Free The Laird's Daughter by Temple Hogan

might, will not make it back to Campbell land for at least a fortnight.” He paused and chuckled from deep in his belly. “Unless he’s sprinkled fairy dust on his horse’s arse.”
    Rafe grinned appreciation of his wit. “Can your men be ready to leave on the morrow?”
    “Aye, and my daughter, as well.”
    “Your daughter?”
    “Aye, she’s been a bit peaky lately, and I’m thinking she needs the company of other women. I hear Archibald’s niece has come to visit. She’s of an age as Jean. They’ll be good companions.”
    Impatience twisted through Rafe, and he tried to keep it from his voice. “You don’t want to send your daughter into a dangerous situation.”
    “Nay, I will not do that, but am I not sending you some of my best fighting men? If the Campbells can’t defend their property, the MacIntyres can. My daughter will be safe with you.”
    “I’ve a need to travel swiftly,” Rafe tried again. “Can’t we postpone her visit to Dunollie until I’ve taken care of this problem?”
    “You hammer yourself too much, lad,” MacIntyre remarked, unperturbed. “You’ll drive out Baen and his outlaws. You’ve the look about you of a man who succeeds at what he sets out to do. I’ve no qualms about leaving my daughter in your care. Besides, Jean won’t hold you back. She can ride with the best man I’ve got or you, for that matter.”
    “I’ve no doubt,” Rafe said, although in truth, he had plenty. He clamped his teeth together in frustration.
    “Aindreas,” MacIntyre bellowed and kicked his stallion into a full gallop across the field toward his assembled men.
    “You took that very well,” Jean said brightly.
    Rafe had forgotten she was there. His lips tightened, and he said nothing, afraid that in his irritation, whatever came out might give offense.
    Jean laughed. “Don’t worry yourself, Rafe. My father spoke the truth when he said I’d not hold you up. You know what he’s about, I suppose.”
    Rafe turned in his saddle to meet her amused gaze.
    She laughed again. “The old fool’s trying his hand at matchmaking.” Her tone was filled with affection for her father. “He’s not happy with the choice I’ve made for my husband and he hopes my head will be turned by your handsome face.”
    Rafe flushed. “I don’t know what to say, m’lady.”
    “Och, you’re not to say anything, Rafe Campbell. I’m not longing for you, nor am I likely to. I’ve a need to have sons round about me, but they’ll not be your sons, brave and handsome as you be.” She turned her head and gazed toward the men who’d gathered around their chief. “Nay, ‘tis Aindreas’ sons I’ll bear or no other. My father will have to accept that.” She glanced back at Rafe. “Besides, I’ve seen your face at times when you thought none watched. You’ve the look of a man distraught with an illness.”
    “I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Rafe began stiffly, still unused to her teasing.
    “If you don’t, then you’re not as smart as I’d counted you, Rafe. Of course, love can do that to a man.”
    “There’s nothing for me to love,” Rafe said. “A wisp, a goddess bathing in a pool, a mermaid drying on a rock, while her voice is that of Lorelei willing the ships to the rocks.”
    “Do you know her name?” Jean looked at him expectantly.
    “Nay, I’ve but seen her once, but I can’t forget her.” He shifted in his saddle, his expression rueful. “You’re an uncanny lady, Jean MacIntyre. I had no wish to tell anyone of my feelings.”
    “Your secret is safe with me, but you must do me a favor in return.” She leaned forward in the saddle.
    “I’ll do as you ask,” he pledged, smiling slightly at this forthright woman. He had no fear that she’d ask him something that went against his nature.
    “Persuade my father you’ve a need for Aindreas to accompany you to Dunollie. You’ll not be sorry. He’s a fierce fighter, and he’s loyal to a friend.”
    “Aye, I