Journey to the Highlands: Robbie and Caralyn (Clan Grant Series Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Glasgow. Dundonald had suggested a priory near the city. A known healer there could help Caralyn with her wounds.
    Dundonald didn’t want to send Robbie with the warriors escorting the lass and her bairns. The high steward wanted him to be available to lead his men the instant fighting began. They received word there had been little movement by the Norsemen, however, so Dundonald allowed him to go. Robbie could ensure their safe travel to Glasgow, spend one night there, then return to camp within a day.
    Robbie had to admit to himself that he wasn’t just leading the expedition because he could do it best. Having missed out on many of his brothers’ escapades, he now understood why saving someone held such meaning. He felt an unexpected and powerful need to protect Caralyn, Gracie, and Ashlyn. The feeling consumed him.
    Ashlyn rode in front of Caralyn, and he noticed she kept an eye on everything Robbie did. Gracie had insisted in riding with him again, which had shocked Caralyn. The wee lass was asleep again on his lap, not the least bit concerned about where they were headed. After a time, Caralyn rode up next to him to check on her daughter, while Ashlyn made a point to peer at Gracie, too.
    “Captain Grant,” she said. “If Gracie bothers you, please say so, and I will move her onto my horse.”
    Robbie shook his head. How could such a wee thing bother him? “Och, she is no trouble, lass.” He suspected he knew Caralyn’s true motivation for making the offer. “You can trust me. I would hope you would know that by now. I have several nieces and nephews.”
    She stared straight ahead, as regal as any queen. Her brown hair was neatly plaited, revealing a face exquisite enough to transfix a man, but her green eyes were keen and watchful for her girls. She didn’t allow the bruises to affect her countenance, though many of them must still pain her. She reminded him of a wild cat when it came to her daughters. How had she survived these hard times without anyone to protect her?
    She heaved a sigh. “Aye, you have done much for me and my daughters. I just have trouble trusting men sometimes.”
    “Understood, especially after your most recent experience, but I suspect ‘tis more than that. Anything you would like to share?” he asked, though he didn’t expect an answer.
    “Nay, there is naught to tell.” Strands of hair escaped her plait and danced around her face. Saints above, she was a beauty. She seemed oblivious to her looks, or perhaps she just didn’t care. She wasn’t the type to search out a man’s attention.
    “You have no family in the area? What happened to your parents?”
    “They died a long time ago. I do really miss them, especially my mama. It saddens me that my girls have never known their grandparents. How my mama would have cherished her granddaughters. She was the sweetest woman.”
    “Gracie’s sire? Is he the reason she fears men?” He watched her reaction to his question, and it was quick, too quick.
    “What would you know about Gracie’s father?” The fury in her eyes let him know the lass had a temper. It also told him much about what she thought of the lass’s sire.
    “Naught. I just noticed he isn’t around.”
    “I can take care of myself and my girls. At least, before the Norsemen came.”
    “You have done a fine job of raising your girls alone.” Robbie dropped the subject, not wanting to fire her temper in front of Ashlyn.
    Aye, he was certain Caralyn had been misused in the past, and that thought sparked even more feelings in his gut. He understood his desire to protect her and the wee lasses, but this was more than that… more than he wanted to admit. He had men to lead into battle. This was no time for him to get turned around over a lass. But he had vowed to help her and he wouldn’t back down now.
    In spite of the terrible timing, he felt the need to know her better. It wasn’t just about her appearance—though she had a face and body to die for—he had