To Dream of a Highlander by Samantha Holt

Author:Samantha Holt
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Highland
Published: 2014-04-08T04:00:00+00:00

***

Catriona yelped and the seamstress, Beth, murmured an apology. Resisting the urge to rub her side, she kept her arms raised as Beth fitted the pale blue material to her body.

Lorna nodded approvingly. “Ye suit this shade, Katelyn.”

The afternoon sun warmed the solar, enhancing the plush red fabrics of Lorna’s chambers. Gold embroidery and pearls reflected the sunlight, and gilded Lorna’s fair hair. It struck her how at home the lady appeared in this warm room, surrounded by an intricately carved bed and ornate iron candelabras.

Unlike her.

Fingering the silk, Catriona crushed a sigh. This gown meant she was one step closer to marrying Gillean. It sat heavily on her hips, threatened to weigh her down. Or was that the thought of her impending nuptials?

The seamstress came to her feet and stepped back. “’Twill take me a few days to finish the embroidery,” she told Lorna.

Indignation heated Catriona’s skin. How long would she have to stand around and accept her fate being dictated by others? The laird was funding their wedding and as such, Lorna had taken on all the preparations. With her naturally commanding nature, Lorna thrived on such tasks and had it been anything else, Catriona might have been grateful to her, but not on this—not when it was her future.

“What troubles ye?” Lorna’s brow furrowed. “Do ye no’ like the colour? Blue is traditional for brides.”

“Nay, the colour doesnae trouble me.”

Lorna took a step forward and grasped Catriona’s hand. “Tell me,” she said quietly, “are ye nervous? I know yer mother passed when ye were young. I can offer ye a word or two....”

Now Lorna surely had to see the warmth in her cheeks. “Nay, nay, ‘tis nae that. I know well enough what…” She glanced at Beth and Lorna motioned for her to leave. With a curtsey, the woman scurried away and closed the door to the solar. The creaking hinges made Catriona wince.

Lorna urged her to sit on the bed and sat beside her. Catriona ran her fingers over the thick blanket, unable to meet Lorna’s gaze. The last thing she needed to be thinking of was the marriage bed, not after how Finn had kissed her. Not now that all she thought on was his powerful arms and strong hands and how enticing they might be against her skin.

“I am aware I’m only a few summers older than ye but should ye need anyone….”

Guilt jabbed her. Lorna had shown her nothing but kindness. Her only sin was being connected by marriage to an ungodly man. Catriona offered her a small smile. “I thank ye, Lorna, for yer care and hospitality. However, I dinnae need any advice. I may not be worldly, but I am no fool either.”

Lorna laughed suddenly. “I dinnae think ye a fool at all, Katelyn. Far from it. But ye are clearly no’ happy here. Would that I could offer ye some comfort. I know I should have liked some kind words before my own marriage. Indeed the only person I know not to have suffered an arranged marriage was Finn.

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