The Highlander's Return by Marguerite Kaye

Author:Marguerite Kaye
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781408923696
Publisher: HarlequinUKLtd
Published: 2011-01-28T16:00:00+00:00

‘My brother’s name is Rory, Mother. Can’t you even bring yourself to say it?’

‘Don’t imagine you have the monopoly on feelings, Ailsa,’ Lady Munro snapped.

For a split second her mask slipped. There was pain in her eyes, dark pools of it, but by the time Ailsa had opened her mouth to apologise it was gone and Lady Munro was turning a bright smile on Donald. ‘You will forgive me if I retire early tonight. I have the headache.’

‘I’m sure Ailsa will keep me entertained,’ Donald replied.

The meaningful look they exchanged left Ailsa in no doubt that her mother had made good on her threats. She watched incredulously as Lady Munro made her stately way out of the door without even looking back.

The sound of the latch clicking to made Ailsa jump to her feet. ‘I must bid you goodnight, too,’ she said, backing away from the table. ‘I find I am tired.’

Donald drained the contents of his claret glass in one swallow. ‘Has not your mother spoken to you?’

‘Yes, yes she has.’

‘Lady Munro is minded to keep to tradition.’

‘Donald, there has been a misunderstanding. You must know that I have …’

He smiled. ‘There now, you’re nervous. Of course ye are.’ He took her hand between his. He had strong hands, calloused and scarred. The hands of a man who worked hard for a living. The hands of a warrior, too. Donald’s skills with the broadsword were legendary. It was something she had liked about him before.

She tried to pull away, but his grip on her tightened. ‘Donald, you mistake the situation.’

‘There’s nothing to mistake. We are betrothed. It is high time you showed willing.’

She did not like being in the room alone with him in this way. Though the table had not been cleared, she had no doubt that her mother had left instructions with the servants not to disturb them. The room was in the square tower, in the oldest part of the building, where the walls were almost a foot thick. No one would hear her. With Alasdhair away at the smiddy, there was no one to rescue her.

‘I am very tired, Donald, it’s been an exhausting few days,’ Ailsa said a little desperately.

‘Is it wooing ye want? I didnae think you were one for pretty speeches and the like, but if that’s what it takes, you must know that I think you a fine-looking woman.’

‘Donald, I can’t …’

He gave an exasperated sigh. ‘And were you not such a fine-looking woman with such a big dowry, I don’t doubt I’d be looking elsewhere for a wife.’

‘Donald, I’m sorry, but that’s exactly what you are going to have to do. We have made a mistake. I have made a mistake. It is all my fault. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry, but we are not suited.’

‘I wouldn’t say that. I’ve brought more spirited fillies to heel than you. Come now, lass, don’t be shy,’ Donald said with a smile that was meant to be reassuring. ‘A strong hand on the rein and a sure seat in the saddle is what it takes, and I have both.

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