Free Highland Scoundrel (Highland Brides) by Lois Greiman Page A

me, I was forced to spend the entire night in my cousin's wearing company and I am in great need of the healing balm of your beauty. Might ye accompany me on an outing?"
    She considered refusing, but one glance at her father reminded her that he was still peeved at her, and since it had been two years since Roderic had asked her to consider William as a possible husband, now seemed a good time to act the dutiful daughter. "I am quite hungry," she said.
    "Tis settled, then," William said, and turning slightly, offered his arm.
    Shona rested her fingers near William's wrist.
    "Never fear, my lady," Hadwin said softly. "I know tis your duty to entertain even the old gaffers this day. But dunna be too selfless. When ye can no longer bear the boredom, you've but to signal, and I will come to your rescue."
    Shona laughed. "I thank ye for your concern and will keep your words in mind."
    "I am forever in your service. In truth—"
    "Shut up, Hadwin!" ordered William, and steered Shona toward the door.
    In actuality, William turned out to be quite interesting. The morning was indeed lovely, with only enough breeze to ruffle the dark, spiny leaves of the mistletoe that grew at the south end of the garden.
    "Your cook makes a fine Brie tart," William said, pouring Shona a bit more wine.
    "Aye. Bethia has been with us as long as I can recall. There are few who can organize kitchens as well as she, I think."
    "A woman? In charge?"
    Shona laughed at his surprise. "I never thought it strange. I suppose we at Dun Ard are a wee bit odd."
    He smiled. A nice smile on a comfortable slightly rounded face. "I suspect all the great houses could be considered strange. In truth, when my young cousin was crowned king, the servers all wore-
    —"
    "Your cousin?" She did not try to contain her own surprise. "Your cousin is King James?"
    He laughed out loud. "Surely ye knew."
    "I must have forgotten," she admitted, and chastised herself for her lack of memory. That seemed like the sort of thing a true lady would remember, especially if she were seriously considering a man as a husband. But somehow, William of Atberry always managed to slip her mind.
    He laughed. "Tis like ye to forget such a thing, Lady Shona. But in truth, my sire kept his title rather quiet. After his brother was banned to France for his attempt to gain the crown, Father thought it wise not to call too much attention to himself. It has seemed best to carry on that tradition. In this time of unrest, the powers that be are often looking for someone to blame for political atrocities.
    Those closest to the king usually are bequeathed that dubious honor."
    She had heard that sort of thing a number of times. It never failed to make her nervous. "Ye know James?" she asked.
    "Aye, I have met him," William said. "And I heard ye are one of his favorites."
    Shona forced a smile for the compliment and willed herself to be calm. "I spent a good deal of time with him at Stirling."
    "I, too, have spent some time at court. When were ye there?"
    "Father sent me some months back. I believe he hoped to teach me some manners, but I fear his efforts failed."
    "Nay. Never that," William countered. "For ye are all fine elegance. All softness and light." He reached for her hand, but suddenly noticed the scathed palms and scraped knuckles. "Lady, ye are wounded."
    She laughed, grateful for the change of subject but nervous as she remembered the night just past. All elegance, indeed! "Tis naught but a scratch," she said, and tried to pull her hand away.
    He bore it solicitously higher into better light.
    "But such a fair maid as you should never bear even so mild a wound," he murmured. "How did it happen?"
    "When I was returning from the stables last night it began to rain. In my haste I tripped, and—"
    From the corner of her eye she saw a movement and turned distractedly toward it. Dugald Kinnaird stood not a score of feet away. He was dressed all in black. Her gaze skimmed his high leather boots, his