with his thumb. "I'll stay with you until you get back home. I give you my word," he promised. "Now you can stop worrying."

Oblivious to their audience, he leaned down and kissed her. It was a gentle touch of his mouth against hers, and it was finished before she even had time to blink, yet it still made her heart race.

A burst of laughter startled her, and she turned to the sound. Her eyes widened then, for now there were at least twelve women waiting by the trees.

"Laird Maitland, there are quite a few young ladies waiting to speak to you," Gillian said.

Judith laughed. "They aren't waiting to speak to my husband. He's already taken."

"Taken?" Gillian asked.

"Married," Judith explained.

"For as long as Gillian is in the Highlands, she's my responsibility," Iain began. "She is the reason my son is alive," he added. "I will therefore act as her guardian."

"I also feel a tremendous responsibility for Gillian," Ramsey said. "Because of her, my brother will remain safe, and I now know I have an insurrection on my hands."

Iain stared at Brodick now and said, "I won't have her reputation blackened."

"Meaning?" Brodick demanded.

"People are going to talk," Judith said. "I don't want Gillian's feelings injured."

"And what will they say?" Gillian asked.

Judith deliberately avoided giving a direct answer so that she wouldn't embarrass her new friend. "Some will be cruel. Not the Maitlands, of course, but others will say terrible things."

"She's trying to tell you that there will be speculation you're Brodick's mistress."

"Iain, must you be so blunt?" Judith cried out.

"She needs to understand."

"Is there talk now?" Gillian asked.

Iain shrugged.

"That isn't a satisfactory answer," Brodick said. "Is her reputation being blackened now?"

He sounded outraged by the possibility. Gillian straightened her shoulders. "I don't care what the talk is," she said. "I will admit I hadn't thought about… that is to say, with everything else on my mind, I didn't stop to consider…" She suddenly stopped trembling, and though she could feel her face burning with mortification, her voice was firm when she said, "People who spend their time gossiping are petty and foolish. They may call me harlot for all I care. I know what's in my heart, and I only have to answer to God."

"I damn well do care," Brodick said angrily. "And I'm not going to let anyone slander you."

"How do you plan to stop them, Brodick?" Ramsey asked.

"Yes," Iain said, "tell us what you plan to do about it."

In Brodick's mind there was really only one possible solution. With a long drawn out sigh he said, "Marry her, I suppose."

Gillian's gasp nearly knocked her over. "You suppose wrong."

Everyone, including Judith, ignored her protest. "It makes sense to me," Iain said.

"Yes, it does," Ramsey agreed. "Brodick's been acting very possessive of her. Last night he wouldn't let me near her except when he was by her side."

"He's well aware of how women tend to forget themselves when they're around you," Iain remarked. "And there was that unfortunate incident in England when you and Brodick went to find brides. He's probably still chafed about that."

"I'm not chafed," Brodick snapped.

His friends ignored his protest. Ramsey shrugged. "It happened over eight years ago," he reminded Iain. "Besides, Brodick wouldn't have been happy with a woman who could so easily turn her attentions to other men."

"Which is why neither one of you brought her home."

"Neither one of us wanted her. She lacked morals."

"That's an understatement," Iain said with a chuckle.

Brodick looked as if he wanted to kill Iain and Ramsey, but his friends remained unconcerned.

"There's more to this story than you're telling, isn't there?" Judith asked.

No one answered the question. Iain winked at her, and she decided she would find a way to get the details later.

"She was wearing your plaid last night, Brodick," Ramsey said then.

"He insisted she wear his colors," Iain said. "It's little wonder people are speculating about her position."

"I heard that during the celebration you kissed her in front of the entire Maitland clan."

Brodick shrugged. "Not the entire clan, just some."

"You wanted everyone to know-" Iain began.

Brodick cut him off. "Damned right I did."

"He wanted everyone to know what?" Judith asked after giving Gillian a worried look.

"That Gillian belongs to him," Iain explained.

"That's why he kissed her in front of witnesses all right," Ramsey said.

Poor Gillian looked as though she'd just been struck hard on her head. Judith took mercy on her, for she knew she didn't understand the blunt ways of the Highlanders.

"I'm sure it was just a friendly little kiss, the kind one cousin would give another in greeting."

Gillian was frantically nodding when Brodick muttered, "The hell it was."

With a little sigh, Judith gave up. If she'd learned anything in her years living with Iain, it was that none of the Highlanders knew how to be subtle. If they wanted something done, they did it themselves, and if one of them wanted a woman, he took her. It was that simple. The men respected women, of course, and for that reason they usually married them before they took them to their bed, but once they made the commitment, they kept it until the day they died. In this instance, Brodick obviously wanted Gillian, and no amount of arguing would change his determination. He would take her, and his two loyal friends with their outrageous banter were simply letting him know they approved the match and would do anything they could to help.

None of them, however, were considering Gillian's feelings in the matter. Judith patted her friend's hand to let her know she sympathized. Gillian looked positively dazed.

"Brodick?"

"Yes, Judith."

"Do you love Gillian?"

Dead silence followed the question. If looks could kill, Iain would be without a wife by now, Judith thought. It was very apparent that Brodick didn't like being pinned down with such a personal question. Judith didn't back away, though; she had Gillian's best interests at heart after all. "Do you?"

"Sweetheart, that isn't a question you should be asking," Iain said.

"I think it is," she argued. "Someone has to look out for Gillian."

"We're looking out for her," Ramsey said.

"And Brodick obviously wants her," Iain interjected.

"Wanting isn't enough," Judith said. "Have you all forgotten she's English?"

"She used to be English," both Ramsey and Iain said at the same time.

Judith let them see how exasperated she was. "Didn't you and Brodick vow to marry Highlanders or not marry at all?" she asked Ramsey.

"Yes, they did," Iain answered. "After that unfortunate incident in England -"

"Will you quit calling it an 'unfortunate incident?'" Brodick demanded.

"We did make that promise," Ramsey admitted. "But Brodick has obviously changed his mind."

"I'm thinking of her reputation," Brodick muttered.

"Then simply stay away from her," Judith suggested.

"That is not an acceptable solution," Brodick said.

"Why isn't it?" Judith prodded.

"Because he doesn't want to stay away from her," Ramsey said. "That much should be obvious to you, Judith."

She decided to try another direction. "Brodick, have you told her what her life will be like living with the Buchanans?"

He shrugged. "I only just decided to marry her," he admitted.

"He told me I'd be miserable." Gillian's voice was but a hoarse whisper. She was still reeling from Brodick's outrageous impudence in dictating her future, but anger was quickly replacing disbelief, and within seconds she was trembling. She kept telling herself that any minute now they would have their laugh and tell her it was all just a game.

And when that happened, she knew she'd feel a glimmer of disappointment.

"Aye, she will be miserable," Brodick said.

Ramsey burst into laughter. "You told her the truth, then. I don't envy anyone, man or woman, who would try to fit in with those savages you call Buchanans."

"I won't be miserable," Gillian cried out. "And do you know why?"

The men acted as though they hadn't heard her question. Iain siezed on her first comment. "There, do you see? She already has an optimistic outlook. That's a fair start."

"Will you gentlemen stop jesting?" Gillian demanded. She had finally regained her senses and was determined to put an end to the discussion.

"I don't think they're jesting," Judith said. She moved closer to Gillian and whispered, "If you haven't already figured it out, I feel I should probably explain…"

Gillian threaded her fingers through her hair in agitation. "Explain what?" she asked frantically.

"They never jest. I do believe Brodick means to marry you."