Highland Courage (Highland Brides) by Ceci Giltenan Page A

unoccupied and, whether ye were in here or not, that is nearly unforgivable. If ye had not been here, they would have been dismissed before they ever left the room.”
    She returned the hug and rested her cheek against his chest. “How ye deal with them is up to ye, but it is all right with me if ye reassign them.”
    “Then I will grant ye that. However, they will offer a public apology. Would ye prefer I accept it on your behalf or will ye go with me, my tender-hearted little bride?”
    Mairead sighed again. “I don’t want to be seen as weak either. I will go with ye.”
    Tadhg tightened his embrace. “Mairead, sweetling, why on earth would anyone have ever called ye a mouse?”
    Together they went downstairs to the great hall. A hush fell as they entered. Obviously, the news of what happened had spread rapidly. They took their seats at the table, but Tadhg did not give the signal to serve the meal immediately. He ordered Meriel and Kester to present themselves.
    Before Tadhg could say anything to her, Meriel started to explain. “Laird, it was a misunderstanding, an accident—”
    “Silence!” The entire hall fell silent. “In spite of the best intentions, misunderstandings and accidents happen and when they do I try to be tolerant of them. However, failing to gain permission to enter my private chamber is neither a misunderstanding nor an accident.” There was an audible gasp in the room suggesting at least a few people were not yet privy to the full story.
    “But, Laird—”
    He cut her off. “Enough, Meriel! Did ye call out or knock on the door to my chamber before entering it? Did I fail to hear ye?”
    “No, but I thought ye weren’t—”
    He put up his hand to stop her. “It doesn’t matter what ye thought. Ye should have ensured the room was empty before entering unbidden and failure do that is a level of disrespect I will not tolerate.”
    “But I—”
    “Do not argue this point further! Surely ye are aware it would be well within my right to have both of ye beaten?” This time the gasp was louder and followed by murmurings.
    “ Silence! ” he commanded the hall. “In spite of what ye might deserve, I will not have ye whipped. I had decided to dismiss both of ye and have ye removed from the keep, but on further consideration,” he paused, glancing at Mairead before continuing, “If ye wish to continue working at Cnocreidh, it will be in other positions. Kester, ye may work as a laborer in the stables if ye choose.”
    There were shocked looks on many faces. “Laird, I am dreadfully sorry for the intrusion. I’ll work in the stables. Thank ye, for not dismissing me outright.”
    Tadhg accepted his apology with a nod. “Kester, your work in the stables should not normally bring ye into the keep, but under no circumstances should ye enter the south tower unless I personally give ye leave to do so.”
    “Aye, Laird, thank ye, Laird.” He bowed before leaving the hall.
    “Meriel, if ye wish to continue working it will be as a scullery maid.”
    “A scullery maid, Laird?” Both the expression on her face and her tone of voice conveyed her disgust at the idea.
    At this, her father stood and pounded his fist on the table. “Meriel, how dare ye shame yourself and me in this manner? Laird Matheson has been more than lenient with ye, and he offered ye a fair choice.”
    Meriel stood rigidly with her jaw clenched and did not respond. “Meriel, what is your decision?” Tadhg prodded.
    She looked livid, and tears pooled in her eyes. It was obvious she believed the punishment was neither fair nor lenient. Finally, she said, “I choose the scullery.”
    When she didn’t offer her apology, Tadhg prodded her gently. “Ye will also apologize, Meriel.”
    She looked from him to Mairead, her eyes shooting daggers. “I’m sorry, Laird,” she ground out.
    Tadhg’s jaw clenched as he stared at Meriel for a moment.
    “ Meriel! ” her father thundered.
    She scowled at her father, angry tears