Free The Scottish Lord’s Secret Bride by Raven McAllan

Murren around the estate. There are some pretty rides.’
    Fraser cleared his throat, but before he had time to formulate his thoughts Murren rushed into speech. ‘Oh no, please, you’re too kind but no more riding, I beg of you. In fact I would like to spend the day doing nothing, alone. I’m tired, my headaches and I can think of nothing worse than jolting around. I am afraid the journey took more out of me than I thought possible.’
    Fraser didn’t think she looked that fatigued, but then he didn’t know her strengths and weaknesses. He bowed. ‘Another time perhaps?’
    ‘Thank you, yes, as long as the horse isn’t too strong or the path too bumpy for a carriage or… Oh I’m such a weakling.’ She rubbed her hands together. ‘Although, I wonder, my lord, do you think you could take Morven instead? There will be plenty of time for me to see around when I am more likely to be alert.’
    ****
    Morven watched her sister dart a glance from Fraser to her and she could have sworn one eyelid dipped briefly before a wan expression fixed on Murren’s countenance. It seemed to her that Murren had been doing it a bit too brown. She night not be the bravest horsewoman, or even slightly intrepid, but she was competent. It was strange their mama hadn’t pulled her up on her statement. Unless of course she wasn’t listening properly? Unlikely, but a possibility, Morven supposed. She turned her attention back to her sister, who essayed a half-smile.
    ‘Please, my lord. The journey, you know, seemed to last for ever.’
    ‘Of course,’ Fraser said in a soothing voice. ‘I’m happy to postpone our jaunt.’
    Now his mama looked put out and her mama looked furious. Nevertheless, Morven reckoned the duchess could lay most of the blame for that fact at her own door with all the dawdling she’d insisted on as they drove north.
    ‘As for escorting Lady Morven? An excellent idea if she would like to reacquaint herself with the area?’ Fraser asked before anyone else said anything. ‘Then when Lady Murren feels up to it, I will indeed show her around.’
    Murren stood up, swayed very theatrically and put her hand to her head. ‘Thank you,’ she said faintly. ‘If I may be excused, I think I would be better in my room.’ She looked towards her mama. ‘I am exhausted. Mama, could you help me, please?’
    Morven bit her lip to stop herself laughing. Whatever Murren was up to, she was play-acting. If her head hurt as much as she said, then she—Morven—was a Dutchman. However, as it was to her benefit, Morven would do all she could to help. ‘I’ll help you, love.’ Morven pushed back her chair. ‘Let Mama enjoy a cose with Lady Senga.’ She stared through narrowed eyes at her sister who blinked.
    Murren looked satisfied and not at all worried as she cleared her throat and spoke in a quiet, pitiful voice that set Morven’s nerves on edge. ‘Ah, thank you.’
    What is she up to?
    ‘If you’ll excuse us?’ Morven looked at both mothers and Fraser. The latter stood and bowed. The former looked both cross and rather nonplussed.
    ‘I suppose so,’ the duchess said with a distinct snap. ‘Though it seems to be somewhat rude to our host.’
    ‘Not at all, I understand how draining long journeys can be,’ Fraser said smoothly. ‘Lady Morven, I’d like to leave at eight. Is that acceptable?’
    ‘Fraser,’ his mother’s tone was faintly scandalised. ‘Why not wait until Lady Murren is feeling better? After all, Morven has been here before.’
    ‘I don’t wish to.’ The look he gave his parent would have stopped a man in his stride, let alone a woman. Senga swallowed, her colour high. The duchess studied the weave of the tablecloth, careful not to make eye contact with anyone.
    ‘You know best.’ Lady Senga said at last, grudgingly.
    ‘Exactly. So…’ He turned to where Morven stood arm in arm with her sister. ‘Eight?’
    ‘You can’t leave so early. It’s not right,’ Senga said rapidly, her