Page 40 of Never Fall for a Highlander

“Aye,” Robin said.“But times are changing.”

“Does this have something to do with the council and Miss Ross?”

Robin slapped Finn on his back.“Let us get something to eat and a quick ale so we can continue this journey.I’m looking forward to returning home.”

‘Twas nearing sunset when they arrived at Clyth Castle.Robin, Finn, and Criag were welcomed into the castle, and the warriors offered a space outside the walls.Wood had been supplied for the men to make fires to warm themselves.The Gunn told them food would be brought out for the men to cook since there were too many attending the competition to house them inside.

Gunn slapped Robin on the back.“’Tis good to see ye, laird.”

“Aye, ye as well.”He felt silly saying the words since they’d only seen each other a few days past.

“Do ye have anything for me, Robin?”The Gunn looked expectantly and Robin realized he was hoping he’d brought the betrothal agreement with him.“Nay, just us and our warriors.”

Before the laird could continue the conversation, Robin said, “If ye show us our room, we’d like to clean up before the evening meal.”

The Gunn did a poor job of hiding his disappointment, but Robin was not in the mood to pacify the man.‘Twas time he realized he had to look elsewhere for a husband for Lenora.

A maid walked up to them.“I will show ye to yer rooms, Laird.”

Grateful for the excellent timing of the lass’s arrival, he smiled at her and the three of them followed her up the stairs where she showed them to a large chamber with a connecting room for Finn and Craig.

She gave them a slight dip and said, “If there is anything else I can do for ye, anything at all, just let me ken.I am Martha.”

Robin began to say “Nay,” when Finn said, “Aye, mayhaps I’ll see ye a bit later, Martha.”

The lass grinned.“Ye can find me in the kitchen after the evening meal.”

Robin looked over at his youngest brother.“Do no’ tire yerself out tonight, mon.Ye have to have a good showing for our clan tomorrow”

Finn winked at him.“No problem, there, brother.No problem at all.”

When they arrived at the great hall it was already filled with visitors, all lairds and close family members since the warriors were all outside.

Knox, The Gunn’s son walked up to them.“Greetings, Mackays.”

Robin nodded.“Good eve to ye as well.”

They all walked toward the tables.“How does the lovely Helena fare?”Knox asked.

“Ye mean Miss Ross?”Robin grumbled.

The man had the nerve to throw his head back and laugh.“It seems out of place to defend the lass so much when ye’re planning on marrying my aunt.”

Robin glared at him.“I have no intention of marrying Lady Lenora.She is a verra pleasant looking woman, but no’ for me.”

Knox grinned and headed to the dais where the said Lady Lenora and Laird Gunn sat.“We shall see, won’t we?”

Robin was now in a glum mood.He didn’t like being reminded of the betrothal agreement.And most of all, he didn’t like Knox asking after Helena.

“Mackay, come join us up here on the dais,” The Gunn said, waving at him.

This would be a long three days.

Chapter eighteen

“I’m thinking ‘tis time to get ready to return home.”Helena said those words to her sister as the new mam changed the nappy on little Arthur.

Jena looked up at her.“So soon?”