With a clap of his hands, Hamish said nonchalantly, “As you have made it clear that nothing more interesting is going to happen here, or at least not in the near future, I am going to get something to eat and then see Robert.”
Mairead had caught his look of anticipation of a challenge and wondered if her own hazel depths reflected the same eagerness. When he moved around her, she turned and fell into step beside him, “You will need more than your charm to see Robert today. My sister would not let even little Rab in this morning, despite his sweet pleas.”
Hamish pursed his lips at the news. “Until when?”
“I’m unsure. Selah came down a while ago, relieved that Robert had finally gone to sleep. She had made it clear that whoever woke him would find themselves living outside of the castle walls until he was well again. That’s why most are avoiding being near the keep. Everyone is making themselves scarce less they be blamed in case he awakes.”
Mairead watched Hamish consider what she said and then glance up at the window that was Robert’s room. She knew he was concerned for his brother but also knew that now was not the time for him to make inquiries. “If her decree included me—which it did—I’m certain it includes you as well.” Mairead crossed her arms and flashed him a wicked, but victorious look. “I suggest the next time you decide to improve your appearance, you awaken much earlier. It obviously takes a good deal of time.”
Hamish returned her triumphant look with one of his own. “Ah, but if I had, then I would have robbed you the joy of pacing by my door and wondering just who was in there with me.”
Mairead momentarily froze. He had heard her when she had whispered about what else he could be doing in his room. Of course he had! He had been in there chipping away at the monstrosity growing from his face at the time.
Anger replaced mortification and Mairead felt her hands ball into fists at her sides as he pushed open the door that led into the kitchens. Just before he entered, he glanced back at her, wearing that sappy “I won” grin of his again.
Smile while you can, Hamish, for I will learn what I want to know, Mairead vowed to herself. And then it will be me smiling at you.
* * *
Hamish stepped into the kitchens, hoping Mairead would be gone by the time he came back out. Despite what he said, Mairead was family. But his problem had less to do with who Mairead was and more with what she was doing to him. And now that she was countering his comments with flirtatious ones of her own, conversations with her were even more enjoyable, and therefore even more dangerous.
Hamish felt his stomach turn just before it growled. He needed to divert his thoughts to something he could control—like eating. He turned the corner and was glad to see the tight ringlets of graying blond hair pulled into a frizzy knot. He coughed and immediately the petite, round figure turned. Hellie’s plump face immediately lit up. “Hamish!”
“Thank God you are still here, Hellie,” he said, and then gave a quick peck on her soft, wrinkled cheek. “Without you I think I would starve.”
Hellie had been a cook for the MacBrieve clan for years and had quickly became a lead cook when they had come to Foinaven twelve years ago. She was older now, but her deep-set eyes remained a vibrant blue and she still wore an ever-present smile. Hamish knew the food from her kitchens would be the envy of all around if she could just muster the strong personality it took to lead those around her.
Hellie patted his clean-shaven cheek. “You look much better. The good Lord never intended you to hide your handsome face, otherwise he would not have given you those dimples. Here,” she said, handing him a fairly large leg bone. “A growing boy needs his food. Now go play.”
Hamish flashed her a disarming grin and took the bone. “I’m a man now, Hellie. I work, not play.”
He then reached for a piece of bread, but Hellie gently swatted his hand. She then made a shooing gesture toward the door. “And I am an old woman now and know quite well that all men want only to play. Now go.”
Hamish nodded in agreement and took a bite. It was good and juicy. He almost wanted to go in and get some more knowing that if he waited until the next meal, the meat would be dry and tough from being overcooked in an effort to keep it warm.
Instead, he exited the kitchens and was trying to decide just which of Robert’s remaining soldiers he wanted to visit first when Mairead tapped his shoulder. “Hello.”
Mo chreach. She had been waiting for him. Though part of him had hoped she wouldn’t be, an even greater part was glad that she was. But she did not need to know that.
Hamish pasted on a frown and glanced to his side. Mairead was casually leaning against the wall. Her body was relaxed, but there was no mistaking the determination in her eyes. “You intend to follow me again?” he asked, surprised at how much he hoped she would say yes.
Mairead shook her head. “You made it clear that such efforts would be a waste.”
Hamish shifted to join her against the wall and began to look around the courtyard. The last thing he needed her to see was his disappointment.
“So I’ve decided to do as you suggested yesterday,” she continued, refusing to believe his disinterest. “I’m not going to follow you. I am going to join you.”
Hamish stopped mid-bite. “I never said that.”
Mairead shrugged, secretly clapping herself on the back for being right. Hamish might pretend to be indifferent to her presence, but he was anything but. The man did not want her with him probably because she would learn something he did not want her to know.
When Hamish had entered the kitchens, she had meditated on the prudency of spending the day with a man whom she had barely lasted ten minutes flirting with, but now she had no doubt. “You certainly implied it.”
“I did not,” Hamish countered, and then wrenched off a piece of meat. “Besides,” he added after swallowing, “what I have planned for today would be boring.”
“Are you still meeting with the guards?”
“Aye.”
“Maybe it would be boring for some, but I think hearing you discover their strengths and abilities would be fascinating.”
“I doubt it. In the end, you will have spent the day futilely learning nothing more about my plans than you already know.”
Mairead tilted her head, bestowing on him a smile that made it clear she did not believe him. “It’s a risk I am willing to take.”
Hamish arched a brow.
Mairead shrugged her shoulders. “If you truly wish to visit the men alone, just tell me your plans and I promise to walk away right now.”
Hamish started to laugh. “You would not. Doing that would only increase your curiosity.”
Simply caving to an ultimatum rarely worked from what he had seen. The few times he had witnessed Conor try it with Laurel it almost always backfired. Probably because Conor never fully conceded, but it was also largely due to the fact that his answers tended to generate more questions and interest. Their discussions only ended when Laurel was ready for them to end, and not before. Conor said the trick was revealing only what was needed to satisfy a woman’s curiosity. Either too little or too much information would result in her continuing interference and questioning. Unfortunately, until now, this “ability” was not one Hamish had ever needed to learn how to do.
Hamish was trying to think of something that would placate Mairead, at least for today, when Jaime spotted him and ran to his side. The tall, lanky young man proudly held up his newly sharpened sword for him to inspect. “I went to the smithy just as you suggested,” he announced.
Mairead blinked and studied Jaime. Gone was the loathing that had at one time filled the lad’s brown eyes. Now they shined with eagerness for approval. What had happened to change the young man who had been so angry and humiliated in the great hall to the one standing before her?
Hamish grasped the handle and maneuvered the large blade in the air. “Good balance. Nice length. Just don’t forget what I told you,” he said, handing the weapon back.
<
br /> Jaime bobbed his head up and down. “We all remember every word and really appreciate everything, but I best get back to helping my father with the farm.” Then with only a quick nod to Mairead acknowledging she was even there, Jaime hustled toward the castle gates.
Shocked, Mairead once again found herself opening and closing her mouth as she tried to understand exactly what she had just witnessed. “You went and found those men? You spoke with them?”
Hamish shrugged, thinking the answer obvious based on what Jaime had just said. “Aye.”
She threw her hands in the air. “I honestly cannot believe they even looked at you after you were so cruel.”
Hamish took another bite and wished he had some ale to wash the meat down. “I was not cruel,” he finally countered. “I was honest. There is a difference. And I knew they all agreed with me. Even Jaime, despite his being so angry at the time.”
“Still, that doesn’t explain his complete change of attitude or why he decided he needed a new sword.”
Hamish chomped off the last bite of meat and dropped the bone down in front of a hopeful dog, which quickly grabbed the prize and ran away from possible competition. “It’s not that surprising. It is the right of every Highlander to own a decent sword and know how to use it. And despite what you thought, I did not want to discourage them. I just wanted to shake them up enough to realize that their current training methods would never bear anything fruitful. The untrained cannot teach one another the art of battle. Now it’s their responsibility to go and find someone who can and will instruct them how to handle a sword.”
“But why can’t that be you?”
Hamish chuckled and shook his head. “Because it takes years and I’m only going to be here a short time, that’s why.”
“But then they will learn from Ulrick.”
“I knew you didn’t trust me,” he said, his voice holding a tinge of exasperation. He wiped the grease from his hands on his tartan and began to walk toward the large, lone tower at the other end of the bailey.
“Fine, even if you do take care of Ulrick, once you leave, there will be no one else to train them,” Mairead pressed. Then her face lit up and she scurried to catch up with him. “Unless, of course, your plan also addresses that situation.”
Hamish chuckled to himself. She was good at wheedling information. “A good plan always includes many options.”
Mairead lifted her skirt to help her walk faster and keep up with him despite his quick gait. “Do you mean that?”
He glanced down at her but did not slow his stride. “Aye.”
Mairead could not believe it. Had Hamish really just admitted to the possibility of ensuring that someone—who was not Ulrick—would be left in charge of the men? Someone qualified enough to train Jaime and the others? Suddenly other possibilities opened up before her.
Hamish had made it clear that he was not seeking help from the McTiernays, but they were not the only powerful clan he knew. The McTiernays had allies. Maybe he knew of someone who wanted more than to be a soldier. Someone perfect for the position of commander and just needed the opportunity. If so, it reopened a possibility she had almost given up on. Marriage.
Hamish opened the tower door that led to the stairwell. He paused to let Mairead step in before him. “If you are thinking that a McTiernay army is one of my choices, I’ve told you before—”
Mairead held up her hand, stopping him from finishing his sentence. “After last night’s discussion, I am in agreement with you and no longer believe a large army is the solution.”
Hamish held her gaze for several seconds. Mairead’s brilliant green and gold eyes did not waver. Nor did they sparkle with frustration. They instead radiated with confidence. “Speak your mind, aingeal. You obviously think you know something. You may not be smiling, but the glee shining from your eyes is practically lighting up this dark room.”
Mairead did grin then. She could not help herself. “Why I know nothing of your plans, but if what you said about Jaime is true, then I just might have plans of my own.”
Hamish’s eyes narrowed. “And I suppose you are going to refuse to tell me them just because I won’t reveal my plans to you?”
Mairead shook her head. “Not at all. I do not have the ability or the resources to keep Ulrick from gaining power, but then you said to trust you on that.”
Hamish squared his jaw and confirmed her statement with a simple “Aye.”
“But when Ulrick is gone, Foinaven will need a new commander—a good one. And based on what you said just now about Jaime getting further training, you have one in mind.”
Hamish crossed his arms. “I make no promises.”
Mairead only smiled at him. “Of course not. Neither do I.”
Another shot of jealousy slammed through Hamish for he knew exactly what she meant. “Just like that?” he asked sharply. “You honestly think a man will succumb to your whim and ask you to marry him just because you want it?”
“Don’t make me sound petulant and spoiled,” Mairead scolded. “I’m aware I don’t hold that kind of allure for men, but I do know that marriage to me would give a commander several benefits.”
Hamish had never heard such nonsense. Mairead possessed more allure than any woman should have. Such power over men was dangerous. But she was right about one thing. If Robert ever took ill one winter and passed away, or if the clan called for stronger leadership, succession to Mairead and her husband was probable. Almost certain if he were commander.
“And,” Mairead continued, “I’m aware that a few well-placed compliments might not win me his affection. Perhaps you could help me.”
“Help you?!” he choked.
Mairead nodded her head, widening her eyes so they appeared sincere. She knew it was only shock keeping him from realizing she was not serious, but until he caught on, she was going to have fun. “I mean I know that you meant nothing with your flirtatious comments, but I did catch your interest enough to want to kiss me. I just want to know what it was and how I can do so again.”
Hamish just stared at her incredulously. He could not decide if she was serious, but fear made him answer as if she was. “Trust me. You do not need any help. You have plenty of allure.” He inhaled. “You also have plenty of opinions,” he muttered as he let the breath out.
“See?” Mairead’s cheerful voice rang out. “You are helping already.”
“Then that’s all the help you’re getting from me,” he grounded out, “because if marriage is what you are really seeking, then I’m the last person from whom you want lessons. My methods tend to repel women.”
“That is not at all surprising,” Mairead replied too readily for his liking. Then after a long pause, she smiled at him and he knew he was in trouble before she even said a word. “So we have a deal.”
“Deal?”
She nodded and looked at him as if it was obvious and already made. “I help you learn how to capture a woman’s heart and in return, you will tell me just what Foinaven’s future commander is looking for in a woman.”
“You’re assuming he isn’t already married.”
That stopped her. She had not thought of that. She looked up at him and concern lit her eye. “Is he?”
Hamish blinked. He didn’t know. He had no idea who would be Foinaven’s next commander. He knew whom he would choose, but Robert was not him and if things worked the way he hoped, there would be a handful of good men to choose from—most of whom were not married.
The concern on Mairead’s face morphed into satisfaction when he said nothing. He knew that she had read from his expression that her crazy idea was possible. She sauntered by and he sought for something to say, but nothing came to him.
By the time she reached the tower stairwell and turned back to gesture for him to follow, Hamish was once again smiling. She had fooled him for a moment, but no longer. There was no way she could have been serious and he should have seen it from the moment she spoke such ludicrousness.
Bu
t nonetheless a deal had been struck.
Hamish began to hum to himself as he followed her up the stairwell. Very soon, Mairead was going to discover that her little impromptu and mischievous deal was real and one he intended to use in his favor.
* * *
Hours later, Mairead sat wrapped in a tartan trying not to freeze to death on a tower battlement. How Hamish could sit in the icy wind for hours and look warm when he had to be chilled to the bone was a mystery, but that he was doing so while gabbing about nonsense baffled her to the extreme. All day Hamish had been talking and swapping stories, never repeating even one.
After this group of men, they would have met with nearly all of the soldiers Ulrick had left behind to guard Foinaven. She knew a lot of them were not completely unskilled—Ulrick routinely had all the men train with him, but there was a reason they were left behind to hold sentry duties. Not one of them trusted Ulrick. But based on the questions Hamish had been posing all afternoon, he would never realize their skills or where their true loyalties lay.
She had assumed there would be some discussion about their fighting abilities, weapon preferences, Ulrick’s methods, feelings about being left behind, or at the very least, questions about possible castle defenses. Yet Hamish had made not a single inquiry about anything that would help him prepare or at least understand how Ulrick might strike. All Hamish was interested in was women, food, and drink.
At first, Mairead thought his choice of topics had to do with her. She had vowed to haunt him so he, in return, intended to make her so miserable that she would give up and go away, leaving him to talk about the very things she was interested in hearing. But he had to have known that would not work. Her pride and obstinacy would refuse to allow her to be so easily swayed from her goal. But after wasting a whole morning and part of the afternoon, she was beginning to think that these conversations were what Hamish intended all along!
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