Prince of Danger by Amanda Scott

Author:Amanda Scott
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Isobel had never felt more constrained than she did as she waited with Cristina, Mairi, their maids, and her aunt for Michael to claim her as his own. She had scant knowledge of what that meant, living as she had, first in the household at Chalamine, motherless from her third year, and then at Lochbuie, where the laird and his lady enjoyed the luxury of a private bedchamber.

She wished she dared command everyone to leave her and go about their business, but she knew that although the two maidservants might obey, Cristina, Lady Mairi, and Lady Euphemia would not. Moreover, lying naked beneath a blanket that was not even hers, she felt more vulnerable than usual.

At last, though, unable to keep silent any longer, she said, “I have only the vaguest notion of how men and women couple. Should I not know more about it?”

Cristina said guiltily, “I suppose I should have talked with you about what to expect, dearling, but everything happened so quickly that I didn’t think of it.”

“Nonsense,” Mairi said. “You will find that you know exactly what to do, Isobel, and if you have any doubts, Michael will show you.” With a grin, she added, “If my own experience was typical, you will enjoy it very much.”

The maidservants giggled, and Isobel wished she had not spoken. But then the latch clicked and the door opened almost before awareness set in that it was her husband who walked in so unceremoniously. On his heels came the priest.

Michael said, “I’d take it as a kindness if you would lose no time in blessing this bed, parson.”

The priest smiled indulgently. “All bridegrooms are impatient, sir, but you will want everything as it should be.” Nevertheless, he was efficient, and Hector and Lachlan appeared in the open doorway as he was finishing the brief ritual.

Michael observed their arrival with visible wariness. “I’m grateful for your assistance, my lords, but I would be alone with my lady wife if you please.”

The two men glanced at each other, eyes mutually atwinkle, and Isobel had a sudden fear that they would insist on bearing witness to her conquest, or at least on assisting Michael to prepare for bed, as she had heard was frequently the fate of bridegrooms. But Michael turned to Lady Mairi and said, “I warrant the princess Margaret would welcome your assistance with her preparations, madam, and that of the lady Cristina and your maidservants, as well.”

“Aye, sure, she will,” Mairi said, chuckling and taking firm hold of her husband’s arm. “Come along, you men, and let the happy couple get on with their important business, so that we may all depart for Kirkwall as soon as possible.”

Within moments, the chamber was empty, and Isobel watched with mixed relief and wariness as Michael barred the door.

He turned and smiled. “I have faith in them, but I believe you will feel more comfortable if you know that no one can walk in on us.”

“Comfort is not a word that springs to mind just now,” she muttered.

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