The Highlander's Time

to cry surrender when it came to her drinking. Once she figured out nobody understood her ranting, she'd shifted to another attention getting mechanism—a visual one. She'd thrown a pitcher of water in Malcolm's face. The guard showed no outward reaction. Jenny wasn't as cool with it. Her angry response was nothing short of shrewish.
    The war of wills escalated in direct proportion to the outrageousness of Lila's next stunt.
    It wasn't past time for the antics to stop. It was necessary. Ignoring Lila hadn't helped, if anything, it made her more determined to make a fool of herself.
    The Clan had started to whisper that Lila was touched by the Devil. Father Thomas was doing his best to squelch the flow of gossip, but Jenny had the sinking suspicion they weren't going to take much more. Fueling the Clan's concerns were the refugees’ reports from the Keep.
    Part of her couldn't blame them for talking about Lila. It wasn't anything less than she deserved. The problem was Lila couldn't comprehend the danger she coveted. In her private world, she believed she was untouchable, the diva who did what she wanted when she wanted. Lila didn't realize most of her perception was brought on by Jenny and Charlzie sheltering and protecting her.
    Jenny watched Patricia Kincaid bow her head in shame, then mumble something to the woman beside her. Racking her brain for the woman's name, Jenny shook her head when it wouldn't come to her. Her heart thudded as they both signed the cross. Heaving a disparaged sigh, Jenny didn't want to have to order them to stop gossiping, thinking that putting a proverbial gag order on rumor mongering would make them appear guilty, but it had to stop before a crowd of fear-inspired clansmen broke down the Great Doors with the intent of burning Lila at the stake.
    Uncertain how to proceed, Jenny wished Iaen would hurry home or at least stop in to see how she was doing. It was totally selfish of her, but she could really use a hug and a bit of advice. He couldn't come home. His duty to one of his father's oldest friends had taken him to the northern corner of Kincaid land. She hadn't gotten the specifics except his unplanned trip was necessary. Step up to the plate. Be strong and figure this out. It can't be that hard or complicated. These are smart people who are just as stuck with Lila as you are. They're scared, and so are you.
    “Milady, 'tis time for Mary's nap.”
    Jenny slid the baby into Patricia's waiting arms. “Sleep well, sweet bairn.” The simple phrases she was picking up had helped to gain her favor with the refugees. And the numerous times she'd made a flub they were quick to help her correct her mistake.
    “Milady, you seemed a hundred leagues away this afternoon. Is aught the matter?” Patricia asked as she laid Mary on her shoulder.
    Nibbling on her lip, Jenny noticed how her hands shook. She opened her mouth to ask Patricia to leave her alone with her funk when Lila made her next move to get a drink. The bang of something hitting against the door echoed over and over because of the crazy acoustics in the Great Hall.
    “I fear she is spoiled beyond redemption, milady.” Patricia settled her hand over Mary's ear to muffle the shrieks of rage coming from Lila's room. “She needs a spanking.”
    Jenny took in Patricia's well-behaved children. How many times had she thought the same thing when her boss got out of control? Too many. “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” She held her hands out to Patricia, palms up. “I don't know what to do.”
    “You arenae her mother, milady. You're her lady. Until you set her down and put the rules before her, she will act out.”
    Easier said than done . “What do I do when she doesn't listen?” Which is a guarantee considering her last few days .
    “You punish her.” Patricia called Father Thomas to join them. In quick words and between crashes of things being toppled in Lila's room, she talked to the priest.
    “What?” Jenny asked when Patricia finally turned to her, bobbed a curtsy and walked away. She snapped her gaze to Father Thomas. “Tell me.”
    “Patricia is one of the strongest mamas I've ever met, milady. Many of her children are, 'struth, orphans who had nay family to go to. She's taken them in and in many instances taken them on. Rules are a part of helping them cope with the loss of their parents. She always has rules, even for Laird Iaen when he comes to her cottage. I say this so you know she wants to bring peace