Page 58 of To Charm a Highlander

Unbeknownst to Haydon, the lasses switched places before the wedding, eventually making for a perfect match between the laird and his wife who had no problem standing up to the laird.No fainting for Lady Sutherland.

“I think it’s time to bring The Gunn down from the bedchamber where he’s been for days and let Marta tell her story in front of him,” Haydon said.He nodded at one of the warriors lining the walls of the solar.

Callum reached over and took Donella’s hand in his, resting them on his thigh.

Within minutes Fraser Gunn and the rest of his men entered the room.He scowled at Callum who noticed that his brother had a bruise on his chin where Callum had kicked him.

“What is this, Sutherland?”He groused the minute he entered the room.“I thought ye invited me here for a meeting about our borders and I’ve been insulted, held prisoner, attacked by the traitor, and now this looks like some kind of a court.”

“Take a seat, Gunn.There is something we need to address.”

Fraser glanced over at Donella with a look that had Callum stiffening.He squeezed Donella’s hand, but when he glanced over at her, she had raised her chin and stared Fraser right back in the eyes.He looked away.

Score one for ye, lass.

“There is some question about the Gunn lairdship.”

Fraser jumped up.Conall immediately withdrew his sword.“What devil is this, Sutherland?I demand ye return our swords and we will be on our way.Ye apparently have nothing of interest to me to discuss.Ye can hold yer court without us.And for certes the king will hear about this.”

“Sit down, Gunn,” Haydon said.He turned to Old Marta.“Would ye mind telling Fraser Gunn what ye told us?”

Callum noticed that Haydon had not referred to Fraser with the proper title.

Old Marta repeated her story, and it was apparent to Callum as he watched his brother that this was no’ a story with which he was unfamiliar.

When the woman was finished, Fraser was on his feet again, and Callum’s sword was in his hand once more.

“This is outrageous!I willna stand for this.Again, I demand a return of our weapons.”He wagged his finger at Haydon.“I doona ken what game ye are playing, but ye can be sure King Charles will hear about this.And ye are growing close for this nonsense to be declared an act of war!”

“I intend to inform the king of this situation myself,” Haydon said.He waved Fraser to a seat again.“Once more I ask ye to sit.”He turned to one of the warriors against the wall.“Please escort Marta to one of the bedchambers where she can rest.”

He smiled at the woman.“Thank ye for coming.I would be pleased if ye would join us for supper and then stay the night before your return home.”

Once they left the room, Haydon said.“We now have another charge against ye.”

Fraser immediately looked over at Donella and Callum was now ready to beat the mon senseless.‘Twas for certes he kenned exactly what was coming and ‘twas no surprise for him.

Haydon cleared his throat.“Donella, will ye please tell Fraser what you’ve told us.”

Donella stared directly at Fraser as she told him exactly what he’d done to her.He was ne’er more proud of his wife.Callum stared at the mon the entire time.A tad of surprise, guilt, and anger flashed over his face.

Donella was shaking and taking deep breaths when she finished.Callum studied Fraser.

Instead of the anger he expected, he waved his hand.“’Tis no’ true.I have no idea who abducted the lass, but it wasna me and ye canna tell me she remembered it from all those years ago.”

Haydon leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper.“The lass dinna say it was many years ago.”

Callum realized Haydon was right.Donella never mentioned when it happened, only what took place.Once that thought sank into his brain, with a strangled cry he jumped up and threw himself at his brother.

They went down with a crash, fists flying.