“And how will they appreciate your safekeeping if you run to them whenever a problem occurs?” Honoria demanded.
Unable to look at her brother anymore, she turned her back on him. His betrayal stung sharper than the time she happened upon a swarm of bees and was stung by seven of them. Her gaze flicked to the bed. She thought she had more time. Now she had no choice but to convince Lash to escort her and Isla to Edinburgh before Hugh’s missive reached Adair.
And that wasifhe even regained enough strength in time.
Botheration!
It all seemed hopeless. Between her brothers’ imminent return and the brigand roaming the country roads, it seemed Honoria’s adventure was doomed to fail. A bitter taste coated her mouth. “You could have removed us from here and allowed the stranger to heal in peace.”
“And where would we have gone?” Hugh asked.
“Why, to Edinburgh, where the rest of the brood could keep us safe from this poor injured man.”
“I have a purpose here.”
Aye, she wagered he did. And it was not to look after his two sisters.
“Do not sulk, Honoria,” Hugh murmured. “I should have insisted on sending him to the village.”
“Why did you concede?” Honoria taunted.
Hugh shrugged. “It seemed to take your mind off Adair refusing to take you along.”
Honoria shot him a blistering look. “How thoughtful of you, Hugh. Be sure to tellthatto Adair when he returns.”
Hugh grimaced. “I never told Adair the man has taken up residence here. Whoever hurt him must still be brought to justice.”
Honoria did not dispute her brother’s assertion, but neither did she agree with his methods. Unfortunately, in focusing her attention on Lash, she had forgotten to keep an eye on Hugh. And with word on its way to her older brothers, urgency gripped her belly. The time had come to launch herself from the nest and spread her wings.
“There is no telling what Adair will do,” Hugh said on a grand sigh. “After what happened with the gardener and now this, he may send you both to a nunnery.”
Isla snorted. “What happened with Patrick was he and I fell in love, and our brothers sent him away because they did not approve.”
“You are a lady, the sister and daughter of a duke. You always knew Adair would not approve of that match. You cannot be angry with him forever.”
Isla snorted again. “Of course I can.”
“And this is not the same,” Honoria pointed out. “Patrick was in our employ. I found this man outside, wounded. And we are not in love.”
“And yet both of them occupied a bed in our home and caused havoc with our womenfolk.”
“Oh, stop being such a bairn,” Isla retorted. “I cannot believe you sent word to Adair. He will never leave you in charge again.”
“It matters little. Adair will return home and then you can have the pick of the mill.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Honoria demanded.
Hugh’s face flamed.
Isla stepped forward. “You tell us this instant, Hugh MacCallan or I vow I will pack my things and move into the stables!”
Honoria did not know who looked more surprised by Isla’s outburst, she or Hugh.
Isla marched up to Hugh, who lifted his hands in a placating manner. “Tell us now!”
“Adair is hosting a ball upon their return from the city. All the surrounding families have been invited.”
“To what end?” Honoria demanded. But then her back snapped to attention.Pick of the mill. “He means to marry us off?”
