Page 31 of My Highland Love

By God, she was avoiding him.

Why she was avoiding him, he knew; how she had managed to do so for a day and a half, he suspected could be answered by Winnie, who, oddly enough, was also absent. He turned and headed for the postern door, wincing at the ache in his knee. Once in the quiet of the brightly lit courtyard, he veered north toward the cottages.

“Marcus.”

Marcus glanced over his shoulder at the sound of his father's call and stopped at sight of the MacLaren warrior walking alongside Cameron. They halted in front of Marcus.

“Brian here has brought a message from Declan.” Cameron looked at the man. “Go ahead, lad.”

“Declan wanted ye to know there's been Campbells on MacLaren land.”

“When?” Marcus demanded.

“Three days in a row now.”

“You haven't caught any of them?”

Brian snorted. “The bastards are getting better at running.”

“They are,” Marcus agreed, then asked, “You will stay the night?”

“Aye.”

“Good. Be ready at first light. I'll travel back with you. Have some supper.” He motioned toward the great hall, then looked back at his father. “Cameron, I wish to speak with you.” Marcus waited until Brian was out of earshot, then said, “Have Elise moved into the castle while I am gone.”

Cameron showed no surprise at the request. “What reason should I give?”

“Ask if she plans on living with Winnie the rest of her life.”

His father gave an approving look. “I will put her in the west wing's private suite.”

“Nae,” Marcus said. “The east wing, the room nearest mine.

Cameron frowned. “'Tis hard on you, her sharing a cottage with Winnie, but to put her in the lady's quarters next to yours is going a bit far the other direction.”

“The guest room, Cameron,” Marcus said. “Not in the adjoining room—at least, not yet.”

“At least, not yet?” Cameron exclaimed.

Two men passing turned their heads at his raised voice.

He glanced at them, then leaned in closer to Marcus. “That's a bit obvious, don't you think, lad? A man doesna' flaunt his mistress.”

Marcus raised a brow. “Aye.”

His father blinked. “What? Are you saying what I think you're saying?”

“I am.”

Cameron rubbed his chin. “I have never known you to take advantage of a woman under your protection.”

“I have no intention of doing so now,” Marcus replied, though he couldn't help the mental image of how much he would relish taking advantage.

Cameron regarded him. “I thought you would not marry again. 'Tis ten years since Jenna died.”

“I hadn't planned on remarrying.”

“You have a son and, at your age, you need not marry.”