Well Favored Gentleman - Christina Dodd by Christina Dodd A Well Favored Gentleman

Author:Christina Dodd A Well Favored Gentleman [Gentleman, Christina Dodd A Well Favored]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-01-06T09:09:02+00:00

Chapter 17

Bees buzzed around Quigley’s hand as he culled the queen and her court from the branch where they hung. “See the honey bags each one carries? That makes it difficult for ‘em t’ work that barb they carry behind. That’s why they dunna sting when they’re swarming, see.”

Alanna shook her head in wonder. “They always sting me.”

“Ye’re too nervous around ‘em. They can sense it, see.” The snaggletoothed farmer grinned at her as he carried the queen to the woven willow hive he’d prepared. “The scouting bees already found this place. I put those herbs they love inside t’ make it all scented for ‘em.” He placed the queen on the swarm sheet directly in front of the entrance and watched as she danced in. “Now watch. The other bees’U follow her always. ’Tis easy, see.”

From a safe distance, she stood and watched as bees followed in a swift brown stream. “Now they’ll settle in their new home?”

“Aye, and make the honey for yer Christmas feast.” Quigley straightened from his task. “ ‘Tis glad, I am, ye’re back in yer rightful place, see. And ’tis glad I will be t‘ see ye wed t’ Mr. Ian.”

Her smile disappeared. Why did everyone assume she would marry Ian? “You know him, too.”

“Aye, the man came out t‘ talk t’ me almost as soon as he arrived, see. The laird o‘ the swarm, he is.”

Everyone! Ian had captivated everyone! Every single person on her lands, with the exception of his own father, liked Ian.

“A laird?”

“Aye. He talked f me, found out about my beekeeping, suggested f Armstrong I be put in charge o‘ the bees and the honey. Had a real appreciation o’ my skills, ye ken. Perhaps, after ye’re wed, he’ll teach ye t‘ handle the bees.” Quigley nodded knowingly.

Her hackles rose. As if Ian could teach her anything. “Really.”

“He’s got a touch with ‘em, see. Helped me move a hive from a windy spot; na many’s the man who’ll do that. And never a sting on him!”

He shook his head in awed appreciation, and Alanna wondered if she could get away from the memory and the mention of Ian anywhere. When Quigley spoke of Ian’s way with the bees, he reminded her that Ian had tamed the dog. Damon no longer threatened the peace of Fionnaway Manor; he had become its guardian.

“He’s a good man, m’lady. Ye’ve done well.”

No matter how she wished to, she couldn’t snap at Quigley just because he liked Ian. So with a disgruntled wave, she started along the trail. At Fionnaway, all paths ran parallel to the sea. Right now the sound of the breakers drew her up toward her hill. There she could see it, taste it in the tang of the wind; there she could think, or not think, as she chose.

She squinted; the sun took advantage of the cloudless morning to bring the waving grass to attention. Despite Wilda’s concerns, she was warm, and she gave a skip along the meadow path. Without her cumbersome disguise, dressed in her chintz gown, she felt free.

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