The Trouble with Highlanders by Mary Wine

Author:Mary Wine
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2012-07-31T22:00:00+00:00

Five

Daphne rose with the dawn, her mind too active to allow her to sleep. Norris was sprawled on his back, only his lower body covered by the bedding. His chest was completely in her view, and the morning light illuminated the red in his chest hair. She found her chemise and hurried into it to fend off the chill of early autumn. Her stockings were on the floor, each laying on either side of the chair, and she blushed as she recalled how much she’d enjoyed the piece of furniture. Once she’d tied her boots, she realized her dress was neatly draped over the table.

Gahan certainly took his duty seriously, it seemed, for she doubted there was anyone else who would dare enter Norris’s private chamber while he was entertaining. Of course, it couldn’t have been the first time. That knowledge stung, tearing through her fragile happiness.

Foolish…

For sure she was acting the fool to be so tenderhearted, but she seemed to have no control over her emotions. She liked knowing she’d woken up in Norris’s bed, and part of her enjoyed knowing the information would be all over the castle before the morning meal was finished. Father Peter would have a great deal to say to her.

Nonetheless, Daphne left with a smile on her lips because she was going to enjoy the days until she had to face the consequences of her actions. She had no doubt that day would come. Norris Sutherland would wed only a bride who came with a dowry, and she had none. However, she did have courage, and there was no way the cook was going to run her above stairs to do naught but wait to warm Norris’s bed.

There were retainers in the hallway. They stared at her, one reaching for the corner of his bonnet in respect and stopping midway because his companion failed to offer her any deference. She swept by them and went down the stairs until she reached the bottom floor. Norris’s chamber was in a different tower than the one she’d used. This one was farther back in the castle for more protection. Along the walls were large paintings of the Sutherland earls and countesses.

The hallway opened into a large armory. There were full suits of armor and at least two hundred breastplates alone. It was an amazing display of wealth. Pikes, axes, and swords were arranged in racks, their deadly tips shiny with oil to keep the metal from rusting. No one was set to guard the room, because it was deep in the personal tower. As she walked through it and opened the doors, she heard the sounds of the great hall.

Plenty of people noticed her now. The conversation died momentarily before rising once more. Eyes narrowed, and many people pointed. She watched some of the maids shaking their heads; no doubt they’d had to endure the cook’s ill temper. To be employed as the head cook at a castle such as Dunrobin was a high position. One sought by many.

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