Page 213 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“As far as he has to. Today is yet another example of that.”

She nodded, but her eyes flicked from his and he knew she wasn’t certain Dayton was responsible for today’s attack. She believed—or at least wondered—if Duncan was responsible.

Anger had radiated off Duncan in waves last night—anger and the sense that he’d been cheated out of what was rightfully his—Lady Rhoslyn included. But would he stage an attack? Talbot suspected Duncan would take a more direct and easier approach. Poison, a knife in the back, maybe. It took money to induce men to risk their lives. Two dozen skilled warriors wouldn’t come cheap. Their attackers wore breeches, which made Talbot suspect they’d come from Stonehaven. More oft than not, the locals near Castle Glenbarr wore Highland kilts. The evidence pointed at Dayton. But Talbot had learned even the greatest fool could be dangerous.

“St. Claire and I think it is best if ye stay at Castle Glenbarr until we catch his brother,” Seward said.

“What?” Rhoslyn cut her gaze to Talbot. “That could be months, maybe longer.”

“He will not wait long before striking,” Talbot said.

“I will no’ be a prisoner in my own home.”

“I will catch him.”

“What if he was no’ behind the attack?” she asked.

“Who else could it be?”

She hesitated.

“Perhaps your cousin?” he asked.

“Duncan?” she blurted.

“Why would Duncan attack you?” Seward asked.

“Ask your granddaughter,” Talbot said.

The old man frowned. “What is this about, Rhoslyn?”

“He is angry St. Claire forced him to leave Castle Glenbarr.”

“Duncan can be an ass,” Seward said, “but he isna’ capable of orchestrating such an attack.”

“You know your kin better than me,” Talbot said. “But to rule out other possibilities when nothing is known is a fool’s mistake.”

Seward snorted. “It isna’ that he is not capable of hating ye enough to do it. The truth is, he does not command enough respect among men to gain their loyalty, and he can no’ afford to hire mercenaries. Look for something more underhanded from Duncan.”

So Talbot had been right.

“Grandfather,” Rhoslyn admonished. “Duncan was loyal to Alec. He never stole a single silver piece from us.”

Seward laughed. “Only because he believed he would one day be master of Glenbarr.”

“That is ridiculous,” Rhoslyn said. “Alec and I had a son, and there is Andreana. At the very least, the castle would pass to her.”

“And her husband,” Seward said. “But that doesna’ matter. Duncan wants you.”

Rhoslyn’s eyes widened. “He told you that?”

“He didna’ have to say it,” Seward said. “He was more anxious than he should have been to know where ye had gone. It does not matter. I do not believe he was behind today’s attack, but it doesna’ matter. You will not leave Castle Glenbarr until Dayton St. Claire is dead.”

“I will not remain in the castle,” she shot back.

“Aye, lady, you will,” Talbot said. “I will take no more chances with your safety. You will remain at Castle Glenbarr until I say otherwise.”

She opened her mouth to reply, but Seward spoke in an obvious attempt to quiet her. “’Tis a shame none of your attackers survived. Ye might have learned something.”