Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2)(53)

Teague looked troubled by the decree, but Brodie nodded his agreement. He didn’t seem to be any happier than Bowen that Genevieve had been mistreated so.

Bowen stared at his brother, his lips pressed together in consternation.

“Tell me you agree with me on this, Teague.”

Teague sighed. “ ’Tis not that I don’t agree. I’d not condone the lass being abused in any manner. She’s sore in need of a champion, and ’tis obvious you’re taking the reins. But I think you should have a care in how you handle the issue with the McHugh clan.”

“Right now I wouldn’t care if the lot of them fell into a deep hole and disappeared from the earth,” Bowen spat.

“I understand your anger,” Brodie said calmly. “But we need level heads in order to prevent utter chaos. They’re angry. They’re confused. They’re afraid. They need leadership and a firm hand.”

Bowen nodded. “Aye, they do. Right now I’m too furious to face them and attempt any effort to be placating. ’Tis a sin how they’ve treated the lass, and I’ll not forget that.”

The door opened just down the hall and Taliesan peeked her head out, staring cautiously at Bowen, Brodie, and Teague. She hesitated, as if afraid to voice her questions.

Bowen sighed and motioned for her to come forward. “Come, lass. Say what it is you want to say.”

Brodie and Teague turned as Taliesan limped toward them, her gaze still worried.

Her hands were twined tightly together, and she stopped a foot away from Brodie and Teague. Brodie frowned and touched her arm to draw her closer.

“Forgive my impertinence, Laird, but I would inquire about Genevieve. I’m ever so worried. Can you tell me how she fares?” Taliesan asked anxiously.

Bowen softened at the lass’s earnest words. ’Twas obvious Genevieve had a friend in Taliesan. Perhaps the only kind face in a sea of animosity and treachery.

“She fares well,” he said quietly. “She suffered fright and a few bruises, but I intervened before more damage could be wrought.”

Taliesan looked stricken. Tears shone in her bright eyes and her lips trembled.

“What happened to her, Laird? Who did this to her?”

Brodie put a comforting hand on Taliesan’s shoulder. “ ’Tis all right, lass. Bowen has taken care of the matter.”

“The man who attacked Genevieve is dead,” Bowen said bluntly.

“Good!” she said in a fierce voice. “I hope you killed him.”

“I did.”

“And is Genevieve all right?” Taliesan asked, worry still bright in her eyes.

“ ’Tis the truth she was frightened and upset, but she is resting comfortably, and I’ve assured her that I’ll not allow it to happen again.”

“Thank you, Laird,” Taliesan said. “Genevieve needs someone like you to stand up for her. No one has ever done so.”

Bowen motioned Taliesan aside, pushing past his brother and Brodie. He drew the lass toward her own chamber and said in a low voice, “Can you bring me clothing for Genevieve? Her dress is torn and she has only her cape to cover herself.”

Taliesan nodded vigorously. “Aye, Laird. I’ll bring it at once.”

“Give me a moment to finish conversing with my brother and Brodie, and then bring the clothing down.”

“As you wish, Laird.”

She turned away and went back to her chamber. Bowen turned back toward his own, eager to be back inside with Genevieve.

“Were you successful in the hunt?” he asked.

“Aye,” Brodie said. “A dozen or more rabbits and a young stag. The meat will be tender and succulent.”

Bowen’s mouth watered at the mere thought of having fresh-cooked meat.

“Have one of my men bring food for Genevieve and myself. We’ll eat in my chamber tonight.”

Teague nodded. He started to retreat, but then he hesitated.

“ ’Tis likely Graeme will be here soon.”

Bowen understood it for the warning it was intended to be. “Aye, I know it,” he said evenly.

“Think on your priorities between now and then,” Teague said. “ ’Tis not an easy path you’ve chosen in championing the lass.”

“Nothing good is ever easy. Or worth it.”

Brodie nodded his agreement. “ ’Tis true, that.”

Teague rested a hand on Bowen’s shoulder. “You have my support, Bowen. No matter what. That extends to the lass as well. Even though I know not the whole of it.”

Bowen extended his arm to overlap Teague’s, clasping his shoulder in a like gesture. He stared into his brother’s eyes, grateful that Teague had chosen not to condemn him for standing with Genevieve.

“You have my thanks, Teague. You and Brodie both.”

Brodie quirked a lip and grinned his amusement. “Did you ever imagine yourself saying such to an Armstrong? Did it leave a bad taste in your mouth?”

Bowen smiled. “I’ll admit to being reminded of the meals I’ve suffered through of late.”

Teague and Brodie laughed, then retreated down the hall with promises to send food up for Bowen and Genevieve as soon as the meat was prepared.

Bowen turned to go inside his chamber, but was stopped by Taliesan’s soft call. Leaving the door open, he waited for the lass to approach and then took the soft bundle of clothing from her.