Page 44 of My Brave Highlander

Much mumbling and chatter ensued. Dirk glanced around the room and his gaze landed on a familiar female face. His wee sister?

"Is that Jessie?" he asked Conall.

"Aye and hasn't she turned into a bonny lass?"

The tall young woman with flaming red hair and blue eyes descended the steps. With a wide smile, she threw herself onto him for a massive hug. "I cannot believe you're alive, brother. After all these years."

"Aye, 'tis good to see you again, lass."

He and Jessie had been close for a few years when they were young children, but when Jessie was seven summers, they'd sent her to foster with the Keiths. Mainly because their stepmother hadn't wanted her underfoot. Jessie had been a wee hellion at the time, following the lads around and engaging them in mock battles with wooden swords. He'd only seen her a few times since. He'd missed her greatly since she was his only full sibling.

She was three-and-twenty, and he couldn't believe Da hadn't married her off before now.

Jessie stepped back to beam up at him. "I'm so happy you're alive and have come home."

"I'm glad to be home. But I'm sorry I didn't make it in time to see Da one last time."

"Aye, he would've been beside himself with joy to know you are indeed alive."

Her words only made Dirk regret his decision to stay away even more. He'd always known his father loved him, but twelve years ago, it seemed Da had loved and trusted Maighread far more. At times, Dirk had been angry at his father for not believing him and ignoring his concerns.

"Will you be staying tonight?" his sister asked. "I can have a room prepared."

"Is our adoring stepmother here?" he asked.

Jessie grinned. "Nay, she is at Tongue."

Conall drew him aside and said in a low voice, "It might be best if we stay at the cottage tonight."

Dirk knew what his uncle was hinting at—his safety. In truth he wasn't sure he wanted to turn his back on Haldane long enough to exit the room, much less sleep under the same roof. The lad had violence in his eyes. Aiden came forward, approaching Dirk.

"Won't you stay the night here, brother?" he asked.

Dirk frowned, trying to decipher Aiden's frame of mind and motives. He had not changed a lot since the last time he'd seen him. He was taller, of course, but he still thin. He certainly didn't appear old enough or fearsome enough to be a chief.

"I'd like it if you would," Aiden went on. "It has been many years. I'd like to talk and catch up."

Dirk gave a brief nod. He'd make sure to sleep far from Haldane and bar the door. "Do you have a room for my friend, the Earl of Rebbinglen, as well?"

"Earl?" Aiden's wide eyes traveled to Rebbie, who gave a slight bow. "Of course. We'd be honored."

Haldane, a few inches taller than Aiden and broader of shoulder, sidled up to him. "They're not staying here, Aiden."

"Aye, I've invited them. Dirk is our brother and his friend is an earl."

"I don't care who the blazes they say they are. We have no proof this truly is Dirk. And anyone can say they're an earl. Doesn't make it so."

Rebbie smirked. Dirk knew he had no need to prove himself. One had only to look at him, his possessions, and his clothing to know he was of the nobility. But Dirk's youngest brother was not very wise or observant.

"Stand down, Haldane. I've already decided," Aiden said.

"Haldane, you dimwit. Of course he's Dirk," Jessie put in for good measure.

"Shut your mouth, Jessie." Haldane passed his glare over all of them before snarling words under his breath and stamping away.

Jessie turned, directing servants to prepare extra bedchambers.

"Could we talk for a few minutes in the library?" Aiden asked Dirk.