The Knight's Temptress (Lairds of the Loch) by Amanda Scott Page B

what options we have, sir, before we set out. I ken fine that you must have done so already. Mayhap, though, if you will permit me to think aloud…”
    At Colquhoun’s nod, Ian said, “First, despite what James Mòr commanded, I believe we must take horses. The weather has been so treacherous of late that if we walk all the way, we’ll be drenched and muddy to the waist when we arrive. That would put us at an immediate disadvantage in any discussion.”
    “Aye, but we’d wear oiled cloaks, lad, as we always do.”
    “Even so, sir, we’ll be in better shape if we ride at least through the forest to the edge of the river plain.”
    “What if James Mòr has set watchers there?”
    “Even if he has, I suspect that you still have not mentioned the ladies Lina or Lizzie in your messages to him.”
    “Ye ken fine that I have not. I want to be facing the man when I do that.”
    “Aye, sure,” Ian said. “So, if James Mòr learns that you rode as far as the plain and objects, tell him you
stopped
there in deference to his wishes. Add that, due to his known chivalry—a gey tactful phrase, I think, however untruthful—you believed that he would agree to release the women, and they would need horses.”
    “Now,
that
is a good notion,” Colquhoun agreed, ignoring the digressive comment. “I warrant I’d have thought of that myself, had I taken the trouble.”
    “Then, I’ll dare to offer a second suggestion.” Watching his father’s face carefully, Ian said, “I think you should take Rob MacAulay in my stead. Before you command me, sir,” he added hastily, recognizing signs of Colquhoun’s doing just that, “I would suggest that the less anyone else knows of my whereabouts now, the better. ’Tis possible that James Mòr knows I’ve returned to Dunglass. But, unless he has spies here, he won’t know more than that. I’d like to keep it that way, especially with others arriving every day to take part in our meeting.”
    “Won’t he think it odd if he does know ye’re here and ye
don’t
go with me?”
    “I am your heir, sir,” Ian said solemnly. “James Mòr will think only that you protect the Colquhoun succession against possible mishap. I’ll wager he’d do the same in a similar situation. However, since I know that fact will not weigh heavily enough to persuade you, I will add that
I’ll
feel better if Rob goes with you.”
    “Good sakes, lad, why?”
    “Because I distrust James Mòr,” Ian said frankly. “I believe that, whether he lets you have their ladyships or not, you will be in danger. And Rob is an excellent man to have at one’s side if aught goes amiss.”
    “Better than
you
?”
    “I am gey skilled with weapons and on horseback,” Ian said. “And I can outfight most enemies. But, although I’m grateful for your confidence, sir, Rob has a knack for hand-to-hand combat
without
weapons that I cannot match. Your own tactfulness will doubtless see you both safely away. But if tact should fail…”
    Having already said enough to land himself in the suds later if he acted on the plan rapidly hatching in his fertile mind, he let his father’s imagination fill in the rest.
    Colquhoun was quiet long enough to give Ian another qualm. Then he said, “Again you speak sensibly, lad. I’m leaving Adam here, too. I mean to take only men with proven ability to wait patiently, without complaint.” With a slight smile, he added, “Your brother will thank me, I know. He loathes standing in the rain. And everyone I leave in the castle yard will be soaked through.”
    “True, sir,” Ian said, returning his smile. “How soon must you leave?”
    “I’ve already sent orders to the men. I’ll order the horses now, and we’ll leave as soon as we’ve eaten.”
    “Order at least two extra horses for their ladyships,” Ian said. “In troth, you might take four or five extra in a string. If thunder and lightning erupt whilst you’re inside, some of those ponies could startle and injure