Part 43 (1/2)

She handed Judith her brush, sat down on the stool, and asked about Isabelle's laboring again.

The time got away from them, and a good hour pa.s.sed before they realized Patrick still hadn't returned. Since it was almost the supper hour, they decided to put off the visit until the following morning.

They were in the midst of preparing the dinner when Iain knocked on the door. Frances Catherine had just made an amusing remark, and Judith was still laughing when she opened the door.

”Oh heavens, Iain, you aren't going to tell me Father Laggan has thought of another question to put to me, are you?”

She was jesting with him, and fully expected a smile at the very least. She got a curt answer instead. ”No.”

He walked inside, gave Frances Catherine a quick nod, then clasped his hands behind his back and turned to Judith.

She couldn't believe this was the same man who had been so sweet and kind to her not two hours ago. He was as cold and distant as a stranger.

”There won't be any other questions from the priest,” he announced.

”I knew that,” she replied. ”I was only jesting with you.”

He shook his head at her. ”Now isn't the time for jests. I've more important matters on my mind.”

”What pressing matters?”

He didn't answer her. He turned to Frances Catherine. ”Where is my brother?”

His abruptness worried Frances Catherine. She sat down at the table, folded her hands together in her lap and tried to look calm. ”I'm not certain. He should be back any time now.”

”Why do you want Patrick?” Judith asked the question she knew her friend wanted to ask but didn't dare.

Iain turned around and started for the door. ”I need to speak to him before I leave.”

He tried to walk outside after making that remark. Judith rushed in front of him to block his path. He was so surprised by that boldness, he stopped. He smiled, too. Her head was tilted all the way back so she could look up at him. She wanted him to see her frown of displeasure.

Before she realized his intent, he lifted her out of his way. She looked over at Frances Catherine. Her friend waved her after Iain. Judith nodded and went running outside.

”Where are you going? Are you going to be gone long?”

He didn't turn around when he answered her. ”I'm not certain how long I'll be gone.”

”Why did you want to speak to Patrick? Are you going to take him with you?”

He came to an abrupt stop and turned around to give her his full attention. ”No, I'm not taking Patrick with me. Judith, why are you asking me all these questions?”

”Why are you acting so cold?” She blushed after blurting out that thought aloud. ”I mean to say,” she began again, ”earlier you seemed to be in a much more lighthearted mood. Have I done something to displease you?”

He shook his head. ”We were alone earlier,” he told her. ”We aren't now.”

He tried to leave again. She rushed in front of him to block his way a second time. ”You were going to leave without saying good-bye, weren't you?”

She made the question sound like an accusation. She didn't give him time to answer, either. She turned around and walked back to Frances Catherine. He stood there watching her leave. He could hear her muttering something about being d.a.m.n rude, and a.s.sumed she was referring to him. He let out a sigh over her impudence.

Patrick came down the hill, drawing his attention. Iain explained his intention to take Ramsey and Erin to the MacDonalds' holding for a meeting with the Dunbar laird. The conference would be held on neutral ground, but Iain was still taking all the necessary precautions. If the Macleans got word of this meeting, they would attack in force.