A Highland Knight's Desire by Amy Jarecki

Author:Amy Jarecki
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Highland
Published: 2015-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

After Cassie returned to help Meg dress, she descended the stairs for dinner, hair brushed and wearing a plain black gown. She figured if she were to become a nun, she may as well dress the part.

Arthur preferred to have quiet meals in his solar when family business was afoot. Both Elizabeth and he were seated at the table as Meg entered. Arthur stood and grasped her hand. “Dear Meg, you look refreshed.”

“Aye, the bath was invigorating.” Meg crossed to Elizabeth and kissed her cheek. “What news?”

Her sister chuckled and patted Meg’s arm. “My heavens, you’ve been kidnapped and then rescued by a mob of Highlanders and you’re asking me for news?”

Meg walked to the other side of the table. “You make it sound so frightful.”

“Was it not?”

Both Arthur and Elizabeth looked at her expectantly.

Taking a deep breath, Meg sat. “True, the kidnapping part was terrifying. However, the rescue was exciting and fraught with unimaginable danger.” She waggled her eyebrows to add shocking effect.

Eyes bulging, Elizabeth patted her chest. “My heavens.” The servant came in and placed a trencher of food before her. She picked up her eating knife. “I pray Lord Percy has chosen to abandon his feud against our clan.”

Arthur frowned. “I’m sure Meg’s rescue inflamed his ire tenfold. He has spies all over Southern Scotland. ’Tis a matter of time before he strikes again.”

Meg shuddered. “Is there anything we can do to stop him? He’s completely mad.”

Arthur’s lips formed a thin line while he reached for the wine. “I have it in hand. You needn’t worry. He’ll never touch you or any of my family again.” He poured for her and then himself. “I’ve decided ’tis time for you to marry.”

Meg nearly fell off her chair. “No.”

Elizabeth reached for the bread. “Meg, darling, you cannot remain a spinster your entire life.”

“Why ever not? I’ve made the decision to give myself to God.”

Arthur placed the ewer on the table. “That is a preposterous notion.”

Elizabeth nibbled a bite of her bread. “I agree. You are distraught, and in no state to make such a decision.”

Meg clenched her fists under the table. “I strongly, most emphatically disagree. In fact, on my pilgrimage to Melrose, I was planning to gain an audience with the abbot to discuss taking up the veil.”

Arthur slammed his fist on the table. “Becoming a nun is out of the question. You are far too beautiful to hide behind the cloistered walls of a nunnery.”

Meg’s insides jumped, but with every muscle in her body taut, she maintained her composure. “You cannot stop me,” she said through clenched teeth.

“Or what? You’ll spirit away and end up in Lord Percy’s hands?” Arthur pushed back from the table and fumed.

Meg held up the claw. “Who in their right mind would want to marry a decrepit maid?”

Elizabeth gasped. “Oh please, Meg.”

Arthur leaned forward and pointed. “There a number of nobles who wish to make alliances with our house. For God’s sake, Meg, think. You are the daughter of an earl.”

She stared at her brother’s accusing finger.

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