Chapter Nineteen

Both Lach and Cam turned to Bryce as if expecting him to say something. Bryce considered asking the blighter if he didn’t know how to return a goddammed letter but decided that was rude and thus remained silent.

While Dorie had stopped talking about her real father daily, Bryce saw the sadness in her eyes each day when she got no word from him. Bryce might have ridden to London and forced the man’s hand if it weren’t so far away. He didn’t want his wife to be disappointed, so it was important that this man be cleared by him and his cousins first.

Lach slid down from his horse and took the few steps to shake hands with the man. “Lachlan MacKinlay, Laird of Clan MacKinlay. This is Bryce MacKinlay Campbell, war chief and your son-in-law.”

Bryce had already dismounted and stepped forward to shake Dorien’s hand as well. “Dorie’s been beside herself waiting for a response from ye. She thought you dinna want anything to do with her.” If his tone sounded accusing, so be it.

The man frowned. “I started many letters and didn’t know where to begin. The thought of waiting to hear back had me packing to come here instead, though the weather hindered my progress until the thaw. I just couldn’t leave it to letters. I needed to see her in the flesh.”

Bryce and Dorien took each other’s measure for a full minute before Bryce finally let out a breath and nodded. “I’ll not send you away. Not when I know she’ll want to meet you. But tread carefully. She’s been mistreated her whole life; I’ll not have you treat her ill.”

“Of course not. I appreciate how fiercely you protect her.”

“We’ll escort you to the castle. Bryce, mayhap you should go prepare Dorie for the viscount’s arrival.”

“Aye.” Bryce nodded and mounted his horse. He tore off for the castle to get there before her father. The man seemed pleasant enough. Bryce could only hope he wasn’t setting Dorie up for more pain. She didn’t need another man to let her down. He knew he was more than enough of a disappointment.

…

Dorie sat on the floor playing with Lizzy when Bryce rushed into the solar. For a moment she worried there was another battle. While it would mean he would have to delay his trip to the Campbells again, she didn’t like this alternative.

“We’ve a visitor,” Bryce relayed, looking only at her.

Normally the duty of delivering messages to the laird’s wife fell to one of the younger boys in the clan. Dorie didn’t understand why Bryce would do such when he was planning to leave.

“Who has come to visit?” Kenna asked excitedly. The woman had no patience for surprises.

Rather than answer, his gaze scanned the room and returned to her. He stepped closer and took the little girl from her arms and passed her to Kenna, whose arms were empty. He reached for Dorie and helped her to her feet.

Something prickled down her spine. The way he hadn’t answered Kenna’s question. The way he was focused only on her.

“You’ll want to come to the bailey,” he said finally. “Your father is on his way.”

Dorie gasped and placed her hand on her chest. “Is he attacking? Are there enough warriors in the castle to defend against a McCurdy assault?” She moved for the door, not knowing what she might do to thwart his plans, but she’d do her best to reason with the man or die trying. This was her home; she would do her part to protect the people she loved.

Bryce shook his head and took her elbow to hold her in place. “We’re not under attack, Dorie. It’s not the McCurdy who rides on the castle. It’s your real father. Dorien Sutherland, Viscount Rutherford. He’s come to see you.”

Dorie blinked as the words surged around her, not making any sense. Finally she pieced them together and nearly fell over. Bryce righted her by wrapping a sturdy arm around her waist.

“He’s here?” she whispered.

“Nearly. I rode ahead to tell you so you could be ready to greet him when he arrives. He’s not far behind me.”

“Do I look all right? Perhaps I should change.” She was wearing her best gown already, though there was dust along the hem where she’d been sitting on the floor with the children.

“You look beautiful. I doubt he will notice what you’re wearing. He’s very excited to meet you.” Bryce offered a tight smile.

“He is? He came all this way, for me?”

“Aye. You have his eyes and they crinkle at the corners when he’s excited just like yours do.”

“My father?” Tears pooled in her eyes and she tried to brush them away. She didn’t want to meet the man with red, puffy eyes. “What should I do? What if he doesn’t like me, Bryce?”

Bryce gave her an indulgent smile. “How could he not like you? Let’s go down to the bailey to meet him. I’ll be standing right beside you, holding your hand. Don’t worry about a thing.” Bryce cleared his throat. “If he says anything unkind, I’ll have him on his back with my blade against his throat before his next breath.”

“Please don’t kill my father,” she said, patting his shoulder. He gave a nod and offered her his arm. She slipped hers through it and he led her down through the hall and out to the bailey just as an elaborate carriage pulled up.

There must have been twenty riders with him in addition to Lach, Cam, and the other warriors from Dunardry. The driver hopped down and reached for the door, but it had already opened and a tall man stepped out, offering a wide smile.

Her feet moved a step, but she held on to Bryce’s arm to help keep her in place. It wouldn’t do to run down the steps and hug him. He was a viscount. He wouldn’t like a strange woman attacking him.

A viscount. She recalled hearing that women were to curtsey to nobility, but she worried she would fall over if she tried such a thing.

Bryce led her closer. “Dorie, this is your father, Dorien Sutherland, Viscount Rutherford. My lord, your daughter, Dorie MacKinlay.”

He’d barely got out the introductions before her father reached for her and drew her into a powerful embrace. Of course she failed to keep from crying. At least she felt better when he finally pulled away and she saw his cheeks were wet with his own tears.

“My child. It’s beyond a pleasure to meet you. Please forgive my showing up unannounced. I didn’t know how to reply to your letter. I just knew I had to come see you for myself.”

“You are forgiven, of course. I’m so glad you’re here. I have so many questions I’d like to ask ye.”

“And you’ll have time to ask every one,” Bryce said. “But let’s get him settled inside first. He’s been traveling and will probably need refreshment.”

“Aye. I’m sorry. I get overly excited about things,” she admitted. Her dog was running in circles in excitement as well. “This is Rascal.”

To her relief her father patted the large dog without fear. “He’s a formidable beast.”

“He doesn’t seem to realize he’s not a small puppy anymore and often tries to climb upon vacant laps.”

“I’ll be sure to keep something on my lap at all times,” he joked.

Her father was teasing her. He was pleasant and smiling. So different from the man who had been called her father. She worried this was all a dream. She’d envisioned her father many ways, but she’d not thought he would be funny. What a wonderful surprise.

Kenna was waiting to greet Dorien inside the hall. She’d sent off the maids to ready a room for him and allowed Dorie to escort him to his chamber.

“The solar is free of children for the moment. I’ll have refreshments sent there so you can visit in private. And we ask for your company at our table for the evening meal.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, my lady. I am grateful for the invitation and look forward to spending time getting to know all of you. After I’ve had time to get to know my daughter, of course.” He smiled again.

“Of course.” Kenna returned the pleasantries. “I can assure you, your daughter looks forward to making your acquaintance.”

“He’s wonderful,” Dorie whispered to Bryce before letting go of his arm to take her father’s.

…

Bryce watched father and daughter leave through the arch at the stairs. He couldn’t help the feeling of unease that pricked along his spine. The man was pleasant enough, and he didn’t think he would hurt Dorie, but something bothered him about the man’s presence.

“She’s so happy,” Kenna said by his side.

“Aye.” It was clear that Dorie was elated to meet her father.

“It looks like you might be visiting London regularly,” Mari added.

“London? I’m not going to London.” Bryce snorted at the very thought.

“Her family is there. If she wants to see them…”

“I’m her family and I am here.” Once he’d made himself clear he bowed and left them to their snickering.

Dorie wouldn’t want to travel all the way to London. She only wanted to know the man. Now that he was here, she’d ask her questions and get her answers, and that would be it.

Even as Bryce thought it, he realized that probably wouldn’t be enough for Dorie. Her only remaining blood relative had been found. A caring, kind father who would want to keep in touch.

“Blast and damn,” he said as he headed for the solar. He found them deep in conversation regarding her father’s long trip to Dunardry. Bryce sat silently in the corner, in case he was needed. But it was clear no one had even noticed him enter.

Once the man finished his ale and meat pie, he went to the window. It was another thing he had in common with his daughter. Dorie didn’t like being trapped in a room, either.

“I’d forgotten how beautiful Scotland is. When I was here last, I had other distractions.”

Meaning he’d been busy having an affair with a married woman and getting her with child. Bryce didn’t mention it. Everyone knew.

“Would you like to go for a walk? I can show you my new home,” Dorie offered, still beaming with happiness.

“That would be lovely. It’s a mild day.”

Dorie startled when she finally noticed Bryce. “We’re going for a walk.”

“I’ll have to come along to guard you.”

“No need,” Dorien said. “My guards will be with us. They’ll protect Dorie as well as myself.”

“I’m safe with my father,” Dorie said with a wide smile and left Bryce alone as she strode off.

It was true enough she was safe with the man, but Bryce still felt as if something bad was going to happen with the arrival of their new guest.

He could only hope he was wrong.