Page 47 of At the Highlander's Mercy
‘Tomas,’ Rob called out without taking his gaze off Jocelyn. ‘Escort Lady MacLerie to see her daughter.’
Since he had fully expected this situation, he’d already given Tomas orders about the length of the visit and that, under no circumstances, should he leave them alone. Jocelyn took a step towards the other doorway in the hall, but Tomas pointed towards the stairs. She’d expected Lilidh to be in their dungeon?
‘She is being held in my chambers,’ he explained. The news did not go over well with any of them. Rob waited for Jocelyn to leave before asking the question he wanted answered most.
‘When does Connor arrive?’ he asked Duncan.
The two MacLeries exchanged glances and then Duncan answered, ‘We represent the laird here. We negotiate in good faith in his name.’
Rob’s temper flared at the insult. Connor had senthis men to deal with him and sort out the problem. He did not come himself. Once more, Rob was not worthy of the time or effort. Duncan must have seen his reaction in spite of his attempts to control it and keep his expression blank. The man was an expert in understanding people so it was probably as clear as if Rob had shouted it aloud.
‘Laird.’ Tyra’s voice broke into the conversation. He had not heard her approach and had forgotten to make her and the others known to the MacLeries. ‘May I offer some food and drink to our guests while you wait for Lady MacLerie’s return?’
Rob nodded. Tyra motioned Duncan and Rurik forwards to the table that had been prepared for just this. When they were seated, Rob introduced each of his family and counsellors.
* * *
Once they had had a chance to partake, he dismissed everyone but Dougal, Symon and the elders.
‘I would speak plainly, Laird,’ Duncan began. ‘If you release the lady now, all of this is done. Connor will take no offence and you can go on your way.’
‘No offence?’ Symon asked. Rob glared at him, but it did not stop him. ‘We are offended that the laird himself did not answer our demands in person.’
‘The earl has many pressing duties, sir,’ Duncan replied in a low, respectful tone. ‘Since this is a personal issue and one of some delicacy, he thought it best—’
‘To treat the Mathesons as he was always treated us—not important enough to matter.’ Symon stood then. ‘The MacKenzies have offered to back us in this,MacLerie. They are just as powerful as you and their friendship has been offered and accepted.’
Unfortunately, the elders agreed with Symon in this and Rob felt himself losing control of the situation. He’d not accepted the MacKenzie’s offer yet. Glancing at each of them, it was clear that someone had. He felt as though he was fighting with one hand tied to his foot and a blindfold over his eyes.
And Duncan missed none of this. The shrewd negotiator was a watcher first—he studied his opponents before beginning his work. Before giving him more time to determine all of their weaknesses, Rob stood.
‘I will send Lady MacLerie to you, Duncan. We will begin our discussions when Connor arrives.’
‘He is not coming, Rob,’ Duncan said quietly. ‘You know him—that’s not how he handles things.’
‘Surely his daughter’s safety is worth his time.’
‘Is she in danger?’ Duncan asked.
Rurik looked bothered when Duncan asked his question and Rob knew that was not a good sign. Bothered was one step away from angry and anger was dangerous in a man like Rurik. Rob had seen Rurikangryand did want to unleash that here in his hall. Or on his lands. Or on his clan, no matter how much they frustrated him.
‘You may go now. I will send Lady MacLerie to you in the yard,’ he repeated. He needed to get them out of the hall and discover what behind-his-back arrangements were going on with the damned MacKenzies. Although Rurik looked ready to take his head, Duncan nodded and stood.
‘May we return later this day and speak again, LairdMatheson?’ he asked, his tone respectful and even, not meant to inflame, but to engender reasonableness.
‘Laird?’
Rob turned when Symon used the title, for he never had before, not in private and not in public. ‘We will speak in private, Symon.’ He gave a slight shake to his head to tell Symon this was not the time.
‘Until later, then,’ Duncan said as they turned to leave.
Rob watched until they left, escorted out by Dougal, and then he climbed the stairs to seek out Jocelyn in his chambers. When he arrived, he walked quietly down the hall, signalling to Tomas who stood at the door not to announce his presence. Standing silently beyond their sight, he listened as mother and daughter spoke within.
‘I told you, Mother. I am well.’
‘Those bruises say otherwise, Lilidh,’ Jocelyn chided.
‘Would you have expected me to give up without a fight? They killed my guards, almost killed my maid.’
