He responded to the fear in her voice. He nodded, giving her what he thought she wanted, yet couldn't resist adding,

"I thought you didn't particularly like me, English. Have you changed your mind so soon?"

"I haven't."

"Then why-"

"Look, Kincaid, this isn't the time for a lengthy discussion," Jamie told him.

She hurried back to his side so their conversation wouldn't be overheard by his soldiers. "You have your hunting to do," she said. "And I have Mary to get comfortable. I'm asking you to be careful, Alec." Her hand touched his leg and she began to pat him. Alec doubted she was even aware of that action. Her worried gaze was directed at his face. "Do it just to annoy me."

"Do you know that you call me Kincaid whenever you're angry?"

She pinched him. "I never get angry," she announced. "Even when you won't give me duties," she added with a nod. "Would it be all right if I rearrange the kitchens while you're away? It will give me something to do, Alec, and I'll ask others to do the actual work. I'll just direct them."

He didn't have the heart to deny her. "You won't lift a finger?"

"I won't."

He nodded. Before she could waylay him again, he told her to let go of his leg, else he'd drag her with him.

She didn't look as if she believed that threat.

He had to sigh over her attitude. Then he put her out of his mind and turned his attention to more important considerations. It was only later in the day, when Gavin caught up with him, that he recalled Jamie's remark about helping her sister get comfortable.

He'd thought she meant for a long day's visit.

She'd obviously meant forever.

Aye, he understood well enough when Gavin announced that Lady Kincaid had given her sister sanctuary.

The Fergusons had declared war.

Alec knew Daniel had to be fighting angry. He sent Gavin back home to keep an eye on his wife, placed another trusted soldier in charge of continuing the hunt, and then headed for Ferguson land.

He was able to intercept Daniel near the border separating their lands. Alec rode alone-a deliberate choice, that-but Daniel had a small army with him. All were armed for battle.

Alec forced his stallion to a halt and waited for Daniel to make the first move.

It wasn't long in coming. Daniel drew his sword, threw it into the air so the tip of the blade would imbed itself in the ground directly in front of Alec's stallion.

The action was a symbol that war had been declared. Now Daniel waited for Alec to repeat the ritual. Daniel's expression was impassive, yet quickly changed to a look of real astonishment when Alec shook his head, refusing to throw his weapon.

"You dare refuse to do battle?" Daniel bellowed. He was so angry the veins stood out on the sides of his neck.

"Damn right I do," Alec bellowed back.

"You can't."

"I just did."

Now it was Daniel's turn to shake his head. "What game are you playing, Alec?" he demanded to know, though he no longer sounded as if he were spitting hot embers out of his mouth.

"I'll not fight a war I don't want to win," Alec stated.

"You don't want to win?"

"I don't."

"Why the hell not?"

"Daniel, do you honestly believe I want two Englishwomen in my household?"

That question took some of Daniel's anger away. "But-"

"If I won, I'd have Mary living with Jamie for the rest of my days. You ask too much of me, friend."

"You didn't agree to give my wife sanctuary?" Daniel asked. A hint of a smile mellowed his expression.

"I did not," Alec returned in exasperation.

"Your wife dared to protect Mary from me, Alec. From me. And my wife let her.

Hid behind her back like a child."

"They're English, Daniel. Your error was in forgetting that fact."

"'Tis the truth," Daniel admitted with a sigh. "I did forget. I don't wish my wife to act the coward, though. It's shameful the way she makes her little sister-"

"She isn't a coward, Daniel," Alec interjected. "She's been trained to act that way. Jamie had all her sisters believing she would protect them."

Daniel grinned. "They're both daft."

"Aye, they are," Alec agreed. "We've been friends too long to let women force a breach between us. I've come to you in good faith, Daniel, to ask… nay, to demand you return to my holding and collect your wife."

"Have I just been given a command?" Daniel asked, grinning.

"You have."

"And if I still ache for a fight?"

"Then I will accommodate you," Alec drawled. "But the rules will have to be changed."

Daniel was intrigued by the laughter in Alec's voice. "How?"

"Winner takes both brides."

Daniel threw back his head and shouted with laughter. Alec had helped him save face in front of his men. He'd allowed him to back down without looking like a loser. "You wouldn't give up your prize, Alec, but it warms my heart to know you aren't having such an easy time with your wife, either."

"She'll settle in."

"I have my doubts about Mary."

"A firm hand is all that's needed, Daniel."

Daniel dismissed his soldiers before answering Alec's comment. "A firm hand and a gag, Alec. The woman hasn't quit complaining since we reached my home. Do you know, she actually took exception to the fact I have a mistress?"

Alec smiled. "They're funny that way," he said.

"Perhaps I'll let her stay with Jamie…"

"There would be war then, Daniel. Mary belongs to you."

"You should have seen the pair of them, Alec." He withdrew his sword from the ground, replaced it in his sheath before adding, "Your wife was protecting Mary, all the while hurling insults at me. She called me a pig."

"You've been called worse."

"Aye, but only by men, and they didn't live long enough to boast of it."

"My wife has a temper," Alec admitted, smiling.

"I wish some of it would rub off on Mary. The woman acts like a frightened rabbit."

"I was in the midst of tracking down Angus's attackers when I was informed of this problem," Alec said, turning the topic.

"We heard what happened," Daniel answered. "What say I ride with you on this hunt? I understand the mountain barons were responsible?" Daniel asked, referring to the band of men who'd been cast out of their clans and had formed a unit of their own. They were called barons because it was a title the English valued, and therefore the most offensive name the Highlanders could come up with. It was fitting as well, for like the English, these mountain men were also blackguards who fought without honor or conscience.

"You're welcome to come along, Daniel, but first you must take Mary home. You can catch up with us near the Peak."

Neither Alec nor Daniel spoke again until they'd reached Alec's home. Jamie was standing next to her sister in the center of the courtyard. She smiled when she saw her husband until she got a good look at his face. Her smile faded away then.

"Oh, God, Daniel looks as if he wants to kill me," Mary whispered, moving closer to her sister's side.

"Smile, Mary, it will confuse him," Jamie instructed.

Alec dismounted and slowly advanced toward his wife. He certainly wasn't smiling. God's truth, his expression could have curdled milk. Jamie took a deep breath. "Have you finished your hunt, Alec?"

He ignored her question. "Did you give Lady Ferguson sanctuary?"

"Sanctuary?" Jamie repeated. "I hadn't quite thought of it in that light, husband."

"Answer me."

The anger in his tone burned her like a hot iron. Jamie's temper ignited. How dare he criticize her in front of their guests? "Mary asked me if she could stay here, and I gave her permission," she said. "If you want to call it sanctuary, then by all means do so. I would protect Mary."

"Protect her from her own husband?" Alec asked, looking incredulous.

"When the husband happens to be an unfeeling clout, aye," Jamie answered. She paused to frown up at Daniel, then turned back to her husband. "He has abused her tender feelings, Alec. What would you have had me do?"