Page 249 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I would rather you be reasonable. You want her safe. This is the best way. I say again, it is not permanent, only until your grandfather recovers.”

“And if he does no’ recover?”

His gaze remained locked with hers. “I thought you were unwilling to consider that possibility.”

“I was no’ willing to consider the possibility that you would send Andreana away.”

“Then you should not have married her to Baxter.”

* * *

Rhoslyn could scarce believe Andreana was married, even if only for a day. Worse, she couldn’t believe they stood at the gate saying goodbye.

“I will be well,” Andreana assured her.

Rhoslyn smoothed back a lock of hair that strayed from Andreana’s braid. “He has been kind to you. I see it.”

Andreana blushed and nodded. “He is kind.”

“If you need anything—”

“I will write,” Andreana cut in. “I promise.”

“Dinna’ let those English treat ye badly,” Rhoslyn said.

“No more badly than we have treated them,” she replied.

“You have grown too wise, Andreana.”

“You taught me well.”

Rhoslyn had promised herself she wouldn’t cry, but a tear slipped down her cheek.

“If ye cry, I will cry, too,” Andreana warned. “I think my husband would prefer no’ to have a weepy wife on such a long journey.”

Rhoslyn swiped at her cheek. “Ye are right.” She pulled Andreana into a long hug. Then she let her go.

* * *

“Make sure the men finish this roof today,” Talbot told Ross. The other two can be repaired before—” He broke off at seeing Ross’s eyes shift past him. The men working on the cottage had stopped and were also staring at something behind him, as well. Talbot twisted and looked over his shoulder. A woman wrapped in a plaid against the gusting wind rode between two knights, followed by a dozen others.

“God’s teeth,” Ross said under his breath.

“You know her?” Talbot asked

“Aye. Lady Taresa Baliman.”

“Who is she?”

“She is a very great lady who hasna’ been in this part of Buchan for nearly twenty years. I wonder what brings her here now.”

“There is only one way to find out.” Talbot strode from the cottage toward the lane.

“Back to work,” Ross ordered the men, and started after him.

They reached the road as the company neared. Talbot could better see the woman and guessed her to be fifty-five, and still quite striking. Her dark hair, streaked lightly with silver, hung to her shoulders in a pearl beaded hair net. Her almond shaped green eyes—Talbot started. Her green eyes were those of his sister’s.

The company reached Talbot and Ross, and stopped.