Colin gave one of his rare smiles to his sister-in-law. “I, too, am grateful and glad that you have come. I forgot for a moment that Laird MacInnes is your grandfather.”
“Indeed. He’s a Highlander destined to live in the Lowlands. Though I know many men, including present company,” she said waving her thumb toward Conor, “who cannot imagine living out their days so far south, I know my grandfather is happiest here. And I can see the same applies to you.”
Colin quickly assessed Laurel. She possessed many of the same outward features as his dead wife, and though no one could deny her beauty, he was no longer lured to women with pale features. A wild redhead with bewitching green eyes held much more appeal. “Will you be visiting your grandfather before your return?” Colin inquired.
Before Laurel could answer, Conor found his voice. “No. MacInnes lands lie too far to the west to visit. Laurel does not want to be away from Brenna and Braeden for that long a period.”
Laurel narrowed her eyes. Conor was right, her grandfather lived near the River Nith by the Lowther Hills, a significant journey from here, but he didn’t need to be so abrupt. She was about to say so when Conor asked, “Is that not what you told me yesterday, love?”
Conor did nothing to hide his glee at seeing her flounder in a manner similar to what she had just minutes ago caused him.
Knowing exactly what Conor was doing, Laurel replied in her most prim and proper voice, “If you do not think we should visit my grandfather while so close to his home, that is, of course, your decision, Conor.” She paused and cleared her throat. “Just as it will be your responsibility to explain it to him when he learns of our whereabouts,” she added, changing to a singsong manner in both voice and behavior.
Dunlop, who had been watching the interchange beside his laird’s side, elbowed Colin and cackled, “Can you see what I have been through, Laird? They are worse than you and Makenna ever dreamed of being!”
Laurel tried to look offended, but failed.
Colin just produced a sideways grin.
Conor faked a grimace and pointed at Dunlop. “You might want to counsel your commander, brother, lest you find yourself suddenly shorthanded.”
Colin ignored the warning. “And just where is your faithful and ever-perfect commander?”
“Exactly where I told Finn to be. Overseeing the safety of the twins.”
Laurel knew the polite conversation would continue until she left. “Before you ask, Colin, they are fine. Both spirited, growing, and mischievous. If you want to know more, I will gab on about them profusely during the evening meal. Meanwhile, I would love to ride ahead and meet Makenna before you and Conor begin to discuss things I have little interest in.”
Colin nodded and moved his horse out of her way. “Dunlop, remain with us. Tavis, escort Lady McTiernay to the castle.”
Laurel waited patiently as Conor selected four additional men to ride with her toward the stone structure.
Conor watched Laurel leave until he was positive she was out of earshot before speaking.
“Aireamh na h-Aoine ort, Colin!” Conor growled, suppressing the true rage coursing through him.
Colin moved his head back as if he were avoiding a physical strike. “Pòg mo thòin, you didn’t have to bring her. Dunlop is stubborn, but you could have said no.”
“Don’t even think about telling me you didn’t know what would happen. You knew Laurel and how she would react, and you wagered she would figure it out and conceive of a way to come.”
“You still could have said no,” Colin countered, understanding exactly why Conor was so angry. If it had been Makenna, his reaction would have been the same.
Conor stared at his brother, gripping his reins firmly. “Then you were lucky, Colin, that much of your plan depended upon Laurel. You have no idea how persistent she is.”
“There will be activity, Conor, but Makenna and Laurel will be well protected and away from Lochlen when it arrives. On this, I give you my word. I would not risk either of our wives.”
Conor looked his brother directly in the eye. Colin met his gaze, and Conor knew that his brother spoke the truth. Conor gestured toward the group of men riding with Colin, wearing McTiernay colors. “And the twenty men?”
Colin shrugged. “I could not just assume it was you. On the chance you were someone else, I thought I would bring a small reminder of who I am and just who my family is.”
Conor grinned and raised his sword high into the air. “Aye. It is good to be a McTiernay.” Conor lowered his sword and looked back. “I thought that might be your intention. So I brought just a few more of us so that there would be no confusion.”
Colin watched as a hundred or more men came into view over the ridge. Conor might say it was for his brother’s benefit, but Colin knew otherwise. He slapped Conor on the back. “Aye, trust that I understand, and I do not condemn you, brother. If positions were reversed, I, too, would have brought an army.”
Conor sighed. He could deny his real reason for bringing so many men, but it would be pointless. “Laurel remains unaware that I brought any other men than the few she saw.”
Colin grunted. “That must have been difficult.”
“Aye, more than you know. At home, she reluctantly agrees to a single escort. If she knew how many men I actually have ensuring her safety, I would never hear the end.”
Colin nodded in understanding. “I, too, have the joy of a willful and infuriatingly independent wife. Only recently did Makenna agree to stop evading her escorts when she leaves the town walls.”
“Creative, is she?” Conor asked, grinning out the side of his mouth.
Colin snorted. “You have no idea. I waver between wanting to throttle the woman and applauding her ingenuity.”
“Prepare yourself. It is a never-ending battle in which you are engaged.”
Colin’s mouth tightened and then he shook his head realizing Conor was telling him of his future. A future he wanted very badly. “Who else knows of the force you bring?”
“If you mean the spies we spotted about an hour north of your boundary, they are aware only of the handful I wanted them to see.”
“Excellent. Your main guards can stay at Lochlen or join my men in the training fields. The rest can stay behind the Lammermuir Hills. Come, the path is well hidden. Passersby avoid the area believing it to be impassable. This will do until MacCuaig makes his move.”
Conor lifted his brows appreciatively and followed Colin as he headed toward the moderately tall and deceptive hills. It was a rare asset to have a natural place in which to hide and train men. “So you have a plan?”
“Of course I have a plan,” Colin said with a confident grin. “I may have moved south, but I am still a McTiernay. Dunlop, send your best men to our allies and then ride to Donovan’s and tell Drake to come home.”
Laurel passed through the last of the stone gate barriers remembering the first time she entered the McTiernay Castle. This experience was significantly different. Instead of friendly and welcoming, the Dunstans were cautious and removed. It was obvious they did not like or want outsiders, especially those that came from the north.
As the last of her escorts crossed the final portcullis, Tavis swung off his horse and ordered someone to inform Lady Makenna her husband’s family had arrived.
Laurel remained seated on Borrail absently stroking his gray mane as she looked about. The inner ward of the castle was odd-shaped, made of four long walls, each unique in length. There was no standard tower keep; instead three great towers appeared to serve as living quarters for the laird, his family, and guests. Thick walls connected the gatehouse to the massive corner towers. From the tower on the left, the curtain wall traveled only a short distance before ending in what looked to be a sizeable chapel. The long wall on the right angled toward a tower somewhat higher than the rest. Between it and the chapel tower were two battle towers that served as hubs, bowing the extended wall to match the small river behind it.