Free Her Rebellious Heart: A Scottish Historical Romance by Marian McBride Page B

I wish she wouldn’t take on all the work she is planning to do for her teacher though, we won’t be seeing much of her at all this coming summer is she does.”
                  Aidan, only slightly interested asked, “Will she be teaching the bairns here?”
                  “I told her she could if she wanted to, but she turned down my offer, saying she would be doing it at Miss Wallace's house where everything is set up for teaching and where the children are used to coming for their lessons.”
                  Besse interrupted their talk as she came through from the kitchen, adjusting her shawl about her head, expertly pinning it under her chin. “I’ll be off now, sir, if ye don’t need me for anything else.  There’s fresh crumpets in the bread box, if ye would like some later.”
                  “Thank you, Besse, that’s fine. We’ll have them with tea when Bridget comes in. Enjoy your visit with your friends, lass, and there’s no need to hurry back.”
                  “All right then, I’ll be on my way,” and off she went by way of the kitchen door.
                  Aidan got up off his chair, stretching himself as he said in a very detached manner, “I think I’ll talk a walk to town and see what’s doing. Would ye mind? I feel a bit restless tonight.”
                  “No laddie, I dinna mind. I think I understand what’s bothering you.”
                  Aidan put his unfinished pipe on its rack and was about to go get a jacket from his room, when they heard voices coming from the direction of the front door. One was Bridget’s, the other unfamiliar to them.  
                  They heard her say, “Put your macintosh on the chair, Kevin, and com on and meet my grandfather.”
                  Then they appeared from the hallway door, Bridget on the arm of a tall young man. His straw colored hair and blue eyes, evidencing his Viking ancestry. His was a pleasant countenance, especially when he smiled, as he was doing now, as they came toward the fireplace.
                  “Grandfather,” she began, “I want you to meet my friend Kevin Anderson. Kevin, this is the Robert I’ve been telling you about.”
                  Robert got to his feet, looking intently at the young man as they shook hands.
                  Kevin said, “I’m very pleased to meet you, Mr. MacDonald. Bridget never tires of talking about you and some of your sea-faring experiences.”
                  “I’m pleased to meet you too, laddie, and hope I am worthy of all my grandaughter’s praise.”
                  Bridget broke in on them. “Kevin, this is Aidan MacLeod, Robert’s right hand man. He also lives here at the castle.”
                  She looked at Aidan as she spoke. His face was expressionless. The two younger men now shook, hands each appraising the other, Kevin looking very boyish in appearance, made a strong contrast to the older and more experienced Aidan, who had apparently forgotten his urge to go out, and sat down again, Bridget and Kevin seating themselves on the settee.
                  Looking across at Robert, Bridget said, “I had an early supper with mum and father tonight, then went to Kevin’s parents' home. He plays violin and the two of us played together quite often for some of the socials and things at the church. We are getting up something special for Easter, which will take a lot of practice, and that’s what we were doing tonight. Then, Kevin walked me home.”
                  “That’s fine, lassie, and remember you can practice here all you want. You are very welcome too, Kevin, anytime.”
                  “Thank you, Mr. MacDonald, that is very nice of you. You have a grand house here. I’ll be glad to come,” he