Drostan, a Scottish Historical Romance, the Mackintoshes of Willowbrae Castle by Gwyn Brodie

Author:Gwyn Brodie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Scottish Historical Romance
Publisher: Gwyn Brodie
Published: 2019-11-03T16:00:00+00:00

INSIDE THE STABLE, Isobel fed Bramble a carrot, then pressed her cheek against the mare's soft nose. "Do you like it here at Willowbrae, Bramble? I hope so. I like it very much."

"Lady Isobel."

She jumped and turned to find Marcus but a couple feet away. "You startled me." Fear forged a trail up her spine. After what he had done to her that night in the corridor, she did not trust him anywhere near her.

"Then please, forgive me." The right side of his face was severely bruised, and his eye was almost swollen shut.

Trembling and heart pounding, she took a step toward the door.

He followed. "Since you're here, perhaps you'd like to go for a ride?"

"I'm afraid my mother will come looking for me if I dinnae return soon." She had to put some distance between him and her.

He took another step. "Lady Fraser doesnae appear to have a problem with you riding out with Drostan Mackintosh whenever he takes a notion to ask."

"What Lady Isobel does is none of your affairs." Drostan stood in the stable entrance.

Marcus slowly turned around. "'Tis more of my affair than you wish to believe, Mackintosh," he sneered.

Drostan snorted. "I told you to keep away from her, or perhaps you wish another black eye to match the one you already have." Never taking his gaze from Marcus, Drostan drew her arm through his. "I'll be more than happy to escort you back to the castle, Lady Isobel."

"Much thanks." She could hear the unsteadiness in her own voice.

Drostan kept glancing back to make sure Marcus did not follow, as they left the stables and headed toward the castle. "You're trembling." He squeezed her hand. "Did he try to do you harm?"

"Nay, but after the other night, he frightened me just the same. How did you ken I was at the stables?"

He grinned. "I have Angus, a guard I can trust, keeping an eye on you. He sent me word of your whereabouts and that Marcus was headed in that direction. He was standing just outside the entrance listening and would have intervened should you have needed him before my arrival."

"I see."

"I heard you say Lady Fraser was waiting for you, but I've something important to speak to you about."

She shyly smiled. "I'm afraid I lied. I didnae wish to go with Marcus, so I used my mother as an excuse."

He chuckled.

Isobel loved Drostan's laughter. It made her smile.

He patted her hand. "'Tis a lovely day, and even more so from the ramparts. We could talk up there—if you'd like to go."

"Aye, I would. But you still owe me a view at night when the moon is full, and the sky filled with stars."

"I've not forgotten, lass. The next time the night is clear, I'll come fetch you."

She smiled. "I'll hold you to it."

A few minutes later, she stepped out onto the ramparts in front of Drostan and stared out over the moors, meadows, great pines, and Willowbrae Loch in awe. '"Tis breathtaking, Drostan. No wonder you love coming up here.

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