Page 30 of Never Fall for a Highlander

“Ah, ‘tis a great opinion ye have there of marriage.”

“With an older brother bound to marry and produce bairns, and a younger brother, I see no reason for me to tie the knot.”

“Enough of this nonsense.”Robin nodded in the direction of the staircase.“The Council joins us.”

Once they were all settled around the table with drinks in their hand, Johen said, “Are ye ready to accept an offer from The Gunn for his sister?”

Despite the anger that welled up inside him, Robin just gave him an abrupt, “Nay.”

Council member Malcolm took a sip of his ale, “’Tis yer responsibility.”

Robin’s anger finally erupted.“Aye.I ken my responsibility and I doona need ye reminding me all the time.I am but four and twenty years, nowhere near my dotage.In case ye forget, I have two brothers after me.”

Johen turned to Duncan.“Our laird is a bit annoyed at us mentioning it since Miss Ross has arrived.”

“’Tis no’ true,” Robin shouted.The last thing he needed was everyone in the clan watching him and Helena.And every time he wished the lass would return home, he felt a sense of loss, which was both annoying and confusing.

Just then a warrior entered the great hall.“The Gunn has arrived.”

‘Twas a mixed blessing.He was happy to be done with the conversation, but now the Gunn’s sister would be walking through the door and he was expected to pay her court.

Several warriors entered before the Gunn, followed by a woman with a veil covering her face.Apparently the widowed sister was still mourning her husband.Mayhaps that would play in his favor.

Then he stopped to think about what he’d just said to himself.Why would he want to not even look at the lass?He needed a wife.She was an available woman.As Finn had said, once it became dark, one woman was as good as another.

Except a man was awake more hours than he was in bed.If the lass was a shrew or looked like his oldest pony those daylight hours could be quite long.

“Take the veil off, Lorena, ye look like an old lady,” The Gunn snapped to his sister.

The woman removed the veil and shook out her long, wavy red hair.She glared at Robin with crystal clear blue eyes.She was a bonnie lass and before he could say anything, he heard Craig mutter, “Christ’s toes, she’s beautiful.”

In that his brother was correct.She stood at medium height for a lass, creamy skin and full lips.She placed her hand on her hip, the veil dangling from her fingers.

“Mackay, this is my son, Knox Gunn.”

A fine young man standing next to his father gave a brief nod.

Gunn then turned to the woman.“This is my sister, Lorena Gunn.She is recently widowed and ready for another husband.”

Lady Lorena scowled at her brother.“I am Lady LorenaGordon.I am no’ ready for another husband but could use a mug of ale or wine.”

Gunn glared back.“Mind yer manners, lass or ye will feel the back of my hand.”

“No’ here she won’t,” Craig said, standing up, his hand resting on his sword.“We doona allow striking women in the Mackay clan.”

Robin attempted to break the tension.“I think Lady Lenora has the best of it.”He waved at the dais.“Let us have a drink and I’ll have the lasses bring out some food.”

Lady Lorena swept past her brother and joined them at the dais.After a moment, Gunn and his son joined them.

Robin had to admit the lass was indeed bonnie, but he felt nothing like he had when he was in Helena’s company.This lass appeared to be all hard edges where Helena was soft, kind, and helpful.Even when she was tearing him up for some misbehavior.Then again, he’d promised himself he would push Helena from his mind.

He could see the Council members glancing at him and then at Lady Lenora.The best thing to do was ignore them and pay attention to Gunn.

“To what do we owe the honor of yer visit, Gunn?”He hoped with all his heart that the primary—or only—reason he was visiting wasn’t to pass his sister off.Even if it was, Robin had plenty of other matters to speak with the man about.Right now he felt as though they were on the brink of war.

“I prefer to recover from my journey with a bit of food and drink.There is plenty of time to discuss our problems in the morning.”Gunn waved his mug around.“Where are yer serving lasses?”

Just then a few of the kitchen maids came from the back of the keep, carrying jugs of ale and wine, mugs, and a platter of cold meat, cheese, bread, butter, and apples.They placed it all in the center of the table and left, with the Gunn following the prettiest maid’s every move with his eyes.