“Doona fash about that,” Calum replied. “The Cameron laird kens the temper his son has, even if he willna admit it out loud. He’ll nae bring his men to arms.”
“Mayhap, but I doubt Neal is riding alone. His friends might take it upon themselves to stir up trouble.”
“Like I said. There’s many a MacDonnell who’ll be glad to meet them if they do.” Calum clapped him on the shoulder. “Now, we had best get looking for that tree, lest my brother claim to find it first.”
Ah, the tree. He’d almost forgotten why they were out here, as he and Calum joined the rest of the men at the tree line. The sleigh had stopped, and its occupants were being helped out. As the women headed in their direction, Morag broke away and ran to him.
“I ken where we can find the perfect tree.” She put a hand on his arm. “Come with me and I’ll show it to ye.”
He had a feeling that she wanted to show him a lot more than a tree that was probably conveniently located deep within the forest. He glanced at Juliana, but she had turned away, apparently deep in conversation with Aileen. He managed a small smile as he slowly withdrew his arm on the pretense of flipping his ax handle from hand to hand.
“I think I need to find out what the rules are to this event first.”
She pouted. “There are nae rules.”
Sima joined them. “Nae rules to what?”
“To selecting a tree,” Rory answered. “I am nae sure how ye go about picking one.”
“Och, the picking part is easy,” Sima said. “’Tis the choosing that is difficult.”
Rory felt confused. “’Tis nae one and the same?”
“Nae!” This was from Greer as she and her sister and Juliana approached. “The men each walk about and find a tree, then stand by it. We ladies go around and judge.”
“Whoever gets the most votes for his tree is the winner,” Aileen added.
“And I think Rory should win, since he is our guest.” Morag placed her hand on his arm again. “And I will show him where to find it.”
Rory could have sworn that Juliana’s hair beneath her cap turned brighter just then. It was a peculiar trait, but her hair did seem to almost set itself on fire when she was agitated. Was she agitated? Usually her fair skin turned pink, but with the cold weather he couldn’t assert that. And she’d developed a passive expression worthy of any faro player. She wasn’t meeting his eyes, either.
“That would nae be fair, Morag,” Sima said. “Ye canna help any man when ye are also a judge.”
Her face turned mulish. “Then I’ll nae judge.”
Sima gave her a firm look. “Your father will nae be pleased to find ye’ve gone off with a man into the forest.”
“And I wouldna want to sully your reputation with your clan, lass.” Rory stepped away. “’Tis better I abide by the rules, as Sima said.”
Morag narrowed her eyes slightly, but before she could retort, Aileen spoke.
“If we’re going to stand here and blether all day, neither Rory or our father will have a chance to win.” She gestured. “Some of the men have already picked a tree.”
“Aye.” Calum gave him a nudge. “We’d best get on with it, then.”
He didn’t need anyone to make the suggestion twice. For now, he’d been saved from a possible compromising situation, but Christmas was still three days away.
He hoped the weather would hold so Drumochter Pass would be open. The sooner he and Juliana could get on the road to Blair Castle, the better.
…
Juliana followed the other women as they moved to inspect the first tree, a chill in her blood that had nothing to do with the cold. She had a plaid wrapped around her cloak, the sun was out, and the wind had died down, but she felt as frosty as the temperature.
It was obvious from Morag’s actions and words that she had laid claim to Rory. What was less obvious, and definitely more important, was how Rory felt about it. His remark about finding out what the rules were first was not a rejection of Morag’s advances as much as it was being sure he was being fair to the other men. The six months she’d spent in Scotland had taught her that Highlanders placed a great deal of pride in doing the honorable thing. Rory had proved that in spades by rescuing her andnotclaiming his legal handfasting rights. It followed, then, that telling Morag he didn’t want to sully her reputation was part of that internal code.
It didn’t mean he didn’t want the girl.
“’Tis a fine day to be out.” Aileen tilted her head. “But ye doona look like ye are enjoying it.”
