Page 273 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Yes,” Talbot replied.

“Will you hold against me that I betrothed her to De Quincy?”

Talbot appreciated the man’s straightforward manner. “Nay, my—Lochland. You only did what you thought best. You must know that Boyd marched against Castle Glenbarr as you predicted.”

Lochland nodded. “I understand Kinsley rose from his bed and dealt with him.”

“Aye.”

“Ye would be a fool to think that is the end of things with Boyd,” Lochland said.

Talbot wasn’t fool enough to think that Boyd was finished with him any more than Lochland was. “I expect to see him again.”

They reached the castle and Talbot opened the door. Laughter and music poured from the room. Talbot allowed Lochland to precede him, then followed the earl, with the earl’s men close behind.

Talbot caught sight of Rhoslyn standing with the bride and several other women near the hearth. Her gaze followed Lochland. Talbot read the obvious satisfaction in her eyes and wondered how long it would take before she vocalized her feelings.

“Will you sit with me?” Lochland asked. “I would like to talk further.”

Talbot considered inviting him into the bower where it was quiet, then realized Rhoslyn would follow. Talbot nodded, and Lochland gave his men leave to do as they pleased. Talbot led him to the table and secured drink for them both.

“Comyn paid ye a visit,” Lochland said, and Talbot had to wonder if straightforwardness was a Scottish trait. If so, he liked it. “He wants you to advise Edward to appoint Balliol as King of Scotland.”

“He did not speak of it to me,” Talbot spoke loud enough to be heard, and hoped to guests were too busy enjoying themselves to pay attention to his conversation with Lochland.

“He will,” Lochland said, voicing Talbot’s thoughts. “It doesna’ much matter. Edward plans to make Balliol king with or without Scotland’s support. But you will make that decision easier.”

“You do not like Balliol?” Talbot said.

“Nay. Neither does your wife. But if Edward supports him, you will follow suit.”

“He is my king,” Talbot conceded.

“A king who will no’ support you if ye find yourself surrounded by enemies,” Lochland said.

Talbot gave a short laugh. “I am surrounded by more enemies in peace than I was in battle.”

The earl chuckled. “Aye, I imagine you are. However, ye are in a position to make good friends who will stand by you when Edward will no’.”

“You, for example?” Talbot asked.

He gave a nod. “I am one, but there are others.”

From the corner of his eye, Talbot saw Rhoslyn approach. “We can speak more of this later.” He knew Lochland would want to discuss it at great length.

The earl’s gaze caught on Rhoslyn and a speculative gleam appeared in his eyes.

“I advise you not to involve my wife in this debate,” Talbot said. Lochland looked at him and Talbot read his indecision. “I make no decisions based on my wife’s political views. I will not consider anyone a friend who uses her in any way.”

“She doesna’ like me anyway,” Lochland said.

“No,” Talbot agreed, “she does not.”

To her credit, Rhoslyn was gracious to Lochland. Talbot detected an underlying desire to throttle him, but instead she took delight in speaking gaily of Andreana and Baxter—and their soon return. It was a fabrication, they hadn’t discussed the couple’s return, but Talbot allowed her this small satisfaction. He had just begun to relax when Lady Isobel entered the great hall.

Rhoslyn shifted her gaze onto her before the door fully closed. Lady Isobel seemed oblivious to the scrutiny, though Talbot suspected she simply pretended not to notice.

Rhoslyn said nothing. They still sat with Lochland and Talbot guessed she didn’t want the earl to know that she had caught her husband in an embrace with the woman. But Talbot wasn’t foolish enough to think Isobel would remain unscathed. He considered asking Isobel to leave, but any attention he gave her would be looked upon unfavorably by Rhoslyn. She confirmed the suspicion by turning an accusatory stare onto him.