Marti Talbotts Highlander Series 1 - Anna Rachel u Charlet

once we arrive.”
    “When will that be?”
    “Before dark.”

    Word spread quickly; Charlet MacGreagor was indeed pleasing on the eyes and Kevin MacGreagor would help plead the marriage case of the man who brought him the Englishman. Even Laird MacDonald, whom Kenna already rejected, found the idea intriguing. Days ago, he decided to forgive the woman her i nsult and give her another chanc e. After all, she was very young. To give her that second chance he needed to find the Englishman. Where had he heard about the Englishman’s marriage proposal? The answer was not coming, his men didn’t remember and it was enough to drive an old man up a wall.

    Kenna was thrilled with Laird Ferguson’s proposal, but she had two problems. First, she wanted very much to do all she could to save Charlet. Her opinion of Charlet had turned from jealousy to admiration in a few short days. She could not possibly marry Ferguson until the danger was over.
    Her second problem baffled her mind. The Fergusons did not always bathe often enough and she couldn’t imagine living with them. Laird Ferguson did not smell, but everyone knew others did. Who could help her with that problem? She would ask Kevin, he would know what to do.

    W hen Laird Ferguson entered the K eep to ask Kevin’s permission to take Kenna for a walk, the great hall was filled with people. He saw Kevin motion for him to come forward and take a seat at the table.
    Kevin turned to the twelve-year-old standing before him. “What is your crime, Joshua?”
    The boy hung his head. “I stole a sweet cake.”
    “I see. What is the punishment for stealing?”
    “But Kevin, I had to clean the stables just a fortnight ago and I didn’t do anything wrong that time.”
    “‘Tis truly the worst of the punishments, but if I do not punish you, I cannot punish the next child who steals. You will clean up after the horses for one week.”
    “Yes Kevin.”
    Laird Ferguson listened with great interest as Kevin decided the punishments for the children and realized each got a cleaning duty. That was how Kevin kept his home so spotless. He was especially interested in the last lad of ten whose mother had him by the ear.
    “What have you done, Ronan?” The boy refused to answer, so his mother twisted his ear. Kevin gave her a look and she let go. “Ronan, what have you done?”
    “I do not like to bathe. I would sooner go without my evening meal.”
    Kevin thought about that for a moment. “I was once your age and not fond of bathing either, but do you know what my father said?” The boy shook his head. “My father sa id if an enemy can smell you, ‘t is easier for him to find and kill you. A MacGreagor warrior must keep himself clean. All MacGreagors bathe nearly every day.”
    The boy swelled his chest. “I will do it. I will be a find warrior someday.” He turned around and ran out the door. His mother curtseyed to both lairds, nodded her appreciation to Kevin and followed him out.
    Kevin laughed and turned to Laird Ferguson, “And you, young man, what have you done?” He hoped the Ferguson had gotten the message for Kenna’s sake. If not, he would have to be more blunt.
    Ferguson held up his hands as if to surrender, “I have done nothing, I swear it.”
    “Good, I have run out of punishments.”
    “I see I can learn a lot from you. However, today I promised Kenna I would take her for a walk. I ask your permission.”
    Suddenly, Connor burst through the door. “Laird MacNab is here and following Kenna across the courtyard. She is bringing him inside.

    The color started to drain out of Kevin’s face. Now what should he do? Kenna liked this man and Ferguson was not going to understand. He couldn’t ask him to leave, not at this tender time of their new friendship, but if he stayed and watched Kenna’s ability to lie so easily, Ferguson might never speak to her again. More importantly, could Kenna p ull it off with Ferguson there?
    “Ferguson, do not believe what you are about to see. I will explain it later.” Kevin didn’t even have time to wait for his nod. Instead, he quickly stood up. Connor moved to his right and to his surprise, Ferguson took a position to his left.
    Kenna walked in, spotted Ferguson and froze. But when Kevin slightly nodded, she took a deep breath and walked forward. She curtseyed to Kevin and then turned to curtsey to Laird MacNab.
    “I will have Charlet,” MacNab announce d .
    Kenna put her hands behind her back and walked all