Chapter Six
Mairead gave up the pretense of finding something to do around the keep’s entrance and began to pace in front of Hamish’s door. The sun had risen almost an hour ago and based on what Hellie had told her, he was still in his chambers and had yet to join the world. The old cook was usually the first person he visited and he had yet to make an appearance at her door.
Mairead wondered if Hamish was sitting in his room intentionally, knowing the agitation it would cause. Only a deaf man could be sleeping right now. On the bottom floor, the noise from the courtyard would make slumber impossible. As the center point for nine clans, Foinaven was always active, especially during the few daylight hours available in the winter months.
What could he be doing? Mairead wanted to shout out loud. An image sprang to mind and a frisson of jealousy flashed through her. On impulse, she went to the door and whispered, “If you are really doing what every other man does in his chambers, it means you are not alone.”
Hearing no answer, she let out a frustrated groan and resumed her pacing.
Last night, she had lain awake for what felt like hours. Her mind had hopelessly sought a stratagem that would get her the answers she sought without overtly being in his company. But before she could crystalize an idea, her thoughts would drift back to the last few moments she had spent with Hamish.
The man was perplexing to the point of insanity. Each time she was near him, he jumbled her emotions. Last night, Mairead had even thought she might be losing her heart to him. Thank goodness she had awoken more clearheaded. The man was not at all attractive. He enjoyed aggravating her. He was impossible. Arrogant. And even if he was not all of that, he was family. She just wished she could remember that last fact whenever she was in his presence.
Truth was, she could not think of Hamish as a brother. He brought out all kinds of instincts in her and none of them were that of a sibling. Moreover, it was clear that he did not view her as a sister either. So what had she been thinking when she had whispered in his ear? Because her actions were practically a dare and he had not backed away from the challenge.
Mairead stopped her pacing.
His kiss had been his second reaction to her overture. His first had been something more akin to panic. The more she thought about it, Hamish always became flirtatious when uncomfortable. Such knowledge could be very advantageous if used appropriately. With careful probing and a few coquettish comments of her own, Hamish might accidentally reveal the nature of his plans—maybe without even knowing it. She would ask various questions and gauge his response. When her inquiries came close to the truth, Hamish’s flirtatious means of misdirection would almost certainly become more overt and more outrageous.
She had only to look at his recent behavior for verification of her theory. Each touch, comment, and kiss had all been in an effort to discombobulate her. They had not been real or meant anything to him. They had just been a distraction. The knowledge hurt a little, but Mairead vowed to use that pain to help shield her from his future attempts to manipulate her in such a manner. In fact, today such tactics would not work in his favor—but hers.
“Hamish MacBrieve,” she whispered to herself, “you are about to meet your match.”
* * *
Hamish grimaced at his unintended handiwork as he stared at his reflection in the piece of glass. He had found it in the myriad of things stored in the corner of the room and decided to really look at himself and see if all the remarks women had been saying about his beard were true. The second he had seen his face staring back at him he had realized Laurel and Mairead had been kind with their comments. Since Epiphany, his beard had gone from merely overgrown to a misshaped mass that looked laughable. Foul he could deal with, even dreadful or menacing, but ridiculous? No.
Thankfully, when he spotted the glass, he had also seen a broken pair of spring scissors. It had taken little effort to sharpen the edges and reconnect the thin, flexible piece of curved metal that held the blades in alignment, but eventually his efforts paid off and the scissors worked . . . too well. When he had tested them on himself, he had accidentally sliced a large chunk of his beard.
And he knew whom to blame. Mairead.
This morning he had risen nearly three hours before dawn to ensure he returned in time to keep from rousing hers and anyone else’s suspicions. But his success of the past few mornings meant there was much to do. More than the three hours he had allowed. Plus, once finished, he had been in serious need of another bath. If he had returned with mud and dirt caked on the majority of his body, the laundress would have notified Mairead. Her curiosity would have been sparked and he would have had to endure a litany of questions he was not going to answer. It had left little choice but to take another time-consuming detour for a freezing dunk in the river.
By the time he had snuck back into his chambers, he had grown exceedingly chilled. He had started a fire, stretched out his wet clothes to dry, and thrown on his newest leine. It was when he had reached for his tartan that he had spied the broken piece of glass and scissors. He was just about to make the first snip to trim his beard, when he heard her whisper, “If you are really doing what every other man does in his chambers, it means you are not alone.”
The insinuation was as unmistakable as the distinct ring of jealousy in her tone. The knowledge that Mairead might feel something deeper for him caused an unexpected shiver to ripple through him just as he had closed the now very sharp blades. He was fortunate he had only sliced off a large swath of facial hair and not part of his actual cheek.
However, the error had forced him to make a choice. He had meant to give himself a trim. Whereas shaving removed a protective barrier he had hoped to keep in place. Without his despised beard, his ability to stay away from Mairead was going to be much more difficult. His only other option was to leave the hole. Hamish envisioned Mairead’s face morphing into hysterics the moment he stepped out the door.
Without further thought, he began to snip off the rest of his beard and shaved. When finished, he sat back to study his handiwork in the glass. His skin was understandably slightly pink and tender, but he did look far more presentable. Inspired, Hamish pulled his pony tail to the side and cut off the ragged ends so that his hair no longer hung past his shoulders in various lengths. When done, he felt a lot more like his old self. Next time he encountered Mairead, it would be she who would need to fight to remain in control for Hamish was back.
He was once again a charmer of women and the man every female, young or old, loved to be around. So none of them ever came close to falling in love with him, they were still charmed by his attentions. Even Laurel was susceptible to a well-placed smile. And Mairead MacMhathain would be no different. Next time he saw her, he would flash her his most devastating grin. Then after she swooned at the sight of his dimples, she would turn into just another ordinary female. Her appeal would disappear and he would finally have control of his body once again.
Whistling, Hamish tucked in his shirt and adjusted his pleats so they fit securely under his leather belt. His stomach growled. Before he met with Robert, he definitely needed to grab something from the kitchens. He hoped Hellie had saved one of the tastier morsels for him. Stepping outside, he turned toward the direction of the buttery but had barely taken three steps before his path was blocked. The scent of fresh meadows and flowers hit him and he could not help but inhale.
* * *
The moment Hamish emerged from his chambers Mairead had quickly spun around and moved to intercept him. For the last hour, she had been rehearsing what she was going to say, but the moment her eyes fell on Hamish’s clean-shaven face not a single word of it came to mind.
Power and strength radiated from him in waves. He was a massive, self-confident presence with a unique blend of authority and relaxation. The combination was incredibly compelling and she was far from immune.
His height and strength had always been obvious, but his new leine, unmarred with stains, fit him perfectly, molding his chest and making the muscles of his shoulders and arms even more apparent. The ripples visible beneath the fabric made her fingers yearn to know just what they felt like. Though still pulled back in a ponytail, his shorter auburn locks looked thick and healthy and beckoned to be played with. But what held her completely transfixed was his face. Without the bushy beard hiding his features, Hamish was, simply put, beautiful. She could never remember using the term before regarding the opposite sex, but seeing Hamish MacBrieve well dressed and shaven was like seeing her secret fantasy of what an ideal Highlander should be come to life. He was so intensely and overwhelmingly male. And she was not the only one to notice.
“You’re staring, m’aingeal.”
Mairead clenched her jaw and closed her eyes. The arrogant chuckle had been unmistakable. She had been staring. She had not been able to help it. She was just lucky her mouth had not dropped wide open as well.
With a deep breath, she forced herself to gather her wits and focus. Her own plan depended on her being immune to his charms. She was in serious trouble if she could not even look at Hamish without fear of drooling all over herself and him! Besides, the damn man had ruined every idea she had had so far and he was not going to wreck this one as well just because he decided to shave and reveal his dimples. If anything, it should make her sweet-filled words easier to deliver. Besides, she, too, had taken great care with her own appearance this morning and Hamish’s current expression made it obvious that he was not unappreciative of her effort.
Mairead reopened her eyes and slightly arched her right brow. “Of course I was staring. I was shocked to finally be able to see your face. It’s such a drastic departure from what you have been looking like that I think I’m entitled to gape a little. But that doesn’t explain why you are staring at me.”
Hamish blinked at the unexpected retort and at the fact that she was right! Mairead was supposed to be susceptible to him—not the other way around. But did the woman have to smell so good? And her dark gold hair, the way it was pinned on top of her head with little ringlets falling free, could tempt even the most honorable men. Not to mention the gown she wore; while simple, it had a low bodice that showed off her figure and toyed with a man’s ability to think. Her beauty was no longer supposed to affect him this way!
Hamish went on the offensive and gave her his most dazzling smile. “I stare because not another woman compares to you.” He could see it bothered her that she had run from the truth whereas he openly admitted it. “Don’t fret. Your pretty eyes can feast on me for as long as they like, aingeal.”
Mairead bit her bottom lip. Hard. She needed the pain to keep her mind clear, but Hamish was making it hard. Angel. It was not just the endearment, it was how he said it. Soft and warm. Like he meant it. If she was not careful, she was going to be susceptible to his means of flirtatious persuasion and not the other way around. It was time for Hamish to be on the defensive.
Releasing her bottom lip, she intentionally and slowly licked it. Simultaneously she let her gaze drift down his entire body and then back up to linger on his mouth. “You must really want another kiss to be willing to shave and don a new outfit just for me.”
Hamish could not stop the tremor of desire coursing through him as her eyes devoured him. Any second he was going to have to turn around and go back into his chambers to keep the world from knowing the effect she had on him. Mairead was obviously employing a new tactic. That she would do so was expected, but this particular tactic was not. Worse, her flirting was working . . . at least in part.
After his parting taunt last night, he should have foreseen that she would have changed her approach to discovering his plans to deal with Ulrick with something less direct. However, he wondered if she knew just how much danger she was putting herself in. For her flirting, if she continued it, would eventually work. However, it was going to achieve a far different goal than she had in mind. He could only withstand Mairead’s carnal looks and sensual words for so long before he kissed her again and in such a way that she would never be satisfied by any other man.
Her new approach was dangerous on one level but not in the least on another. Did she really think that being charming would make him susceptible to divulging just anything? If so, she was going to be disappointed. He was a master at the art of flirting. He usually did not use it as a ploy to achieve his own agenda, but this was an exception. He could not remember being so eager to flirt with a woman.
Leaning down so their faces were only inches apart, he purred, “You like playing with fire.”
She smiled up at him, pretending to be completely unfazed. “I do. In fact, I love to play with it. And if I ever found the right man, imagine the hours of fun we would have.”
Hamish forced his jaw to unclench. Ó mo chreach, she was good. Lucky for him he was better. “You forget. I don’t have to imagine. And if you are craving one of my kisses, all you need to do is ask. I’m more than willing to comply, m’aingeal seòlta beag.”
Mairead swallowed at his newest endearment. His breathy tone made “cunning little angel” sound like a compliment, but it was also a hint that he had already figured out her plan and was keen to see it fail. His green eyes had grown dark, daring her to continue the game she had started. Mairead needed no more convincing to know she was not going to be able to use flirtation to trick Hamish into giving away any tidbits about his plan. However, she also knew that the man was not completely unaffected by her actions. She might eventually have to admit defeat, but it did not have to be now.
“I don’t believe you,” she said softly, both surprised and elated that her voice was smooth and steady. “I think it was me who inspired you to shave.” Her lips curled upward, with just a hint of challenge.
Hamish returned her smile with one of his own. “Perhaps you are right, aingeal. But then who could blame me? God made a mouth like yours for a man to kiss.”
Mairead fought the compulsion to prove him right and instead slightly shrugged her shoulders. “It is unfortunate for you men then, as the Lord gave this mouth to me to do with as I will. And after kissing half the men around here, I can say with confidence, my lips prefer to be left alone.”
Without warning, sparks of jealousy ignited in Hamish. She had to be exaggerating and he wanted to demand to know exactly how many men she had kissed, but he knew the answer would not matter. For it riled him that even one other man knew what she tasted like. “If you really feel that way, then that only means you have never been properly kissed.”
“Hmm,” Mairead said with a sigh. Then she tapped her finger against her chin and asked, “Are you also including the one you gave me?”
She was goading him and he was seconds away from reminding her of just how good it felt to be held in his arms. “I think you were more rattled by it than you let yourself admit.”
Mairead’s hazel eyes widened. “Oh, but I was rattled. Robert is married to my sister, which practically makes me your sister.” The reminder was less aimed at him and more at herself for she was close to doing something incredibly foolish—like throwing herself into his arms—despite the people mulling about and the inevitable consequences.
“I may be many things,” Hamish growled, “but I am not your brother.”
Mairead swallowed. His tone was intimidating . . . which meant her words had actually hit a nerve. It was only fair, she told herself. He had hit several of hers. “But we are family.”
“By marriage only.” Hamish snatched her hand and pulled her close. “Your pulse is racing, proving you are not as disinterested as you sound. But do not worry, m’aingeal anamúil, I will not kiss you again . . . at least not until you ask.”
Hamish then took a step back and let her wrist go. Mairead rubbed it, hoping it would hush the unwelcome, impractical, and very inappropriate inner voice begging her to ask him for just one kiss. Forcing the crazed thought away, Mairead produced the most stunning smile she could muster. “I expect you to keep that promise despite the torment it is going to cause you. Just imagine what my lips would feel like now that you could actually kiss them.”
Hamish’s green eyes grew brighter and he felt his own heart stammer for a second. Mairead was playing with fire and she knew it. She knew there was no way he would yield to their desires, at least not in their current public forum. The clever minx was getting back at him for recognizing her latest ploy and, in a way, he admired her all the more for it. She truly was every bit the feisty angel he just named her to be. Worse, she was correct that his vow to stay away was undoubtedly going to be torture.
With a clap of his hands, Hamish said nonchalantly, “As you have made it clear that nothing more interesting is going to happen here, or at least not in the near future, I am going to get something to eat and then see Robert.”
Mairead had caught his look of anticipation of a challenge and wondered if her own hazel depths reflected the same eagerness. When he moved around her, she turned and fell into step beside him, “You will need more than your charm to see Robert today. My sister would not let even little Rab in this morning, despite his sweet pleas.”
Hamish pursed his lips at the news. “Until when?”
“I’m unsure. Selah came down a while ago, relieved that Robert had finally gone to sleep. She had made it clear that whoever woke him would find themselves living outside of the castle walls until he was well again. That’s why most are avoiding being near the keep. Everyone is making themselves scarce less they be blamed in case he awakes.”
Mairead watched Hamish consider what she said and then glance up at the window that was Robert’s room. She knew he was concerned for his brother but also knew that now was not the time for him to make inquiries. “If her decree included me—which it did—I’m certain it includes you as well.” Mairead crossed her arms and flashed him a wicked, but victorious look. “I suggest the next time you decide to improve your appearance, you awaken much earlier. It obviously takes a good deal of time.”
Hamish returned her triumphant look with one of his own. “Ah, but if I had, then I would have robbed you the joy of pacing by my door and wondering just who was in there with me.”
Mairead momentarily froze. He had heard her when she had whispered about what else he could be doing in his room. Of course he had! He had been in there chipping away at the monstrosity growing from his face at the time.
Anger replaced mortification and Mairead felt her hands ball into fists at her sides as he pushed open the door that led into the kitchens. Just before he entered, he glanced back at her, wearing that sappy “I won” grin of his again.
Smile while you can, Hamish, for I will learn what I want to know, Mairead vowed to herself. And then it will be me smiling at you.
* * *
Hamish stepped into the kitchens, hoping Mairead would be gone by the time he came back out. Despite what he said, Mairead was family. But his problem had less to do with who Mairead was and more with what she was doing to him. And now that she was countering his comments with flirtatious ones of her own, conversations with her were even more enjoyable, and therefore even more dangerous.
Hamish felt his stomach turn just before it growled. He needed to divert his thoughts to something he could control—like eating. He turned the corner and was glad to see the tight ringlets of graying blond hair pulled into a frizzy knot. He coughed and immediately the petite, round figure turned. Hellie’s plump face immediately lit up. “Hamish!”
“Thank God you are still here, Hellie,” he said, and then gave a quick peck on her soft, wrinkled cheek. “Without you I think I would starve.”
Hellie had been a cook for the MacBrieve clan for years and had quickly became a lead cook when they had come to Foinaven twelve years ago. She was older now, but her deep-set eyes remained a vibrant blue and she still wore an ever-present smile. Hamish knew the food from her kitchens would be the envy of all around if she could just muster the strong personality it took to lead those around her.
Hellie patted his clean-shaven cheek. “You look much better. The good Lord never intended you to hide your handsome face, otherwise he would not have given you those dimples. Here,” she said, handing him a fairly large leg bone. “A growing boy needs his food. Now go play.”
Hamish flashed her a disarming grin and took the bone. “I’m a man now, Hellie. I work, not play.”
He then reached for a piece of bread, but Hellie gently swatted his hand. She then made a shooing gesture toward the door. “And I am an old woman now and know quite well that all men want only to play. Now go.”
Hamish nodded in agreement and took a bite. It was good and juicy. He almost wanted to go in and get some more knowing that if he waited until the next meal, the meat would be dry and tough from being overcooked in an effort to keep it warm.
Instead, he exited the kitchens and was trying to decide just which of Robert’s remaining soldiers he wanted to visit first when Mairead tapped his shoulder. “Hello.”
Mo chreach. She had been waiting for him. Though part of him had hoped she wouldn’t be, an even greater part was glad that she was. But she did not need to know that.
Hamish pasted on a frown and glanced to his side. Mairead was casually leaning against the wall. Her body was relaxed, but there was no mistaking the determination in her eyes. “You intend to follow me again?” he asked, surprised at how much he hoped she would say yes.
Mairead shook her head. “You made it clear that such efforts would be a waste.”
Hamish shifted to join her against the wall and began to look around the courtyard. The last thing he needed her to see was his disappointment.
“So I’ve decided to do as you suggested yesterday,” she continued, refusing to believe his disinterest. “I’m not going to follow you. I am going to join you.”
Hamish stopped mid-bite. “I never said that.”
Mairead shrugged, secretly clapping herself on the back for being right. Hamish might pretend to be indifferent to her presence, but he was anything but. The man did not want her with him probably because she would learn something he did not want her to know.
When Hamish had entered the kitchens, she had meditated on the prudency of spending the day with a man whom she had barely lasted ten minutes flirting with, but now she had no doubt. “You certainly implied it.”
“I did not,” Hamish countered, and then wrenched off a piece of meat. “Besides,” he added after swallowing, “what I have planned for today would be boring.”
“Are you still meeting with the guards?”
“Aye.”
“Maybe it would be boring for some, but I think hearing you discover their strengths and abilities would be fascinating.”
“I doubt it. In the end, you will have spent the day futilely learning nothing more about my plans than you already know.”
Mairead tilted her head, bestowing on him a smile that made it clear she did not believe him. “It’s a risk I am willing to take.”
Hamish arched a brow.
Mairead shrugged her shoulders. “If you truly wish to visit the men alone, just tell me your plans and I promise to walk away right now.”
Hamish started to laugh. “You would not. Doing that would only increase your curiosity.”
Simply caving to an ultimatum rarely worked from what he had seen. The few times he had witnessed Conor try it with Laurel it almost always backfired. Probably because Conor never fully conceded, but it was also largely due to the fact that his answers tended to generate more questions and interest. Their discussions only ended when Laurel was ready for them to end, and not before. Conor said the trick was revealing only what was needed to satisfy a woman’s curiosity. Either too little or too much information would result in her continuing interference and questioning. Unfortunately, until now, this “ability” was not one Hamish had ever needed to learn how to do.
Hamish was trying to think of something that would placate Mairead, at least for today, when Jaime spotted him and ran to his side. The tall, lanky young man proudly held up his newly sharpened sword for him to inspect. “I went to the smithy just as you suggested,” he announced.
Mairead blinked and studied Jaime. Gone was the loathing that had at one time filled the lad’s brown eyes. Now they shined with eagerness for approval. What had happened to change the young man who had been so angry and humiliated in the great hall to the one standing before her?
Hamish grasped the handle and maneuvered the large blade in the air. “Good balance. Nice length. Just don’t forget what I told you,” he said, handing the weapon back.
Jaime bobbed his head up and down. “We all remember every word and really appreciate everything, but I best get back to helping my father with the farm.” Then with only a quick nod to Mairead acknowledging she was even there, Jaime hustled toward the castle gates.
Shocked, Mairead once again found herself opening and closing her mouth as she tried to understand exactly what she had just witnessed. “You went and found those men? You spoke with them?”
Hamish shrugged, thinking the answer obvious based on what Jaime had just said. “Aye.”
She threw her hands in the air. “I honestly cannot believe they even looked at you after you were so cruel.”
Hamish took another bite and wished he had some ale to wash the meat down. “I was not cruel,” he finally countered. “I was honest. There is a difference. And I knew they all agreed with me. Even Jaime, despite his being so angry at the time.”
“Still, that doesn’t explain his complete change of attitude or why he decided he needed a new sword.”
Hamish chomped off the last bite of meat and dropped the bone down in front of a hopeful dog, which quickly grabbed the prize and ran away from possible competition. “It’s not that surprising. It is the right of every Highlander to own a decent sword and know how to use it. And despite what you thought, I did not want to discourage them. I just wanted to shake them up enough to realize that their current training methods would never bear anything fruitful. The untrained cannot teach one another the art of battle. Now it’s their responsibility to go and find someone who can and will instruct them how to handle a sword.”
“But why can’t that be you?”
Hamish chuckled and shook his head. “Because it takes years and I’m only going to be here a short time, that’s why.”
“But then they will learn from Ulrick.”
“I knew you didn’t trust me,” he said, his voice holding a tinge of exasperation. He wiped the grease from his hands on his tartan and began to walk toward the large, lone tower at the other end of the bailey.
“Fine, even if you do take care of Ulrick, once you leave, there will be no one else to train them,” Mairead pressed. Then her face lit up and she scurried to catch up with him. “Unless, of course, your plan also addresses that situation.”
Hamish chuckled to himself. She was good at wheedling information. “A good plan always includes many options.”
Mairead lifted her skirt to help her walk faster and keep up with him despite his quick gait. “Do you mean that?”
He glanced down at her but did not slow his stride. “Aye.”
Mairead could not believe it. Had Hamish really just admitted to the possibility of ensuring that someone—who was not Ulrick—would be left in charge of the men? Someone qualified enough to train Jaime and the others? Suddenly other possibilities opened up before her.
Hamish had made it clear that he was not seeking help from the McTiernays, but they were not the only powerful clan he knew. The McTiernays had allies. Maybe he knew of someone who wanted more than to be a soldier. Someone perfect for the position of commander and just needed the opportunity. If so, it reopened a possibility she had almost given up on. Marriage.
Hamish opened the tower door that led to the stairwell. He paused to let Mairead step in before him. “If you are thinking that a McTiernay army is one of my choices, I’ve told you before—”
Mairead held up her hand, stopping him from finishing his sentence. “After last night’s discussion, I am in agreement with you and no longer believe a large army is the solution.”
Hamish held her gaze for several seconds. Mairead’s brilliant green and gold eyes did not waver. Nor did they sparkle with frustration. They instead radiated with confidence. “Speak your mind, aingeal. You obviously think you know something. You may not be smiling, but the glee shining from your eyes is practically lighting up this dark room.”
Mairead did grin then. She could not help herself. “Why I know nothing of your plans, but if what you said about Jaime is true, then I just might have plans of my own.”
Hamish’s eyes narrowed. “And I suppose you are going to refuse to tell me them just because I won’t reveal my plans to you?”
Mairead shook her head. “Not at all. I do not have the ability or the resources to keep Ulrick from gaining power, but then you said to trust you on that.”
Hamish squared his jaw and confirmed her statement with a simple “Aye.”
“But when Ulrick is gone, Foinaven will need a new commander—a good one. And based on what you said just now about Jaime getting further training, you have one in mind.”
Hamish crossed his arms. “I make no promises.”
Mairead only smiled at him. “Of course not. Neither do I.”
Another shot of jealousy slammed through Hamish for he knew exactly what she meant. “Just like that?” he asked sharply. “You honestly think a man will succumb to your whim and ask you to marry him just because you want it?”
“Don’t make me sound petulant and spoiled,” Mairead scolded. “I’m aware I don’t hold that kind of allure for men, but I do know that marriage to me would give a commander several benefits.”
Hamish had never heard such nonsense. Mairead possessed more allure than any woman should have. Such power over men was dangerous. But she was right about one thing. If Robert ever took ill one winter and passed away, or if the clan called for stronger leadership, succession to Mairead and her husband was probable. Almost certain if he were commander.
“And,” Mairead continued, “I’m aware that a few well-placed compliments might not win me his affection. Perhaps you could help me.”
“Help you?!” he choked.
Mairead nodded her head, widening her eyes so they appeared sincere. She knew it was only shock keeping him from realizing she was not serious, but until he caught on, she was going to have fun. “I mean I know that you meant nothing with your flirtatious comments, but I did catch your interest enough to want to kiss me. I just want to know what it was and how I can do so again.”
Hamish just stared at her incredulously. He could not decide if she was serious, but fear made him answer as if she was. “Trust me. You do not need any help. You have plenty of allure.” He inhaled. “You also have plenty of opinions,” he muttered as he let the breath out.
“See?” Mairead’s cheerful voice rang out. “You are helping already.”
“Then that’s all the help you’re getting from me,” he grounded out, “because if marriage is what you are really seeking, then I’m the last person from whom you want lessons. My methods tend to repel women.”
“That is not at all surprising,” Mairead replied too readily for his liking. Then after a long pause, she smiled at him and he knew he was in trouble before she even said a word. “So we have a deal.”
“Deal?”
She nodded and looked at him as if it was obvious and already made. “I help you learn how to capture a woman’s heart and in return, you will tell me just what Foinaven’s future commander is looking for in a woman.”
“You’re assuming he isn’t already married.”
That stopped her. She had not thought of that. She looked up at him and concern lit her eye. “Is he?”
Hamish blinked. He didn’t know. He had no idea who would be Foinaven’s next commander. He knew whom he would choose, but Robert was not him and if things worked the way he hoped, there would be a handful of good men to choose from—most of whom were not married.
The concern on Mairead’s face morphed into satisfaction when he said nothing. He knew that she had read from his expression that her crazy idea was possible. She sauntered by and he sought for something to say, but nothing came to him.
By the time she reached the tower stairwell and turned back to gesture for him to follow, Hamish was once again smiling. She had fooled him for a moment, but no longer. There was no way she could have been serious and he should have seen it from the moment she spoke such ludicrousness.
But nonetheless a deal had been struck.
Hamish began to hum to himself as he followed her up the stairwell. Very soon, Mairead was going to discover that her little impromptu and mischievous deal was real and one he intended to use in his favor.
* * *
Hours later, Mairead sat wrapped in a tartan trying not to freeze to death on a tower battlement. How Hamish could sit in the icy wind for hours and look warm when he had to be chilled to the bone was a mystery, but that he was doing so while gabbing about nonsense baffled her to the extreme. All day Hamish had been talking and swapping stories, never repeating even one.
After this group of men, they would have met with nearly all of the soldiers Ulrick had left behind to guard Foinaven. She knew a lot of them were not completely unskilled—Ulrick routinely had all the men train with him, but there was a reason they were left behind to hold sentry duties. Not one of them trusted Ulrick. But based on the questions Hamish had been posing all afternoon, he would never realize their skills or where their true loyalties lay.
She had assumed there would be some discussion about their fighting abilities, weapon preferences, Ulrick’s methods, feelings about being left behind, or at the very least, questions about possible castle defenses. Yet Hamish had made not a single inquiry about anything that would help him prepare or at least understand how Ulrick might strike. All Hamish was interested in was women, food, and drink.
At first, Mairead thought his choice of topics had to do with her. She had vowed to haunt him so he, in return, intended to make her so miserable that she would give up and go away, leaving him to talk about the very things she was interested in hearing. But he had to have known that would not work. Her pride and obstinacy would refuse to allow her to be so easily swayed from her goal. But after wasting a whole morning and part of the afternoon, she was beginning to think that these conversations were what Hamish intended all along!
She was now convinced that her presence was not causing him to avoid subjects but just the opposite. If anything, her being there only helped. A revelation she had after trying to influence the conversation’s direction for the umpteenth time. He took the opportunity to effortlessly turn the topic to something more enjoyable, such as who had done the most outrageous thing to stay awake while on night duty. After seeing Hamish’s genuine interest in their much less interesting tales, the men forgot she was even there, becoming quite candid and open with their responses. She could only conclude that developing some level of comradery with these men was a part of Hamish’s plan. But it had not been part of hers.
Mairead followed Hamish out of the tower and stretched her back. The last session had been the longest. “I think you met with all but the ones who were on duty last night.”
Hamish followed her suit and cracked his neck. “I’ll catch them another time. I’m not in any hurry.”
Mairead fought the compulsion to roll her eyes at the idea of Hamish being in a rush to hear some nonsensical stories from a handful of unremarkable soldiers. “Well, it’s nearly time for dinner. Selah is probably wondering where I am even though she knows I was with you for the day. Still, I must go and prepare, and—”
Two very distinct, very unhappy female voices across the courtyard stopped her mid-sentence. Mairead knew immediately who they were. Both women were a source of constant irritation. Fights occurred between them regularly and one was obviously about to erupt. Someone would have to step in and stop them. Hamish could do it, but based on what she had seen so far, he would do nothing more than stand and watch.
Mairead was not sure how she was going to force Hamish’s involvement in clan matters; she only knew that she needed to find a way. But hearing the increasing volume of shrieks currently being exchanged, Mairead smiled as she was suddenly struck with an idea of just how she could make that happen.
“It won’t be long now,” Mairead forewarned cheerfully.
Hamish looked at her, his brow arched quizzically.
Mairead used her chin to point out two average-height, full-figured women facing each other across the yard and began to amble over to watch the show. “Ava and Sophie are sisters and responsible for cleaning the laundry generated in the keep, which includes me and now you. At least once a week, one of them accuses the other of not doing their fair share of the work or doing it poorly. It never fails to escalate until someone steps in and separates the two.”
Mairead kept to herself that it always fell to her to be the person to separate them as everyone else was afraid of getting hurt. But today, she would simply refuse. Hamish would either have to watch the two women brutally attack each other or finally get involved.
As she predicted, the women’s screams were now being accompanied with hair pulling, as Ava reached out and grabbed Sophie’s brown braid. All-out war between the two women was moments away. “Aren’t you going to do something?” Mairead finally asked, elbowing Hamish once again in his side.
“Why would I?” he asked back, his eyes locked on the two warring women with interest, not even bothering to look at her.
“Because,” Mairead hissed, “they are arguing about you.”
“I know,” came his gleeful reply. This time Hamish spared a second to glance her way and she could see the proud grin across his face. “Who am I to decide which one gets to do my laundry?”
Men! Mairead thought to herself as she realized her folly. She should have realized that the show only would inflate his ego and therefore be the last thing he would want to see end. But then again, if attention was what Hamish enjoyed, Sophie and Ava were also ideally suited to meet those needs.
Mairead rocked back on her heels. “I highly advise you to stop them or you might not like the consequences.”
Tilting his head, Hamish bent down and placed his lips close to her ear so that no one could overhear. “As part of our deal, I feel obligated to let you know that such coercion techniques are highly unattractive to a man.”
Mairead blinked. Deal? What deal? As the memory of her whimsical pact came back to her, her eyes grew large with secret amusement. She kept her gaze on the two women and the physical violence they were inflicting upon each other. “And as part of that deal, I must tell you that listening to a woman’s opinion cannot only be quite rewarding to capturing her heart, it most likely will save you from enormous discomfort.”
Then before he could conceive of a rebuttal, she called out in a singsong voice, “Sophie! Ava! Guess what Hamish just told me?” Hearing his name, instantly the two women paused. Their hands still held a fistful of hair, neither letting go, but both wanted to hear what Mairead said next. “He just mentioned that he needs a chambermaid to assist him during his stay here and is hoping one of you will agree to take the role. But he needs your help deciding who it should be.”
A great sense of satisfaction filled her upon seeing Hamish’s face morph into one of horror as both Sophie and Ava shifted their full attention onto him.
Without another word, Mairead flashed him her most becoming smile, blew him a kiss, and sauntered off, intentionally swaying her hips as she moved.
Next time, Hamish, she thought to herself, I would think twice about dismissing a woman’s suggestions—especially this woman.
* * *
Robert coughed and cleared his throat. “Selah tells me that you both are spending a lot of time together. Is this true?”
Mairead stared at her fork, trying to decide if she should stab her sister with it now or wait until later and do it in private. Could this day become any more unpredictable?
When she had left Hamish in the courtyard, she did not think anything could diminish her joy from teaching Hamish a lesson. Even Selah’s attempts to make her feel guilty about being unavailable for most of the day had not worked. Her good mood though was short-lived. Just before dinner, she bumped into Ava wearing an expression Mairead could not remember the woman ever having.
Ava was happy. Very happy. And with much enthusiasm, she relayed how Hamish had quickly resolved the matter to both women’s immense satisfaction. He originally suggested they take turns, but after talking with them for a few minutes he helped them realize that Ava longed for a break from doing the laundry and that Sophie had no interest in cleaning rooms. She actually enjoyed working with the other women at the river, despite the cold.
Mairead could not decide whether she was frustrated with Hamish’s ability to charm his way out of impossible difficulties or relieved to learn that the regular tirades between the two women had finally come to at least a temporary end. By dinnertime, she had decided that the unlikely happy outcome only proved her motivations were well placed.
Hamish had a gift at turning situations to his advantage, if he so chose. Somehow she had to convince him that he needed to use those skills for the good of the clan. She knew Hamish would never stay, but that did not mean he could not leave a lasting impression on his brother. Robert was many things, including intelligent. He also had an earnest desire to do what was best for the clan. If he could see what a good leader like Hamish could accomplish, there was a good chance Robert might alter some of his methods and beliefs.
Mairead had hoped to launch her campaign at dinner, but her plans were usurped by Robert, who had insisted on joining them against Selah’s wishes, stating he felt much better. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Based on his loud and persistent cough, her sister had been right. He should have remained in bed. Mairead had just been about to join Selah in her efforts to persuade Robert to return to his chambers when out of the blue he asked about her and Hamish. And for the life of her, she could not think of anything to say.
Thankfully, Hamish did not have such a problem. “Just what are you really asking about, Robert?”
Mairead swallowed. Hamish’s posture was relaxed as he sat back against the chair, but his green eyes, normally so warm and full of brilliance, had grown cold, reminding her of marbled rock merchants brought over from the Isles of Iona and Skye. Such a look was terrifying, for Hamish had completely shut down his emotions. As a soldier, the ability made him capable of necessary but horrific deeds. But off the field, it meant he was capable of saying and doing just about anything. This included rising to his feet and leaving Foinaven forever without a single word or feeling of regret.
If Robert also saw the same precarious possibility looming, he did not show it. His own frame was weak and slumped, but his gaze held firm to Hamish’s. “Only that people have seen you both together.”
Mairead continued to stare at her fork. She was tempted to put it down and remind her sister that she had been quite clear about her plans to help Hamish and that of course people had seen them together. But she also knew that many had seen them that morning. She was positive that no one had overheard them based on where they were, but it was possible that they had deduced what she and Hamish were talking about based on a few of her reactions as well as his.
Hamish’s anger, however, was growing. “How so?”
Robert waved a finger at them both. “Only that you have been seen close together on occasion and people are beginning to talk,” he answered, stopping as a coughing spasm took hold.
Selah nodded and patted her husband’s hand. “Most believe you are fighting as several remember your exchange in the courtyard that first day. I’ve assured everyone that you are on friendly terms and just trying to keep your voices low when near the keep because you do not wish to disturb Robert.”
Mairead felt her hand relax. No one suspected the truth. If they had, this conversation would be much different.
“I remember you two being close when Mairead was a child,” Selah continued. “It is only natural that the sibling affinity you once had to still remain.”
Mairead finally put her fork down and tried to gather her racing thoughts. Nothing she felt for Hamish could be categorized as sibling-related, but that did not mean she was not going to cut all but minimal ties with him. She couldn’t. She needed to spend time with the man to learn his plan and decide whether she was going to have to marry, leave, or do nothing.
Mairead looked up and caught Selah’s gaze. “I have no intention of ending the time I’m spending with Hamish. He met with your soldiers, but when it comes to understanding the needs of our clansmen, he needs much help and you, Selah, need to be with Robert. That leaves me.”
Selah, hearing the logic along with the emphatic tone, nodded in agreement.
Hamish’s eyes shifted from Robert to Mairead and instantly, their icy exterior melted and was replaced by an even darker look—one that heated her insides. “I’ve agreed to your company, but as far as your help? I’ve never needed it. Nor do I want it.”
She returned his smoldering glare with one of her own. “After what I saw yesterday and today, you seem to be the most unwitting man ever to walk through these castle gates. You certainly don’t know when to offer assistance and guidance to those in need.”
Hamish squared his jaw. “Did you just call me unwitting?”
“Aye, I did. And I don’t care if a few gossips wag their tongues, I made you a promise the other night and I intend to keep it.”
Selah lifted her hand. “Mairead? What promise?”
Hamish snorted. “When you are wrong, m’aingeal, you are really wrong. If anyone is clueless around here it is you. I’ve only been here four days and I know more and have done more for Foinaven than you can conceive.”
Mairead scoffed. “Oh, ho, I would like to conceive, but all you ever tell me is ‘trust you.’ And when I do, children cause chaos and two men almost kill each other!”
“What promise?” Selah tried again. “And what is this about men—”
“Kill each other?” Hamish bellowed, preventing Selah from finishing her sentence. “Those men didn’t even come close to touching each other.”
“What about the mule practically destroying everything in the courtyard? Or did you just consider that entertainment?”
“What about Ava and Sophie? Wasn’t it you who said they never got along? They practically are singing each other’s praises at the moment.”
“But for how long? Tomorrow, they—”
“I really would like to know about this promise—”
“You have no concept of—”
“Enough!” Robert shouted loudly, surprising everyone into silence, including himself. “Now that I’ve seen the two of you together myself, I’m satisfied. Now, before I begin to cough again and make you worry unnecessarily, dear,” he said, squeezing Selah’s hand and rising to his feet, “let us leave.”
Relief filled Selah’s features and she quickly got to her feet. “It is about time. I’m serious, Robert. Your cough is not getting better and it is because you refuse to stay in bed where it is warm.”
“You’re probably right, dear, but will it matter that my body is healthy if my mind has gone mad with boredom?”
Selah sighed and shook her head in surrender. “Mairead, I want to hear more about that promise, but until then will you check on Rab? He was so tired today after their outing. Noma put him down to sleep, but I want to make sure that if he wakes he has something to eat.”
Mairead nodded. “I will take care of it.” She immediately started preparing a small plate of food. When finished, she grabbed it and her own plate and started to leave.
“Refusing to eat when it is just you and me?” Hamish drawled out. “And I thought you were serious about haunting my every step.”
Mairead stopped and turned around upon hearing the implied challenge. “If you want a woman’s company, you will have far more success if you just ask her to stay. Consider that my last free lesson on women, Hamish MacBrieve. Our deal is now concluded.”
Hamish watched her leave, knowing he should not have incited her company, but their discussions were challenging and lively and of all things honest. And based on the way her hips were swaying back and forth she felt the same.
Mo chreach, he liked it.