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about to reach for his sword again when he suddenly changed his inclination. He slowly turned to look at Nicholas.
    “Marry an Englishwoman?”
    He sounded horrified. He was out of breath, too. The last observation pleased Nicholas considerably; and just as soon as he was able to draw a deep breath again he would boast over the fact that he had worn the laird out.
    MacBain stood up, then hauled Nicholas to his feet. He shoved him backward so he wouldn’t think the action had been an act of kindness, then folded his arms across his chest and demanded an explanation.
    “And who is it you believe I would marry?”
    “My sister.”
    “You’re mad.”
    Nicholas shook his head. “If you don’t marry her, King John will give her to Baron Williams. He’s a mean son of a bitch,” he added in a gratingly cheerful voice. “God help you then, MacBain. If Williams marries her, the men he’ll send will make Marshall seem as good and just as the day is long.”
    The laird didn’t show any outward reaction to that bit of news. Nicholas rubbed the side of his head in an attempt to ease the sting before continuing on. “You’ll probably kill whoever he sends here,” he remarked.
    “Damned right I will,” MacBain snapped.
    “But Williams will only retaliate by sending more . . . and more . . . and more. Can you afford to risk constant war with England? How many more Maclaurins will die before it’s settled? Look around you, MacBain. Marshall and his men damned near destroyed every building. The Maclaurins turned to you for help and made you their laird. They’re depending on you. If you marry Johanna, the land will legally become yours. King John will leave you alone.”
    “Your king approves of this union?”
    “He does.” Nicholas’s voice was emphatic.
    “Why?”
    Nicholas shrugged. “I’m not certain. He wants Johanna out of England, that much I know. He made that remark several times. He seemed eager for the marriage and agreed to give you the Maclaurin land the day you wed. I’ll receive title to her holding in England.”
    “Why?” MacBain demanded again.
    Nicholas sighed. “I believe my sister understands why John wants her settled so far away—he calls this place the ends of the earth—but Johanna won’t tell me what his reasons might be.”
    “So you would also profit from this marriage.”
    “I don’t want the holding in England.” he said. “It will only mean more taxes each year, and I already have enough to do rebuilding my own estates.”
    “Then why did you ask for your sister’s . . .”
    Nicholas didn’t let him finish. “John understands greed,” he interrupted. “If he thought I was only protecting my sister from Baron Williams, he might have declined my suggestion to marry her to you. He did insist upon a large fine, of course, but I’ve already paid it.”
    “You’re contradicting yourself, Baron. If John wanted Johanna away from England, why would he consider marrying her to Baron Williams?”
    “Because Williams is extremely loyal to John. Williams is his lapdog. He would keep my sister under control.” Nicholas shook his head then. In a low whisper he said, “My sister was privy to some damning information, and John doesn’t want his past sins coming back to haunt him. Oh, she could never give testimony in court against any man, not even her king, for she is a woman and, therefore, would not be listened to by any official. Still, there are barons ready to rebel against the king. Johanna could possibly ignite their fervor if she told whatever it is she knows. It’s a puzzle, MacBain, but the more I reflect upon it, the more convinced I become that my king is actually afraid of what Johanna knows.”
    “If what you guess is true, I’m surprised he hasn’t had her killed. Your king is capable of such a foul deed.”
    Nicholas knew he would never gain MacBain’s cooperation unless he was completely honest with him. He nodded once again. “He is capable of murder. I