Page 14 of My Highland Love

“What the blazes does that mean?” Marcus demanded.

His father stopped mid-stroke as he ran his hand across the mare's distended belly. “Hell, lad, the man is my age. What would he want with a lass Elise's age?”

“Age has not stopped you of late.”

Cameron flushed. “A man cannot resist the charms of a woman forever, you know.”

“That's exactly what I am afraid of,” Marcus muttered.

“Although,” Cameron said, his tone thoughtful, “I didna' see young Erin return with you. Did he go directly to Michael's? He has not seen his father in months.”

“Yes, by God. How long did you say she usually stays with Michael?”

The mare nickered and Cameron began stroking her again. “She does, on occasion, stay a couple days, but, certainly, never longer.”

“And it has been two days.”

“It has,” Cameron said with such emphasis that Marcus looked at him.

“I'll ride out and make sure she is safe.”

“A fine idea. We would not want anything to happen, would we?”

Marcus gave his father a recriminating look, then snapped out an order for his stallion to be saddled.

Marcus stopped in front of Michael's cottage, dismounted, and tossed the reins over the post to the right of the porch. He entered the cottage without knocking.

“Back for more, lass?” came Michael's voice from behind the curtain that enclosed the corner bed.

“More of what?” Marcus demanded.

Michael drew back the curtain with a flourish. He met Marcus's gaze and grinned. “Marcus, this is a surprise.”

“I imagine so,” he said as Michael rose and hobbled toward him.

The old man halted. “Is something wrong?”

“Nae. Where is Elise? She's been gone some time and Cameron is concerned.”

“Concerned?” Michael looked puzzled. “I cannot imagine why—” He stopped, his eyes narrowing shrewdly. “Are you sure 'tis not you who is worried?”

Marcus relaxed. “Where is she?”

“Marcus, you've come all this way, and I haven't seen you in an age. Surely, you can spare a civil word? Sit down.” He motioned toward the table sitting before the hearth. “Have a drink. Dinna' fash over Elise. She'll return soon.”

“Return?” Marcus started. “Where is she?”

Michael sighed and gave him a disgusted look. “Out in the barn with Erin.”

Marcus left the cottage, the words with Erin ringing in his head as he strode across the meadow to the barn.

“I want to thank you for all you've done for my father.” Erin's voice filtered from the barn as Marcus neared.

“It's nothing,” Elise replied.

Marcus paused at the open door. The sound of milk squirting into a pail was followed by a low moo from the heifer.

“Nae,” Erin went on, “you lifted his spirits. It's difficult, him out here alone.”