The Highlander's Escape by Aileen Adams

Author:Aileen Adams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AilAd

12

“What is that?”

Malcolm’s question stirred Margaret from the reverie she’d slipped into as they strolled the deck together, arm-in-arm. They’d walked this way for weeks, ever since he’d claimed to be her husband.

It had been an interesting and challenging time since then—likely more so for him than for her, as she had already been accustomed to the presence of a man in her private chambers. Compared to William, who might just as easily throw a pitcher across the room or pull the blankets away and force her to sleep in the cold with no covering, living with Malcolm was nothing short of a blessing.

She sensed he did not share her feelings. The little he’d told her of himself gave her a vague idea of the life he’d lived until that time. A soldier who’d made his living in recent years by carrying messages, delivering important papers, escorting people who had the means to pay for such services.

He had no home to speak of and few friends. She’d made the acquaintance of Angus and Liam, both of whom impressed her as decent, honest men. Much the way Malcolm did. There were no parents, no siblings in his life.

No sweethearts.

Why this mattered at all was a matter of some concern. She’d spent many a sleepless hour pondering her interest in Malcolm’s past pertaining to his involvement with women. It was the last thing that ought to concern her after all she’d experienced.

Yet he must have loved a woman once. He surprised her with moments of such tenderness, such kindness, that it seemed a pity for no woman to ever have received his attentions. Offering her part of his meals so she might have enough to eat—truly, it seemed her appetite was endless as of late, a far cry from her condition when the sailing had first begun. Offering her his arm whenever they walked together, patting her hand, helping her up and down the stairs and insisting she sit to rest whenever possible.

Yet this was a farce. He did these things to further the illusion of their union, just as she leaned against him and made a point of looking into his eyes when they spoke. The way she’d always observed loving pairs doing.

Since after all, she had no real experience with such matters. She’d never been in love, and no one had ever been in love with her.

This was what had been on her mind when Malcolm took note of the locket which had somehow worked its way over the kerchief covering her chest. She regarded the precious treasure with a smile, holding it out for him to examine once they’d taken a seat on a crate.

“It belonged to my mother.” She tilted it this way and that, admiring the way the sun’s rays made the center-set opal sparkle. Small rubies surrounded the stone, their fire no less brilliant for their size.

“’Tis a lovely thing. Little wonder ye conceal it. Take care to do so.” His eyes moved back and forth, always watchful.

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