Jane stopped in her tracks and smiled at him also. “Wiley, good day.”
“My lady,” he replied with an elaborate bow. “I'd think it too early for ye tae go out sightseeing.”
She shook her head gently, and a laugh escaped her lips. “I was coming from the eastern wings. I'd like tae see the laird on some important matter and his health, but I was denied entry by the guard at the door.”
His eyebrows rose. “'Of course the laird would like tae see ye. I can escort ye tae him.”
“My sincere gratitude, I would appreciate it dearly, Wiley.” After a quick nod, he led her back to the study, and when she entered, she was greeted with a look of shock from the men. It seemed like Kenn and Morven were involved in a heated debate, but when they saw her, they broke off and stared as if she’d grown two heads. Darach, who was standing beside his brother at the table, looking astonishing as always with his white shirt and eyes that sparkled with mischief, immediately smiled and rushed over to where Jane stood.
“Jane, ye should still be abed,” he exclaimed, and even mesmerized by his gaze, she noticed Kenn who also hurried over to her.
“Aye,” Kenn agreed. “Ye shouldnae be up. I was about tae bring up a tray for ye tae eat in bed.”
She raised her hands to silence them. “I appreciate yer concerns. Truly, I do. But I’m perfectly fine. And I'm nae the one ye should urge tae stay more abed in here.” She pointedly captured Darach’s eyes, which provoked a playful smile on his lips.
Ye may be damned for making me blush before other people, Darach.
“The laird is very much well, and may I note that ‘tis for yer best if ye’re nae here, my lady,” Kenn muttered. “We're discussing quite private matters that shouldnae burden yer ears.”
Feeling rage igniting in her stomach from Kenn’s hypocritical behavior, Jane turned around to look at Darach and his brother. Morven said nothing with an expressionless face as he stared back at her, but Darach took a step toward her.
“Ye shouldnae worry about me,” he said soothingly as he touched her hand so lightly it could have been by accident. “Ye should be relieved tae ken I’m back on my feet and ready tae take on my duties as laird of this keep,” his lips broke into a smile, “thanks tae ye.”
He was asking her to leave. She couldn’t believe it, yet there was nothing she could do. Of course, Kenn’s arrival would bring more important matters to the table, but that didn’t mean her own concerns were silly. However, Jane just nodded and turned back toward the door to leave the study when Darach's voice called at her once again.
“Now, my lady, I'd like ye tae wait for me in here, nae need to head back tae yer chambers.”
“What?” Kenn eyebrows got lost in his hair. “Ye’ll allow her in here while we discuss our plans?” he asked with a scowl. When Darach gave no reaction, he turned toward Morven as if he expected him to back his claim, but Morven still uttered no word and instead folded his arms across his chest and watched.
“Why, I dinnae think it too much trouble. I believe she is quite loyal tae our cause at the end of the day. Her own clan is a part of it as well,” he added when Kenn shot him a disbelieving look. “There’s nae need to send her back tae the other wing. We’ll finish in a couple of minutes.”
“But there is nae need for a lady to witness an ugly andboring conversation about war plans and troops, my laird.”
“I trust she'd be nae trouble,” Darach cut Kenn’s speech once again, “would ye?”
Feeling her heart flutter with gratitude, Jane nodded and smiled serenely. “Aye, I willnae, of course. I’ll be nae trouble, and I’ll wait for ye here because there is a matter I’d like tae discuss with ye, my laird.”
She would have said that she'd see him at a later time or wait outside, but something tugged at the edge of her consciousness, refusing to let her leave the room.
“I cannae but advise ye that ‘tis a risk tae have her in here,” Kenn muttered, shaking his head.
“Kenn, she willnae be a trouble, my friend. I’ll see tae it myself. She was ready tae sacrifice herself tae save ye at one point, and she saved me already. I trust her. And ‘tis nae like we have an official council gathered. ‘Tis just us friends, nae matter what we’re discussing. There’s nae need to fret yerself.”
Jane's heart panged. Darach had just stated that he trusted her enough to have her sit in on this meeting. Surprisingly, it gave her not only intensive joy but also sadness at the same time.
Since when do I deserve this kindness?
She would have readily agreed to spend the rest of her life with this man, but it wouldn't work because fate had planned something cruel for them to weave their pasts into such a conflict that no future alliance could be formed.
Kenn said nothing more and just stared at her with a curious glint driving her out of her thoughts.
“Do ye think having her here would hinder the work we have tae do?”
Kenn looked confused for a second, and then it seemed that he decided in his mind suddenly that she didn't matter much. “Of course it wouldnae, my laird, but I still think ‘tis nae a lady’s matter, that’s all.”
“Of course, nae,” Darach said gruffly. “‘Tis nae a woman’s matter. They do nae much concern themselves with wars and its problems. She’ll just have a seat at the corner.” He turned toward her. “My lady, if ye would please sit there.”
Jane smiled softly and then walked to the chair, thanking him as she settled down.