Page 13 of To Charm a Highlander

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As Callum reached the laird, with the family watching him carefully, he felt almost as if he faced another warrior on the battlefield.

Despite his nervousness, he was determined to gain Haydon’s approval of him escorting Donella to the village.He looked Haydon straight in the eye and cleared his throat.“My laird, I seek permission to escort Lady Donella to the village for a short visit.”

“Nay.”

Callum was stunned at the laird’s immediate and negative response.He felt the blood rush to his face and decided he would no’ simply walk away.“May I ask why no’, my laird?”

“Donella feels safer when she is closer to home.”

Callum shook his head, unable to believe the laird’s answer.“Excuse me, my laird, but you sound as though the lass is a bairn.Since I am one of your skilled warriors and ye trust me to defend ye castle, why would ye think Lady Donella would no’ be safe with me?”

Haydon glanced over at his wife with an obvious look of confusion, seeming to beg for help.

Ainslee cleared her throat.“Do ye have reason to believe she would be receptive to the idea of a trip to the village with ye?”

“Aye, I would.I asked her already and she was verra excited about the idea.”

Ainslee looked back at Haydon.“What is yer objection, my laird?”

“Ach.Ye must think this serious if yer calling me ‘my laird.”He studied Callum for a moment, then turned back to his wife.“Ye ken why, wife.Donella has ne’er been farther than the castle walls.”

Lady Sutherland shrugged.“Mayhap she is ready for a change.Ye ken we’ve seen a change in yer sister.I’m thinking ‘tis time to let her go, let her decide what she thinks is best for her.”

Conall shook his head.“I doona like it either.Mayhap we can send some guards with them.”

Callum growled.“Do ye intend to send guards with me when we go into battle?Am I so weak as to no’ be able to take care of one lass?”He tried hard, but he kenned he was becoming quite angered and ‘twas showing in his voice.

Ainslee placed her hand on Haydon’s arm, apparently keeping him from flying across the table and pummeling him.

Maura spoke up for the first time.“I think ye are both being ridiculous.Christ’s toes, let the lass go into the village with the mon.As he said, as one of yer warriors, he can certainly take care of Donella.”

After a slight hesitation, the laird nodded.As he opened his mouth to speak, his wife covered his hand with hers and when he looked at her, she shook her head.

Before one of the brothers spoke again, Callum nodded his head, bowed, and left the dais.

* * *

The next afternoonDonella verra carefully descended the steps in the keep.Callum met her at the bottom and smiled brightly.He had cleaned up from his morning on the lists and looked verra handsome.

He took Donella’s hand and intertwined their arms together as they left the keep.“Ye brothers are verra protective of ye, lass.”

She sighed.“I ken.I doona understand it.”

“Have they always been that way?”

“I’m not sure.I doona remember, but it seems to me I’ve forgotten some things since I knocked myself out.But from the way everyone has been treating me, it appears I must be somewhat different from how I was before.”She shrugged.

“Well, Donella, I like the way ye are, so whatever changes they’re seeing are certainly for the best.”

The village was close enough that they decided to walk.It was a clear day, warm enough that her wrap was enough to keep her comfortable as they strolled along.

“What’s yer favorite place to visit?”Callum asked as they reached the edge of the village.

Donella shrugged.“I’m no’ sure.The last time I remember visiting the village was I went with my mam.”

“Ye haven’t been here since yer were a child?”