The Maclean Groom Read Online Free Page B

his scuffed brogues, Rory noted the delicate features beneath the striped stocking cap that hid every strand of hair, the long, curving russet lashes—lowered now to hide the startling blue eyes—the arched brows, the graceful hands. Could this be the missing heiress?
    The idea that this slim lass, barely over five feet, resembled the mighty Somerled Macdonald seemed preposterous. Then Rory remembered the gray-haired man’s indigo eyes—eyes the deepest blue he’d ever seen.
    Eyes exactly like this dirty-faced urchin’s.
    And the fierce chieftain had been named the Red Wolf in his youth because of his head of coppery hair.
    The astonishing—nigh unbelievable—possibility that Lady Joanna might be attempting to hide right under his nose stunned Rory. If it were true, everyone in the whole damned castle had taken part in the deception. Once again, he looked around the great hall.
    Could it be possible?
    Had all these people connived to fool their new laird?
    At that moment, the lass looked up to meet Rory’s gaze. The brilliant blue eyes danced with mirth. He found it incredible that a Sassenach noblewoman—an heiress worth a damn fortune—would play the role of a servant. What would she do if he set her to mucking the stables?
    Well, he’d go along with the ruse for now, pretending to believe Idoine was his future bride, while he sent messengers to Mingarry Castle to notify Ewen Macdonald of the marriage alliance and to make certain that Lady Joanna wasn’t there. Meanwhile, ’twould prove an interesting diversion to learn the true identity of the little vixen dressed in a boy’s shirt and plaid.
    â€œRather than return with my future bride to Stalcaire immediately as first planned,” he told the Macdonalds coldly, “we’ll await the arrival of your war commander.” He favored Idoine with a brief glance. “He can accompany Lady Joanna and me to my uncle’s castle, where we will be wed. From this moment on, I’ll assume the responsibilities and privileges of your new laird.”
    Idoine started to protest, but Lady Beatrix clapped one hand over her daughter’s mouth before she could utter a word. Grumbles of dissatisfaction swept through the hall. The Macdonalds’ furious expressions told him they’d expected the chief of Clan MacLean to dash off to Mingarry Castle, thinking to find Lady Joanna with their clan commander, Laird Ewen.
    â€œPlace a guard at the gate and posterns,” Rory told Fearchar. “No one is to leave without our consent, not even the lowliest serving boy. And send four men to Mingarry to invite Ewen Macdonald to his cousin’s wedding.”
    With a nod, Fearchar left the chamber with several broad-shouldered MacLeans.
    Next, Rory addressed the twenty weaponless Macdonald men-at-arms. “By order of His Majesty, King James, you are to travel to Stalcaire, where you will swear your fealty to him. Any man who does not appear there within the next two days will be charged with treason and dealt with accordingly. You have my permission to leave at once.”
    As the dispirited Macdonald soldiers filed out of the upper hall, Rory motioned to David Ogilvy, and the bailiff hurried as fast as his dragging gait would allow. “Have the chamberlain take my things to the castle’s finest bedchamber.” He glanced at Beatrix and Idoine, whose bottom lip was thrust out in a sulky pout. “I trust that won’t inconvenience either of you ladies.”
    â€œCertainly not, laird,” Beatrix answered sharply.
    With a jerk of his head, Rory brought the brown-robed cleric a step nearer. “You may take the relic back to the chapel, Father.”
    â€œFather Thomas Graham,” the priest replied, belatedly introducing himself.
    â€œAnd have a candle lit before the Virgin’s altar,” Rory added as he turned to leave. “My gillie will bring you a crown for the offering as