Page 22 of Bride of the Mad Laird
When the maids had departed, Elspaith curtsied. “Ye look beautiful me lady Lyra. Now, if ye’ll excuse me, I’ll leave ye tae break yer fast and I’ll return tae attend tae yer hair.”
“Thank ye, Elspaith.”
After the maid had gone, Lyra surveyed herself warily. She ran her fingers down her neck, across her shoulders and over the top of her chest investigating the parts of her that were not covered. She uttered an anguished yelp. There was altogether too much bare skin on display. After being completely enveloped in nun’s robes for most of her life, displaying her neck and bare shoulders was shocking. But to expose the top of the plump breasts she’d only really discovered when she bathed last night, seemed the very height of wantonness.
Without a looking glass it was impossible to glean the full effect of the flowing gown, but, mayhap when Elspaith returned she could prevail on her to provide a piece of linen or lace that she could tuck into the bodice and cover herself. with That would make the gown at least partway decent.
She seated herself at the small table in front of the fire, took as deep a breath as the gown would permit and proceeded to break her fast.
She’d swallowed no more than a mouthful of porridge, when the door was suddenly flung open once again and Tòrr strode into the room.
She snatched a hand over her breasts, her cheeks burning.
She gasped, attempting to stand without the voluminous skirt hampering her legs. She would have toppled but for Tòrr pacing forward and seizing her arm.
Clutching the back of the chair, she shook herself free of his hand.
“Laird Tòrr! Ye startled me!’
“Begging yer pardon, me Lady Lyra.” He gave a short laugh and bowed from the waist. “Forgive this barbarian who is so lacking in manners. I’m nae used tae a lady living at Dùn Ara, thus I havenae the habit of knocking on the doors of me own castle.”
He chuckled, and flung himself, uninvited onto one of the chairs. He lounged there, insouciantly, his gaze raking her from head to toe.
She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin in a haughty gesture that caused her hair to fly over her shoulders. She raised a hand to push a wayward strand behind her ear, realizing as she did so, that she’d left her breasts open to his view.
Her cheeks were on fire. This man was far too bold and not at all to her liking.
He nodded approvingly. “I must say, wi’ a night’s sleep in a soft bed and a scrub, ye are a sight tae behold, lass. And…” he wiggled a cheeky finger at her, “that dress fits ye like a glove.”
“Pshaw. I’ll nae listen tae yer compliments Laird Tòrr.” She cast a glance down at the front of the gown. “Why, ‘tis more than unseemly, ’tis… ’tis… unchaste...”
“Unchaste is it?”
She huffed, refusing to answer.
“Who was the lass who sat beside me by a fire, naked, save for her cloak? As I recall, it was only yesterday.”
She blushed intensely.
“And, who was the lass who watched me disrobe and said nary a word?”
She couldn’t help her lips curling into a hint of a smile as she remembered the sight of him. While one part of her had been shocked to the core, another, wicked, part, had thoroughly enjoyed the sight of Tòrr’s nakedness. It was impossible not to admit to herself that he was a very fine specimen of manhood.
“Now that ye’re coming tae yer senses, lass…” He helped himself to one of the bannocks on her tray and slavered it with butter and blackberry jam, “… finish breaking yer fast and join me fer a walk.”
She slipped back into the chair and took another spoonful of her porridge.
“Where are we tae walk?” Her heart leaped at the prospect of walking the cliffs above the sea as he’d promised she could.
“We’ll nay stray from the castle. But I wish tae show it tae ye. There are still blooms on the poppies in the bailey that I’m sure ‘twill be tae yer liking.”
She nodded half-heartedly. “I was set on a stroll on the clifftops but, I admit, I am curious tae see all of the castle. Is it as grand as the monastery and the priory at Iona?”
He gave a soft laugh. “Nay. Tis merely a wee castle. The place of the MacKinnons. And me home fer all me life.”
CHAPTERNINE
Tòrr pulled the door of Lyra’s chamber shut behind them as they set off down the corridor. They’d only taken a few steps when Tòrr paused at the first door they came to.
