Highland Escape by MacRae Cathy & MacRae DD

Author:MacRae, Cathy & MacRae, DD [MacRae, Cathy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Short Dog Press
Published: 2015-05-09T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Anna rose from Duncan’s side. After adding more wood to the banked fire, she boiled water for a quick breakfast of chamomile tea and oatcakes, passing out the simple breakfast as the men finished their morning tasks.

“Many thanks, milady.” Iain said.

Malcolm’s brow bunched after his first bite.

“What’s the matter, Malcolm? Does it not suit your taste?” Anna asked playfully. She had eaten enough of their bland version to expect a reaction to her variation.

He glanced at her as if caught stealing sweets from the kitchen. “Not at all, Lady Anna, ’tis just I have never eaten bannocks like this before. They are usually less…tasty.”

She smiled and kicked at the apple cores on the ground. “I added apple and a bit of the honey we carry to market. I did not think they would be missed.”

Hearty agreements came from bannock-filled mouths, along with muffled suggestions she make breakfast each day. Listening to the men’s comments, she thought to address something on her mind.

“Gentlemen, as much as I appreciate the respect, I would request you not address me as Lady Anna, but merely Anna. I am not a titled noblewoman here. Doing so brings attention I would rather not have.”

By the shocked looks on their faces, one would have thought the oatcakes they ate suddenly turned sour. To a man, they all looked at Duncan for confirmation.

He shrugged his shoulders. “As she wishes. I can see her point.”

Uneasily, the men returned to their food, finishing quickly.

By midday, they arrived at Graham village. The Graham keep was a third again larger than the MacGregor stronghold. The market stood in the center of town, more than a furlong away from the walls of the large castle. The lanes were crowded with tents of every color and many permanent stalls with people barking out their goods.

Within a few hours, Duncan had a price on the horses, secured more wool than anticipated and sold or traded everything else. The barrels of wine requested by his father replaced the barrels of whisky and mead. New fabrics and spices, along with grains and other produce not grown by the MacGregors, were added to the wagons.

The village was much larger than the MacGregor village, but then the Lowlands were more populous. It made Anna wonder if an alliance with the Grahams involving Nessa was truly being considered. She recognized creating a bond was a good idea, if for no other reason than to bolster the border between the Lowlands and Highlands, and securing future trade. It also made sense from a strategic viewpoint.

Anna decided to hold her judgment until she got to know the Grahams better. The thought of Nessa marrying into a clan where she was treated less than she should raised her ire. She chuckled at her strong feelings of protectiveness. After a little more than a month, they truly were sisters.

After watching Duncan barter and trade goods, she was ready to explore. Handing Trean and Orion to Rory to be taken to the stable, she presented Duncan with her intent.

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