Highlander of My Heart (Mcardle Sisters of Courage 1)

Sorrell stood in front of the closed door, took a fortifying breath to keep calm and keep her tears from falling, and opened the door. As soon as Willow popped up from the chair and Snow turned toward the door, Sorrell’s name spilling from her lips with worry, Sorrell burst into tears.

“How is my sister?” James asked.

Ruddock was pleased that the first thing out of James’s mouth when he entered the solar was to inquire about Sorrell. Though, he didn’t expect anything less, having come to know James.

“She does well enough,” Ruddock said to ease James’s concern.

“What you’re saying is that it doesn’t concern me, but I disagree. Sorrell is my sister and I will see her kept safe.”

“That is my task now that I’m her husband.”

“And a heavy task at that,” Tarass threw in, handing Ruddock a goblet of wine. “She has a penchant for speaking her mind when she shouldn’t and for getting herself into unlikely situations… for a woman.”

Ruddock smiled. “Life will never be dull with her.”

“That’s for certain,” James said and raised his goblet. “To you and my sister Sorrell, may you know endless happiness.”

Tarass raised his goblet. “And may your patience never wear thin, since she will test it endlessly.”

They all drank to the good wishes.

“You do know I won’t pledge my loyalty to you,” Tarass said.

“I never expected you to, though I will ask for your friendship, since we are close neighbors.”

“And would your father approve? I assume he has sent you to conquer the area,” Tarass said. “Of course, marrying into the Clan Macardle was a bloodless way to conquer. And with MacLoon owing you for coming to his aid, he’d have no choice but to pledge his fealty to the Clan Northwick. As for Seth MacCannish, his land borders mine and with his pledge you have a clan at my doorstep. Quite an achievement with nothing more than the exchange of vows.”

“Is that why you came here? To wed one of the Macardle sisters and lay claim to the clan?” James demanded, an angry crease to his brow.

Ruddock shook his head as though the question was absurd. “You truly believe that Sorrell would have been my choice if that were true?”

“He makes a good point, James,” Tarass said. “Willow would have been the sensible choice. She is reasonable and adapts to situations quite easily. Snow would not have been a thought since she is blind and would be more of a burden than a benefit.”

James turned a questioning eye on Ruddock. “Then what was your reason for coming here?”

“Your clan wasn’t my destination. I was searching for someone and that search brought me in this direction. I wanted nothing more than shelter and food from you for a day or two, then I met Sorrell.”

“Are you saying it was a coincidence that you arrived here shortly after Walsh MacLoon reached out to your father for help?” James asked skeptically.

“I need not explain myself to you, James. What is done is done.”

“And I’m to accept that and entrust my sister to you without knowing the truth of it all?” James argued.

“All you need to know right now is that I would never harm your sister or see her harmed. I will always protect her and the Clan Macardle as well. I will leave men here to help you prepare for winter. They will hunt and make certain your food sheds are full so that no one goes hungry, and they will protect the clan from any possible harm.”

“That is generous of you,” James said, his shoulders broadening some as if a weight had been lifted off them.

“There is also no need now for Willow to be forced to wed,” Ruddock said, looking to Tarass.

“You’re right, there isn’t. With your influx of wealth to the Clan Macardle, James is no longer in need of my support.”

“Willow will wed a man of her choice,” Ruddock said.

James smiled. “She will be as pleased as am I. She is a sensible woman and will make a wise choice when the time comes.” His smile faltered. “One other thing, you mentioned you would leave men here. Does that mean you and Sorrell will not be making your home here?”

“Aye, we’ll reside in my home,” Ruddock said.

“And how far is that from her sisters,” James asked.

“A good three days’ ride,” Ruddock said with a slight cringe.

“I see you understand the problem. Sorrell will not want to be that far from her sisters.”

“She has no choice,” Tarass said.

“We’re talking about Sorrell,” James reminded them.

Tarass raised his goblet and smiled. “Good luck.”

Ruddock didn’t want to think about Sorrell’s response when she learned she would be a distance from her sisters. There were other matters that required his attention, matters much easier to handle.

“We will talk more before I leave, James, but right now I will have a private word with Tarass.”