Page 47 of The Highlander's Auctioned Bride
She swallowed, pasting a smile on her face, and stepping around him.
“Yer wife is gettin’ some rest, m’laird. Goodnight.”
He stared at her, a frown heavy on his face, and then he nodded dismissively. He returned, almost instantly, to being the leader of his clan once more. It made a chill pass through her bones to see him replace the mask so easily.
CHAPTER 17
Maisie awokethe next day feeling confused and disorientated from the night before.
When she inquired where James might be, he had already gone out to follow up with the rioters. He had left no instructions, so she assumed he would not return before nightfall.
Jean tried to cheer her up by attempting to tie her hair in a more intricate design. Maisie did not tell her it was to emulate Lillian’s—but her hair was too short to achieve it.
The dress box still sat in her room, alongside her father’s chessboard that had materialized there overnight. She suspected James had brought it in for her. She shook off the thought. She did not wish to dwell on him for any longer than she already had.
She was confused by the feelings he stimulated in her, and thinking back to their moment on the battlements only madeher more confused. She hated the way he treated her sometimes, and yet she longed for them to be close like that again.
“Lillian mentioned that she was going shopping in town. Are there any bookstores there?” she asked Jean as the girl pinned the final piece into her hair.
“Aye, m’lady, a few, I ken ye are fond of readin’, are ye of a mind to go there today?”
“I think I might.”
“Ye shannae be wearin’ yer new gown then, it is a little fine for a stroll through town.”
I willnae be wearin’ it at all,she thought stubbornly,I dinnae need his gifts, I need him here.
“Thank ye, Jean, ye can place it somewhere safe for a finer occasion.”
Jean nodded and went over to place the box in the armoire.
“Would ye like to accompany me?” she asked impulsively. “Ye can show me round the town if ye can be spared here.”
Jean spun around with a huge smile. “I would love to, m’lady, I shall show ye all the best places. Let me tell Mrs. Murray and we can be away.”
“I shall meet ye in the courtyard,” Maisie said, and Jean scampered away, making Maisie smile.
The bright May sunshine raised her spirits as she walked to the castle gates. She felt elegant and poised as she stood there waiting for Jean. It was strange having servants scuttle out of her path and bow to her. She was not yet accustomed to her new status as Lady MacLennan.”
“Me lady!”
She turned to find Harris trotting up to her, his jovial face warm and happy. “Are ye headin’ somewhere? I would be happy to accompany ye.”
She smiled gratefully, noting the way the man was turned out. Whereas James was rugged and roguishly handsome, his clothing always a little untidy, Harris was immaculate. His beard and hair were perfectly groomed, his clothing meticulously in place.
“Thank ye, Harris, but Jean is accompanying me—ah, here she is now.”
Jean was coming down the steps of the castle. She looked very smart in her outdoor jacket. Maisie glanced at Harris, unsurprised to see him observing her greedily as she approached.
“So where are ye off to this fine mornin’?” Harris asked, his demeanor quite changed as he looked at Jean. He was a shy man, but clearly basked in her presence.
“Lady MacLennan is huntin’ for a new book,” Jean replied happily, giving Maisie an excited smile. “I am showin’ her all of the places in town that she should ken of.”
“Ah yes, me laird said ye were a bookworm, m'lady, if ye’ll pardon the expression.”
Maisie smiled curiously.Had James observed that, or had someone told him?
“Send a boy up with a coin if ye need the carriage to fetch ye, m’lady, and enjoy yer walk.” He gave them both a shallow bow, his eyes lingering on Jean as he turned away.
