Highland Hearts by Eva Maria Hamilton

Author:Eva Maria Hamilton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2011-08-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Logan stood back near the wall, watching as Ian knocked on Sheena’s paneled door. “Oh, hello, Cait. Are you and Sheena ready for supper?”

“Aye.” Cait opened the door farther to reveal Sheena, a pleasant smile spreading faintly on Sheena’s lips as she approached the doorway. Cait lost no time getting out of their way and taking Logan’s arm so they could follow Ian and Sheena down the stairs to the dining room.

It came as absolutely no surprise to Logan that he sat at the far end of the long, wooden table away from Sheena, who sat positioned in the middle, while Cait sat on the opposite end. Someone had planned this out carefully in advance, because this arrangement offered complete interaction between the family and the newcomers.

From this distance, though, Logan couldn’t hear any of the conversations Sheena delved into with those around her. Too many other voices filled the air between them. And so, he watched her, making sure to look at his food and talk to those around him from time to time so no one would notice how much he truly stared at Sheena. But every time Ian leaned in to talk to her and she laughed, Logan ground his food harder between his teeth. Resentment? Most definitely. Protectiveness? Of course. The whole situation proved pure torture.

“You seem to be enjoying the ice cream, Logan.” Caroline looked down at the wee bit that remained of his serving. Logan nodded. So that’s what the rich called this cold, sweet stuff that melted in his mouth. He’d never eaten ice cream before.

“Would you like some more?” Caroline sat ready to call over a servant, but Logan declined—he wouldn’t impose. And Caroline smiled demurely at him. “How are you related to Sheena?” The question took Logan aback. He’d arranged to take Boyd’s place so quickly he never thought this far ahead. He didn’t know what to say about the matter. He couldn’t lie. And yet, he couldn’t say he came because of his undying love for Sheena. The fact that he planned to do everything in his power to stop Sheena’s marriage to Ian probably wouldn’t be the wisest answer, either. “We are fellow clansmen.”

Caroline gasped and everyone’s head turned in their direction. “Excuse me.” She took a slow sip of her drink to hide her shock and everyone’s attention went back to whence it came, except Sheena’s. Her gaze lingered. “Are we allowed to use the term clansmen these days?” Caroline hushed her voice.

“I’m sorry if I offended you, Caroline. The old terms slip out occasionally.” The Duke of Cumberland had succeeded in crushing everything dear to the Highlanders’ way of life. Logan stared into Sheena’s eyes, not bothering to look at Caroline, even when she dismissed the offense with her hand in an amiable manner.

Scotland’s joining with England, as a result of the Acts of Union of 1707, obviously benefited a few like the Mackenzies, allowing them

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