The Bride Read Online Free PDF Page B

it turned gray on me head."
     
    "My name's Daniel, of the clan Ferguson. He's called Alec by those who know him well enough," he added with a nod toward the other warrior. "Alec is chieftain over the clan Kincaid."
     
    Beak made a formal bow. "It's my humble pleasure to make your acquaintance," he announced. "I haven't spoken to a full-blooded Scotsman in so many years I've forgotten how to act," he added with a grin. "Forgot how big the Highlanders are, too. You gave me quite a start when I first spotted you, you did."
     
    He opened the doors to two clean stalls adjacent to the entrance, saw to the feeding buckets, the water as well, and then tried to engage the two men in further conversation.
     
    "'Tis the truth you're three days early," he said. "I'm thinking to myself the household will be in an uproar."
     
    Neither lord commented on that remark, but Beak could tell by the way they glanced at each other that they did not particularly care if they caused any disruption.
     
    "Who were you expecting if not us?" Lord Daniel asked, frowning over his question.
     
    Beak was puzzled by the question. "Expecting? No one, leastwise not for three more days."
     
    "The drawbridge was down, man, and not a single watch in sight. Surely—"
     
    "Ah, that," Beak said with a long-drawn-out sigh. "Well, it's true the bridge is down most of the time and there never is a watch posted. You see now, Baron Jamison is a mite forgetful."
     
    When he saw the incredulous looks on the warriors' faces, Beak thought he really should try to give his master some defense. "Being out here in the middle of nowheres like we are, we're never bothered. The baron says he doesn't have much of value to be snatched away," he said with a shrug. "And no one's ever come inside without a proper invite."
     
    "Nothing of value?"
     
    Alec Kincaid had finally spoken. His voice had been soft, yet surprisingly forceful at the same time. And when he turned to give Beak his full attention, the old man's knees started shaking again.
     
    "He does have daughters, doesn't he?"
     
    His scowl could set a fire blazing, Beak decided. He couldn't meet that gaze for long and had to stare at the tips of his boots in order to concentrate on the conversation. "He has daughters all right, more in number than he'll be wanting to admit to having, too."
     
    "Yet he doesn't protect them?" Daniel asked. He shook his head in disbelief, then turned to Alec and said, "Have you ever heard the like?"
     
    "Nay, I haven't."
     
    "What kind of man is this Baron Jamison?" Daniel asked Beak.
     
    The Kincaid answered his question. "An Englishman, Daniel."
     
    "Ah, that does explain it, doesn't it?" Daniel remarked dryly. "Tell me this, Beak. Are the baron's daughters so unsightly there be no need for protection? Are they without virtue?"
     
    "They're all pretty," Beak answered. "And every single one of them as pure as the day she was born. Strike me dead if that ain't the truth. 'Tis their father who shirks his duty," Beak added with a scowl.
     
    "How many daughters are there?" Daniel asked. "We never bothered to ask your king."
     
    "You'll be seeing three," Beak muttered.
     
    He was about to expound on his remark when both warriors turned and started for the door.
     
    It was now or never, Beak determined. He took a deep, settling breath, then called out, "Are you both mighty lairds over your clans or is one more powerful than the other?"
     
    Alec caught the fear in the stable master's voice. It puzzled him enough to turn back to the man. "What is the reason for such an impertinent question?"
     
    "I mean no disrespect," Beak rushed out, "and I've good honest reasons for my question. I know I'm stepping above meself; I'm meaning to interfere. You see, someone has to look after her interests and I'm the only one who would be caring enough."
     
    Daniel frowned over the odd explanation. It made little sense to him. "I'll become laird over my clan by right of tanistry in another year