Highland Island (Book 6)

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

"So nice to make your acquaintance, it has been a long journey for us, and we are so very glad to be at the end of it now. Finally, amongst family once more. You never remember the warmth family can give until you have left the comfort of home." Sheena pasted on a wide smile, knowing she was making a few of the males around her a little uncomfortable, whilst others she knew were looking at both her and Rohesia with a different kind of look in their eye. One only their husbands got to use with them. She would have to keep an eye on them in the coming days and let them know where they stood if they got a little more aggressive about it. But there was no point in asking for trouble unless they needed to. Though some of the women were eyeing them suspiciously also.

The Laird's movements spoke of him getting more comfortable within his seat. His thumb and forefinger stroking at his moustache as he looked her over. Flicking between the her and Rohesia as if trying to solve a puzzle. "Family you say?" his voice brought silence to the room, but not like the power that Camdyn commanded, nay this was more just as a curiosity than any real deference being shown. "I have never heard of you or heard speak of you. You have never visited before and now come saying you are happy to be amongst family."

Sheena kept the smile pasted wide, as she knew that it put people off when she did so. If she was confident, they started to question their own beliefs. "Aye, but Gilbarta was not brought up here was she? She married into your clan. What do you actually know of her family and life before?" The way she said before had Gilbarta shooting her a look which spoke of more than before her marriage, more than before her life in this clan. "So, if Gilbarta married into the clan, and we are family of Gilbarta." Sheena took a step forward, Rohesia coming to stand at her side, her softer tone adding a convincing end to the argument. "Then, surely that makes us all family too?"

Sheena knew she was not the most ladylike of women and that could put men's backs up to start with, but Rohesia was raised a lady and so had the mannerisms to go with it. Patting Sheena's arm as she passed slightly before her. "Now my Laird, we would be most grateful for the hospitality of your clan, as you are after all the family of our family." A slight bob of a curtesy punctuated her words. Whilst she bit the inside of her cheek against the nerves that threatened to shake free. "We will of course answer any questions your master of arms has. But I can assure you that we have seen no people, save your own, on our travels over the last few days here. But we would like to help in any way we can. I am afraid I am not the most observant of people." Sheena moved at those words, putting Rohesia off her stride. She cleared her throat delicately. "But of course, Sheena has been trained with the best of sword and bow, so I can leave all of that protection and observation business down to her, you see?" A sweet smile, she hoped, covered her face and all she could do was hope that her tactic worked with this man, as she had seen him bristling against Sheena's forthrightness as some men were wont to do. She dropped her head a little to appear demurer. Her mother may have been a nightmare to live with, to put it politely, but she had learnt how to appear modest and small.

Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, she knew that she had managed to get through to him a little at least where Sheena could not. He cleared his throat as she stared at his mud splattered boots. She stayed silent, hoping Sheena would do the same and they might just get through this.

"Aye, I think you have put me in my place. Hospitality for family of family should be a given. My master of arms does wish to speak with you, of that I know, but I will give you this day to settle after your long journey before he may approach." Everyone caught a glimpse of Darach's stone expression before concentrating once more on the Laird. "Gilbarta," his attention zeroed in on the woman who stood completely at ease. "Why do you not take them to your cottage." When Gilbarta went to answer, the Laird interrupted before she could speak. "But do bring them back for the evening meal. Won't you?" It was phrased as a question but told as a command. All of them present knew they new comers would be present for the clan meal later in the day.