They rode the rest of the way in silence and it nearly killed him. He’d have welcomed her anger. He could have hardened himself against a Moira MacNaughton like temper-tantrum. But this was much worse. Ailsa drew shuddering breaths, trying to regain control, only to break again and weep.

How could he have done this? He had crushed her.

But it was too late. The Grants needed the ransom money and the course had been set. There was nothing he could do to fix it.

By the time Lucas rode into the bailey, Ailsa had stopped crying. Her eyes were puffy and red, her cheeks were blotchy but her jaw was set as if she were determined not to break again.

His brother Robert met him. “Lucas, we didn’t expect ye back quite so soon. Where are the men who accompanied ye?” His brows drew together as he took in Ailsa’s appearance. “And who’s this?”

Lucas didn’t want to go into everything here. He dismounted and lifted Ailsa down, taking a firm hold of her elbow lest she bolt. “It’s a long story, Robert. Come with me to see William so I don’t have to tell it twice.”

“Aye, of course. He’s in his solar. But ye’re being impolite, little brother. Ye can at least tell me who she is.”

He strode past his brother, pulling her with him and said simply, “Ailsa MacLennan.”

Robert followed them, chuckling. “Ailsa MacLennan? Laird MacLennan’s sister-in-law? I can’t wait to hear this story.”

When they reached William’s solar, he looked up from his desk and frowned. “What are ye doing back so soon? Ye couldn’t possibly have the betrothal yet.” Then, as if he had just noticed the slip of a lass that Lucas had in tow, his frown deepened. “And, by all that’s holy, who is this? Ye were supposed to be courting Moira MacNaughton.”

“Aye, well it’s a bit of a long story.”

“Of course it is. It always is with ye. I’m all ears.”

Lucas launched into the tale by explaining how he’d come across the Galbraiths who held her captive.

“And why were ye on the road from Edinburgh alone?” asked William.

“William, I know ye’ve never met Moira MacNaughton, but if ye did, ye’d understand why I couldn’t marry her.”

“Damn it all, Lucas.” His brother pounded a fist on his desk. “Ye know why we needed this betrothal. But the fact that ye didn’t want to marry her and therefore defied me doesn’t explain why ye were alone. If ye wanted to leave Edinburgh why didn’t ye have yer guardsmen with ye?”

Lucas knew what he was about to say would infuriate William. “Well, the fact is, I had to leave fast. As fate would have it, Moira did want to marry me. She hinted as much at the Michaelmas feast. I have no doubt her father would have been looking for me the next day to offer a betrothal contract.”

William swore colorfully before saying, “Ye all but had it? And ye didn’t take it?”

“Aye,” said Lucas.

William released another string of expletives before grinding out, “Go on.”

“As angry as ye are now, I knew ye’d have my cods if a betrothal was offered and I declined. At least by not being there to address it, I wouldn’t insult Laird MacNaughton with a refusal. So I couldn’t risk him finding me.”

William shook his head in frustration. “I might have yer cods anyway. I can’t believe ye were reckless enough to sneak away without yer guardsmen.”

Where had Lucas heard this before? He cast a sidelong glance at Ailsa and wasn’t surprised to see a “who’s-colossally-stupid-now?” look on her face. Turning his attention back to his brother, he said, “William, ye must believe me. Moira was the most annoying creature I have ever encountered. I know ye wanted this betrothal because of…” Nay, he couldn’t say because of the dowry she’d bring in front of Ailsa. “…because it was in the best interests of the clan. But I simply could not marry her. And before ye lose the last vestiges of yer temper, let me finish my story. Ye won’t be disappointed.”

Lucas continued to tell him how he saved the lass from the Galbraiths only to find out she was Ailsa MacLennan. At that pronouncement, his brother did look pleasantly surprised.

Lucas shrugged. “Well, I figured she’d bring us as much ransom as she’d bring them, only she’d come to no harm with us.” He told the rest of the story as quickly as possible, explaining how he had managed to get her to stay with him and why he thought it had been necessary. This was as much for Ailsa’s ears as his brothers’. Maybe if she could come to believe he’d misled her to keep her safe, she’d forgive him.

When Lucas had finished, William sat back in his chair, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “So ye’re Ailsa MacLennan?”

She had been sullen and silent until then. “Would ye believe me if I denied it? Or maybe I should just try to mislead ye, as Lucas did me.”

“Is this wee, sharp tongue preferable to Moira MacNaughton, Lucas?” asked Robert.

“Infinitely,” Lucas assured him.

William shook his head. “I’d have preferred the betrothal, but ye’re right, a hefty ransom is welcome as well.”

Lucas nodded. “I thought as much.”

Ailsa looked furious. “Ye’re all horrible men.”

“Mind yer tongue, lass,” warned Robert. “As far as I can see, ye got yerself into this situation and ye should consider yerself lucky to have avoided whatever fate laid in store for ye with the Galbraiths.”

Lucas scowled at him. “Robert, she knows that. There’s no need to make her feel worse.”

Robert arched an eyebrow. “Then she ought not be so rude.”

Ailsa looked down. Her lower lip trembled.

Certain she was trying to fight off tears again, Lucas growled at his brother, “By the Almighty, Robert, she’s just a lass and she’s frightened enough.”

Robert snorted. “Then she’d do well not to antagonize us.”

“Wheesht. Both of ye,” said William, irritability. He stood up, went to the door and shouted for his squire. “Alder!”

The boy was there in an instant. “Ye called me, Laird?”

“Aye. Sir Lucas has brought us a MacLennan to ransom.”

The boy’s eyes went wide as he glanced quickly towards Ailsa.

William continued, “Lad, I need for ye to go tell Lady Nina. Ask her to have Hannah see that a room in the south tower is prepared.”

“Aye, Laird.”

“Then tell Gil we’ll need a guard posted outside the room at all times. Have him send someone here now to take her up.”

“Aye, Laird.”

Lucas glanced at Ailsa. She had lost the battle against tears and they slid silently down her cheeks. He put a hand on her shoulder. “Ailsa, lass, don’t cry. Everything will be sorted out soon enough. William will send the ransom request, Laird MacLennan will pay it and ye’ll be back at Brathanead before ye know it. Until then, ye’re safe here. I promise ye.”

She wiped away the tears on her face and nodded, but she looked so forlorn it caused his heart to ache. Lucas wanted to do something to make her feel better. “William, we’ve been traveling for days and Ailsa only has the clothes on her back. Can we arrange for her to have some fresh garments?”

“Aye. I’ll ask Nina to take care of it.”

“And have a bath sent up?”

Robert snorted. “A bath? Ye want a bath sent up to a tower room? For a prisoner?”

William shook his head. “Aye, Lucas. That’s asking quite a lot.”

“Then perhaps Nina and a maid can take her to the bathing room before ye send her up?”

William gave him a quizzical look but said, “Aye, I suppose that would be acceptable—as long as a guardsman is stationed outside the door.”

Lucas bent down a little to peer into her eyes. “There now, Ailsa. Ye see? Ye’ll be treated well here.” He expected and, truth be told, wanted a cheeky answer from her. It would be a sign that she was regaining some of her spirit. But she turned her head away from him and remained silent.

Again, he was keenly aware of having lost something. But, damn it all, she was being treated well. He told himself he needed to let it go—she had no reason to pout.

Still, he missed the cheerful, bubbly lass he’d shared the last few days with.

“Go on, Lucas. Get something to eat and then ye could probably use a bath and rest,” said William.

Lucas frowned. “I’d rather wait until Ailsa is settled.”

“Nonsense,” said Robert. “She’s in good hands. Let’s go.”

William’s brow knitted for an instant before saying, “Aye, just as ye said, she’ll be treated well and she’s my responsibility now. Go eat.”

“But she has only had an oatcake to eat today too. Let her come with me and I’ll see she’s fed.”

“Nay,” said William, somewhat sharply. “I’m perfectly capable of seeing that she gets something to eat. Go on, now.”

Lucas opened his mouth to argue, but at William’s quelling expression, he simply nodded and followed Robert from the solar. Still he couldn’t help but feel he’d abandoned her.

~ * ~

Ailsa’s emotions were a jumble as she watched Lucas walk out of the solar—leaving her. She should be pleased to be rid of him, but in spite of everything, he was the only familiar thing here and suddenly she felt very alone.

She couldn’t remember having ever been as angry and scared as she had been when she found out who Lucas really was. She had enjoyed his company during their journey and had made what she thought would be warm, happy memories.

Then, as Lucas told his brothers the events of the last few days, she relived every moment. Only this time it was with the knowledge of who he really was and what his motives had been. Those happy memories were ruined. It had been like biting into a beautiful apple only to find it rotten inside.

Not only had she been angry, and sad, and hurt, but she also felt like a prime eejit. And yet, as had been pointed out to her now on more than one occasion, she’d gotten herself into this. Not only by eluding her guardsmen in Edinburgh, but also by both trusting Lucas and falling in love with him. It crushed her to realize all of the wonderful things he’d done for her had only been to keep her safe so he’d have a hostage to ransom.

Laird Grant interrupted her miserable musing. “Ailsa, please sit down.”

“Aye, Laird,” she said dejectedly and sat in the chair he’d motioned her towards.

“I know all of this has come as quite a shock to ye.”

She looked up and nodded, but didn’t trust herself to speak without bursting into tears again.

Laird Grant smiled kindly. “Ye believed the charming devil that is my brother had saved ye from a fate worse than death, only to learn that he isn’t the shining hero ye thought he was.”

Her mouth fell open in shock. Laird Grant had absolutely nailed the source of her distress. “Aye,” was all she could say.

Laird Grant canted his head, as if sizing her up. “I wonder if—”

Before he could tell her what he wondered, the door to the solar opened and in walked a slightly plump woman who looked to be in her mid-twenties, about the same age as Ailsa’s sister Gillian.

“William, what’s this I hear about preparing a tower room for a MacLennan? That doesn’t seem to be a wise course, even if ye do post a guard. What is the dungeon for if not to hold dangerous prisoners?” She stopped and frowned as soon as she saw Ailsa. “By everything that’s good and holy, ye’re but a lass.” She turned her attention back to her husband. “William, is this lass yer MacLennan prisoner?” Her voice held a note of censure.

“Aye, Nina. This is Ailsa MacLennan, Lady MacLennan’s sister. Ailsa, this is Lady Nina Grant, my wife.” He explained briefly what Lucas and done and how she managed to be in their custody. He ended by saying, “So, she’ll be our guest for a while—until Laird MacLennan pays the ransom we’ll ask for her.”

Nina looked at Ailsa, her expression full of pity. “William, ye don’t mean to keep this poor lass locked up as a prisoner.”

“Aye, Nina, I do. But I’m not unreasonable. Ye can provide her with whatever she needs to be comfortable.”

“Well, I’d planned to do that, but is it really necessary to lock her up. That seems much too cruel.”

“Nina, she is a prisoner.”

Nina frowned severely. “She’s a lass.”

Ailsa was too miserable to care that they were talking about her as if she wasn’t there.

Laird Grant harrumphed. “I don’t wish to argue about this. I will take no risks with her. If she is not locked up she might try to escape and get hurt doing so. We can’t afford to anger the MacLennans more.”

“Surely there is some other way. I can’t stand the idea of her being locked up all of the time.”

Laird Grant folded his arms over his chest looking as if he were prepared to stand firm.

Lady Nina changed her tone. “Please, William. Surely she can be allowed out of her chamber occasionally. Perhaps she could eat her meals with us?”

He sighed. “I suppose we could do that if it will soothe yer sensibilities. I will allow her out of her chamber for the midday and evening meals as long as she is always accompanied by a guard.”

Lady Nina considered this before nodding. “Aye, I suppose that isn’t too horrible.”

Laird Grant smiled indulgently at his wife. “Ye’ve a kind heart, Nina. Take her now and see that she’s fed. She’ll need some suitable clothing. I’ve also agreed that she can have a bath in the bathing room as long as ye and a maid stay with her, and a guard is posted outside the door.”

“Aye, William, I’ll see to her.” She turned her attention to Ailsa. “Oh, lass, ye must be so frightened, but don’t fash yerself. Ye’ll come to no harm here. Come with me and we’ll see ye settled.”

Lady Grant was a welcome surprise. Warm and friendly, she fussed over Ailsa as if she were an honored guest instead of a hostage. She took Ailsa to the kitchen first.

“Ye must be starving.”

“Aye, my lady. Truth told, I am. I’ve only had a single oatcake today.”

She shook her head, tsking. “Lucas was a beast not to feed ye.”

“Oh, nay, my lady. He shared what food he had, sometimes going without himself. It’s just that when he left Edinburgh, he thought he’d be traveling alone, so he only brought enough for one person.”

“One person? What about his guardsmen?”

“Evidently, he left without them.”

Nina looked shocked. “He left without them? How utterly reckless. He could have been killed or captured.”

Ailsa gave her a wry smile. Laird Grant had said as much. It would appear for all his bluster about her irresponsible choice, he had done almost the same thing. “Aye, he could have, couldn’t he? And he had the nerve to call me colossally stupid for eluding my guard.”

“Well now, sweetling, it wasn’t a wise move for either of ye. I’m just thankful that nothing tragic happened.”

“Nothing tragic happened to him,” Ailsa muttered under her breath.

Lady Grant guided Ailsa to a chair at the table and addressing one of the women working in the kitchen said, “Helen, please get our guest something to eat.”

In moments, Helen had placed a large bowl of stew and several bannocks in front of her.

“Thank ye,” said Ailsa before tucking in. After a few bites she said, “This may be the best stew I’ve ever eaten.”

Helen smiled. “I’m glad ye like it, but then hunger is the best spice.”

Before Ailsa had finished eating, a slender, young blonde woman, whose belly was slightly rounded with child, rushed into the kitchen. “Oh, there ye are, Nina. I just heard a rumor that Lucas captured a MacLennan lass.”

“It isn’t a rumor, Emily.” Nina gestured toward Ailsa. “This is Ailsa MacLennan. She’s Lady MacLennan’s sister. Ailsa, this is Emily. She’s married to Laird Grant’s other brother, Robert.”

“I’ve met Sir Robert,” said Ailsa. “Good afternoon, my lady.”

“’Tis a pleasure to meet ye, Ailsa. This must be horrible for ye. I can’t imagine being kidnapped and held somewhere against my will. How perfectly dreadful. And ye’re so very young. Why ye’re little more than a wee lassie. What are ye? Ten and six?”

Ailsa didn’t think she looked that young. But then again she knew after all she’d been through, she was somewhat bedraggled. “I’m ten and eight.”

“Well, ye’re not at all what we were expecting.” She leaned in, as if to convey a secret. “But, honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to Lucas marrying Moira MacNaughton.”

Nina frowned. “Emily, be a little charitable. Moira couldn’t have been much more than ten or so when her mama died.”

“Lots of people lose their mothers at a young age and they don’t turn out like Moira. Nay, Nina, I told ye when William decided to seek a betrothal with her that it was a mistake. None of ye had met her more than just in passing, but I have and she’s simply horrible.”

“Emily, now isn’t the best time to discuss this.”

“Perhaps not,” she said. “Still I can’t say I’m disappointed. On the other hand, I am shocked that Lucas kidnapped ye, Ailsa. I mean to say, he’s a rogue, there’s no question about that. But I didn’t think he’d do this.”

Nina looked exasperated. “Emily, really.”

“Ye can’t deny it, Nina.”

Nina shook her head in exasperation. “That’s enough now. I think we need a change of subject. Ailsa will need some clean clothing. I fear she’d be lost in anything of mine. Do ye have some things ye might loan her?”

“Oh, aye, of course I do. In fact, I have several things I can’t wear anymore.” She rested her hand on the top of her belly.

“Excellent. I would greatly appreciate it if ye would gather them and give all but one outfit to Hannah. She can put them in the chamber that’s being prepared. Then bring the other one to the bathing room so Ailsa has something to wear after her bath.”

“I’d be happy to. I won’t be a trice.” Emily flashed Ailsa a warm smile before rushing out of the kitchen again.

When she’d gone, Nina smiled, shaking her head. “The truth be told, I wasn’t looking forward to Emily Chattan coming here when she married Robert, but she grows on ye.”

After eating her fill, having a hot bath, and changing into clean clothes, Ailsa was beginning to feel a bit more hopeful. The Grants were not at all what she expected and she couldn’t help but like both Nina and Emily.

“Now, Ailsa,” said Nina, “I expect ye’re exhausted after this whole ordeal. I’ll show ye to yer room and ye can have a rest this afternoon.”

Ailsa supposed the compassionate woman didn’t want to come right out and say, it’s time to lock ye in the tower. The Grant women had been so kind to her, until that moment she’d almost forgotten that she was a captive. But climbing the stairs to the fourth floor of the tower, followed closely by a dour guard was more than enough of a reminder. When she heard the lock click after Nina had left, despair washed over Ailsa again.

She tried to tell herself she wouldn’t be here long. She was sure Fingal would pay the ransom as soon as possible.

But how soon was possible?

She thought about this as she combed and braided her hair. If Laird Grant sent a messenger to Brathanead tomorrow maybe it would only be a day or so before Gillian paid the ransom and another day for Ailsa to travel to Brathanead.

She might be home in three or four days.

But what if he sends the message to Brathanead and Gillian can’t arrange for the ransom to be paid without Fingal? Or Laird Grant decides to send the message to Fingal in Edinburgh?

That would take an additional four or five days. So nine days at most before she was home.

But what if takes longer than a day for Fingal to get the funds needed?

That might add a few more days. Fine. It might be a fortnight before she was home.

But what if Fingal has to return to Brathanead before he can see that the ransom is paid. Or what if he has to raise the money first. Or what if the weather is foul, slowing everything down?

She sighed. She might be home in three or four days, but it could be a good deal longer. That thought brought on a fresh wave of tears. Ailsa buried her face in her pillow and sobbed until exhaustion overcame her and she slept.

She woke hours later when her guard knocked on the door and entered.

“The evening meal is being served. Ye’re to come downstairs with me now.”

“Aye, just give me a moment to wash my face and freshen up.” She started to walk to the wash stand and he strode across the room, grabbing her by her elbow.

“I said, ye’re expected downstairs, now.” He led her none too gently towards the door.

She jerked her elbow out of his grasp. “Ye’re hurting me.”

He grabbed her elbow again, and bent down until his face was inches from hers. “Ye’re a prisoner and ye’ll do as ye’re told. Do ye understand me?”

“Aye,” she said, frightened.

He pulled her towards the door, out of the room and down the stairs.

It was all she could do to keep from stumbling as they went.

When they reached the great hall, he continued to drag her past the trestle tables towards the head table where Laird Grant and his family were taking their seats.

Lucas wasn’t there, but before they reached the table she heard his voice behind them practically bellow, “Archie! What in the hell are ye doing?”

Her guard stopped and turned to face him.

“I was told to bring the prisoner to the hall for dinner.”

Lucas had reached them by this time. “It isn’t necessary to be so rough with her.” He pulled Ailsa’s elbow from Archie’s grip.

“She’s a MacLennan,” said Archie, sounding genuinely confused.

“Aye, but she’s also just a lass. We can afford to show her kindness.”

Archie looked surprised but didn’t argue.

Lucas gave an irritated huff. “I’ll take her from here.” He put his hand in the small of her back and guided her towards the table. “I’m sorry about that. Did he hurt ye?”

Ailsa shook her head. “Nay, not really.”

“I think he saw ye only as a MacLennan prisoner. I’ll make sure no one makes that mistake again.”

Ailsa’s heart ached. It was small, kind gestures like this that had made her fall in love with him in the first place. But it was all an act. His brother had called him a charming devil and that is all this was—Lucas being charming. He didn’t care a whit about her.

Before he could guide her into a chair, a squeal erupted from the other side of the room. “Uncle Lucas! Ye’re back.” A lass of about six ran towards him as fast as her legs could carry her. Close on her heels was a younger lass and a lad who was perhaps a little younger still.

“Isobel, Maisie, Drew, mind yer manners,” called a nursemaid who held two toddlers by the hand.

But Isobel had thrown all sense of propriety out the window as she hurtled towards her uncle. Lucas went down on one knee and hugged her as she reached him, only to nearly topple over when hit by the force of both Maisie and Drew.

“Children, ye’re behaving like heathens,” called their nursemaid.

“’Tis all right, Ida,” said Lucas. “I’ve missed them too.”

Even the littlest ones stretched their arms out for a hug from their uncle when Ida reached the table with them.

As the children chatted happily with Lucas, Nina touched Ailsa’s arm. “Are ye feeling a bit better? More rested?”

Better? Nay. But she had rested. “Aye, thank ye, my lady. Are these all yer children?” Ailsa asked, wanting to change the subject.

“Good heavens, no. Isobel is our oldest, she just turned six and Maisie is four. The smallest lad is Noah, he’ll be three in a month. The other two are Robert and Emily’s. Drew is five and Flora will also be three next month. Noah is only two days older than Flora. Do ye like children? I believe ye have nieces and nephews too?”

“Aye. Four nieces and three nephews. The oldest ones are five and the youngest was born in June.” They would have greeted her the same way. Right now, she wanted those hugs more than anything in the world. She blinked and swallowed hard to keep tears at bay.

“Well, they do love their Uncle Lucas. I’ve always heard it said that dogs and children are the best judges of character.”

Ailsa frowned. “I’ve heard that too.” I think they’re wrong this time, was on the tip of her tongue but she didn’t say it. There was no point in antagonizing the Grants.