Page 70 of My Highland Love

“Were the women in the cottage when you arrived?”

Bartholomew shook his head.

Marcus narrowed his eyes. “And you thought nothing of it?”

He swallowed. “I didn't know I should.”

Marcus hesitated, then turned and hurried along the battlements and down the stairs. He returned to Winnie's cottage but found nothing changed.

This time, when he entered the kitchen, Winnie halted the task of pulling scones from their baking pan and watched his approach.

He stopped beside the table. “They weren't in the cottage when Bartholomew delivered the meal.”

Her gaze moved past him.

“What's wrong?” came Elise's voice at his back.

He pivoted to face her. Nell stood alongside her. “Where the blazes have you been?”

Elise's brow snapped into a frown.

“Well?”

“We were on the hill, near the storehouse,” she replied.

Marcus looked at Nell.

“Aye, laird, we—” she looked at Elise.

“What is it?” he demanded.

“We were star gazing,” Elise said in a reprimand.

He glanced at her, then looked back at Nell. “You two have been together all evening?”

“Aye,” she said, obviously confused.

“By God,” he muttered, and advanced toward them. Elise blinked and Nell retreated a pace, but he continued forward. When within reach of them, he grabbed Elise's wrist and started toward the great hall. Several men stared from the doorway.

“Be about your business,” he ordered.

The men scattered in a hurried scuffle as he pulled Elise through the doorway and into the noisy hall. The din quieted slightly, men parting as he strode to the stairway.

“Marcus, what—”

“Hush,” he commanded without looking back at her.

She didn't balk until they reached the door to her bedchamber. There, she yanked her hand free of his grasp.

He whirled on her. “Where were you?”

“I told you.”

“I searched all of Brahan Seer.”

“Clearly not all, or you would have found us. Ridiculous,” she added in a mutter. “You act as if we need worry while inside the keep.”

“Worry?” he repeated. “The Campbells meant harm, Elise. Did you think I would let them touch you?”