Scot to the Touch (The Hots for Scots Book 6) by Caroline Lee

Author:Caroline Lee [Lee, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-11-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

“Thank ye so much for yer kind words, lass!” Moira, the Oliphant housekeeper, was beaming. “ ’Twas unexpected of ye to go out of yer way just to offer a compliment.”

Embarrassed her praise had garnered such an enthusiastic response, Katlyn clasped her hands in front of her and stared down at the cobblestones in the courtyard. “I meant every word,” she said quietly. “The meals have been spectacular, and I ken how much work goes into running a castle of this size.”

“Och, dinnae…” The older woman trailed off, then clucked her tongue disapprovingly.

When she lightly touched Katlyn’s arm, Kat lifted her gaze to see Moira’s worried look melt into satisfaction.

“There ye are, lass,” she said softly, and patted Katlyn’s arm. “Ye are a lovely woman, and although I can imagine ye’ve dealt with whispers and fear, ye must ken that nae one here will judge ye poorly.”

It was a kind thing to say, but Katlyn knew the way of—

Actually, she’s right.

The realization caught her by surprise. Moira was right. Since she’d arrived at Oliphant Castle, she couldn’t think of a single person who’d flinched or looked away from her mis-matched gaze. There’d been some stares of course, but no one had condemned her or cursed her.

Moira must’ve seen her eyes go wide in realization, because the older woman chuckled and patted her arm yet again. “See, lass? I’m right, am I no’?”

“Truly, ye Oliphants are a welcoming clan,” Katlyn managed.

“Och, nay, we just ken true curses. Having different colored eyes? Bah!” The older woman smiled and shifted the basket of soiled linens to her other hip, both hands occupied now. “I had a pup with two different colored eyes once, and he was the most beautiful creature. Now, Nessa—ye’ve met her, aye?—she believes she’s cursed.” The older woman settled into a gossipy tone. “Have ye heard of her betrothals? William—excuse me, Laird Oliphant”—she winked, leaving no question she and the laird were on intimate terms—“has just signed her seventh betrothal, and every blessed one of the intended bridegrooms have been named Henry. We’ll see if this one survives long enough for the poor lass to meet him in person, although I ken she’s no’ the only person in Oliphant Castle who wishes these betrothals would cease.” Before Katlyn could ask what she meant, Moira hurried on with, “Now Nessa believes she’s become a curse.”

Katlyn could imagine why. “It must be frustrating to be betrothed so many times,” she managed, past the lump in her throat. She’d never been betrothed, not even once. That had been decreed from the moment she’d opened her eyes for the first time and her grandfather, the laird, had seen what he’d called, “The mark of the devil.”

“I’m sorry, lass,” Moira offered quietly, her expression softening. “I didnae even consider how that complaint might sound to ye.”

Shrugging, Katlyn forced a small smile. “I’ve recently been reminded my life doesnae have to be empty just because my grandfather believes nae decent man will have me.” In marriage, at least.

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