The Thief Read Online Free

wooden table before the hearth. ‘Sit, please.’
    ‘We will remain standing until your laird arrives,’ Lachlan said.
    The man’s eyes widened a fraction. ‘As you wish. Please, warm yourselves by the fire.’
    Feeling a twinge of pity for the harried steward, Lachlan nodded and moved closer to the hearth. ‘Thank you.’
    ‘I’ll fetch some refreshments,’ Parlan said, and almost ran across the hall.
    Keeping his back to the wispy flames, Lachlan watched as the maid rushed from sconce to sconce, setting torches alight. The many riches, previously hidden in shadows, began to appear.
    As if summoned to view all that was his, Lennox Irvine chose that moment to waddle into the room. The steward followed, taking a stance at the far end of the table.
    Lachlan couldn’t help thinking the Irvine laird had fattened up like a pig before slaughter.
    ‘Welcome, lad,’ Lennox panted as he neared them, wiping a strand of thin, greying hair from his face. ‘What a surprise.’
    ‘Aye. It’s been a while. But you appear hale and hearty, Laird Irvine.’
    ‘We lairds must keep ourselves in good health, else our people would be lost.’
    Lachlan ignored the round of throat clearing at his back and stepped forward to grip the sweaty palm Lennox offered. A thin-lipped smile showed through his host’s jowls, and above the bulging cheeks set on each side of his reddened nose, two dark slits glinted up at him. He thought another year of ‘good health’ would leave Lennox Irvine blind and mute.
    ‘You remember my brother, Caelan?’
    ‘Hmm! Aye,’ Lennox said, sparing a passing glance at Lachlan’s brother. ‘Come. Sit.’ Lennox found his chair, directly in front of the sparse flames.
    Lachlan moved to the opposite side of the trestle, stepped over the long bench and sat. Caelan took his place beside Lachlan, while the other four remained on guard behind them.
    ‘What brings you here today?’ Lennox said, rubbing his hands together. ‘Jeanne, my beauty, remains wed to the Johnstone laird. But the man is old, so don’t despair, lad. She may be free to wed again soon.’
    Lachlan’s gaze narrowed. Had the Johnstone laird won Jeanne’s hand due to his advanced years rather than the number of cattle offered? How many men did Lennox plan to wed her to?
    ‘Women are expensive creatures,’ Lennox continued. ‘Cost me a fortune to keep her in fancy gowns and jewels, but that’s her husband’s problem now. I gained two score of cattle the day she married. A man can never have too many cattle.’ He sagged back into his chair, looking pleased with his efforts.
    Lachlan gritted his teeth. It was clear the man harboured no affections for his offspring.
    A maid set a tray bearing a jug and three gleaming goblets on the table. She bobbed a swift curtsey and made to leave.
    ‘Am I expected to pour my own wine?’ Lennox said.
    The young maid’s eyes glistened as she turned back to face her laird. Her trembling hand reached for the jug.
    ‘I’m certain you have other chores to attend,’ Lachlan said, giving the maid a meaningful look. He grasped the jug’s handle. ‘It would be my honour to pour for you, Lennox,’ Lachlan offered, sounding sincere.
    The maid bobbed another curtsey, and scurried back to the kitchens.
    Lennox’s scowl followed her retreat, his thin top lip curling up at one corner. ‘Useless creatures. They take everything from you and still want more.’ He regarded Lachlan. ‘Take my advice: ensure the woman you marry gives you many sons and ignore the rest.’ Lennox slumped back in his chair. ‘Else marry another.’
    Lachlan had heard of Lennox’s failure in regards to siring a son. Was the man so obsessed with wanting a son that he’d forgotten he had more than one daughter? Despite previous visits to Irvine, he’d had no idea of a second daughter’s existence. Until she’d stolen his horse. Was Lennox aware of his younger daughter’s thieving activities?
    Lachlan filled one vessel to the