Free Highland Scoundrel (Highland Brides) by Lois Greiman

lifted a hand and touched Sara's cheek. "Tis always my most basic problem." His eyes were filled with such incredible tenderness that Shona felt her mood drop a notch lower.
    "I dunna think my flagging spirits can endure much more of your adoration for your wife just now, Boden," she said. "Could ye not at least pretend that you notice I am in the same room?"
    He laughed as he looked up. "I think there are enough men about to fawn over you, Shona.
    Hardly do you need my poor attempts."
    "Ye could at least make an effort," Shona muttered.
    "Never fear," Sara said, looking past Shona. "I believe I see a bit of a spirit-lifter approaching even now."
    Glancing up, Sara saw Stanford approaching. A bit tall and gangly, he moved with a sort of birdlike stride. But even as she watched, his movement changed radically. His legs flew off in opposite directions and his arms windmilled wildly. Trying to right himself, he grabbed hold of the nearest thing—which happened to be Effie, a broad-hipped woman who had served at Dun Ard for more years than Stanford had lived. They collapsed in a wild tangle of skirts and limbs.
    The hall went absolutely quiet, and then, into the silence, the aging widow squealed as if pinched. "Och, lad, do I make ye so lusty that ye canna even wait for some privacy?"
    The hall erupted with laughter. Amidst the uproar another man rose from his seat. Stepping over Stanford, he approached Shona, bowed, and offered a boyish grin.
    "Laird Hadwin of the clan Nairn," he said, reaching for her hand. "I dunna know if ye remember me."
    Shona drew her attention from poor Stanford, who was bumbling to his feet, his face red. "Of course I do," she said, and remembered to flirt prettily as she offered her hand. After all, her father had invested a great deal here. "How could I forget?"
    His smile increased. Kissing her knuckles, he drew himself to his full height, which, if he were lucky, was just above Shona's own. "I know tis a great deal to ask, but I wondered if ye might walk with me down by the burn. Tis a bonny morn."
    "The lass hasn't even broken the fast yet," Boden said, but just then another man skirted Hadwin and bowed.
    "Tis just the reason I had this basket prepared. Tis good to see ye again, Lady Shona," said the newcomer, and nudged the smaller man aside as he lifted a large wicker in one hand. Not much younger than her father, Laird William had hair that was sprinkled with silver.
    "I didna know ye had already arrived, William," Shona said. A niggle of nervousness twisted in her gut. It wasn't that she didn't like William, for he was always perfectly polite and thoughtful. It was simply that she knew, as did most of Scotland that he hoped to marry her. And since he was extremely wealthy and well placed, twas generally thought she would agree. That idea made her somewhat tense, since in actuality she had no idea what she would do. "Word was that ye might be delayed until after the games begin."
    "His arthritis is improved," Hadwin said. "But ye know how this type of weather bothers such old joints. Best for him to stay inside. Why don't I take that basket off your hands, William?"
    "Please forgive my young cousin here," William said, ignoring the other's grip on the wicker handle. "He does not mean to be a pest. He simply cannot help himself."
    "You're in my way, William," said Hadwin, still smiling.
    "Then move," William suggested.
    "My lady," Hadwin said, stepping forward again. "I would be the last person to say anything bad about my cousin, but I fear the rumors ye have heard about him are true."
    "Rumors?" Shona asked.
    "Aye." Hadwin leaned forward to whisper loudly. "He is already wed—to three women." He lifted the proper amount of fingers. "And all of them quite large and jealous."
    "Indeed?" Shona said, laughing.
    "Indeed. Tis an ugly thing when—"
    "And it will get uglier if you don't get out of my way," William said, and reaching out, pushed the other man aside. "Lady, I entreat ye, have mercy on