Angus nodded unhappily at his son’s question. “We even searched the keep again but found nothing that would hint that there was anyone here who should not be.”

“Damn.”

“He is clever, I shall give him that.”

“Too damn clever,” Duncan muttered bitterly. “He almost succeeded this time.”

“Aye. Were it not for the fact that Iliana and her mother remained calm, I should have lost all o’ ye.” He shuddered even as he said the words, but Duncan did not notice. He was sunk in bitter reflection.

“Once again I failed to protect her. ’Twill not happen again. I shall not leave her side until the bastard is found.”

Angus frowned as his son got to his feet. “But I thought we had agreed ’twas her mother the man is after.”

Duncan nodded. “Unfortunately, me wife seems to be cursed with the dubious skill of getting in the bastard’s way. Repeatedly. So, I will guard me wife. Her mother is yer problem.”

“My problem?” he asked warily.

“Aye. As me wife, Iliana’s safety is my problem. As laird here, her mother’s safety is yours.” He grinned suddenly. “Guard her well. Iliana would be mighty upset with ye did ye let her mother come to harm.” Turning on that note, he headed up the stairs, leaving his father staring after him.

“My problem,” Angus muttered again, then glanced up as Allistair entered the room.

“I have informed the men that we would be searching the woods on the morrow. Is there anything else ye wish from me ere I retire?”

“Aye. Fetch one o’ the men to me. I would have a guard at Lady Wildwood’s door this—” He paused, suddenly recalling the sweet smell of her as he had held her in his arms earlier that day, soothing her and reassuring her that her daughter would be well. Iliana had been covered with soot at the time, her gown in scorched tatters about her body as Gertie had worked over her. Despite his worry over his daughter-in-law, Angus had found it difficult not to notice the sweet scent of the woman in his arms, and how good she felt there.

“Ye wish a guard fer Lady Wildwood this night?” Allistair asked when Angus continued to sit, lost in thought.

Giving his head a shake, the older man blinked at his nephew, then stood. “Nay. Nay. I’ll tend to it mesel’. There is naught else this evening. Ye may go to yer bed. Sleep well,” he added as the younger man nodded and turned away.