Page 63 of The Highlander's Auctioned Bride
He could not believe Lillian was involved, but Marcus might well be. If he were mad enough to be embittered towards James because he chose Maisie over Lillian, there would be no stopping him. There might even be some insane logic in his mind that with Maisie out of the way, James might suddenly recognize that Lilian should have been his bride all along.
I shall weed ye out if ye are guilty, Marcus. Mark me words.
At that thought a plan began to form in his mind, and he knew what he must do.He raised his hand at the queen and removed her from the board, leaving just the king standing.
He placed his finger on the piece, toppling it over.
“Checkmate.”
CHAPTER 23
The following day,Maisie rose late, having slept for much of the morning. Her leg felt better and ached a good deal less than it had.
She expected to find someone else guarding her door, but she was greeted by Harris’s broad smile when she ventured out.
Jean had been most attentive that morning, fussing over the best gown for her injury. She had worn fewer underclothes that left less weight against it.
She felt refreshed and anxious to find James.
“Are ye wishin’ to head downstairs, m’lady?” Harris asked.
“Have ye had any sleep at all?” she asked, concerned for him.
“Aye, m’lady, and Jean has been bringin’ me strong tea through the night and day. I am all right.”
Maisie smiled. She knew Harris would be an excellent match for her maid, but she was unsure how to broach the conversation. She took Harris’s arm as he escorted her downstairs.
“What is all the commotion?” Maisie asked on their way down the stairs. It seemed that half the staff were bustling back and forth in a frenzy before her.
“The laird is hostin’ a dinner in yer honor, m’lady,” Harris said as Maisie saw Mrs. Murray rushing toward her, looking deeply worried.
“M’lady, ye shouldnae be up and about yet, surely!” she said, fussing over Maisie until she laughed and put her hand on the woman’s arm.
“I am all right, Mrs. Murray, thank ye for all yer concern. Is there really to be a dinner?”
“Aye, m’lady,” she said, looking excited. “Cook and I discussed it, as ye were under the weather, and I remember ye saying ye liked lamb, so that is what we will serve as the centerpiece.”
“But what is it in aid of?” she asked, puzzled.
“A celebration of yer recovery, m’lady. Laird MacLennan has invited all the leadin’ families and the council for the event.”
Maisie kept her smile in place, but her mind was working feverishly.What was James planning?
“Is there anythin’ I can dae to help?” she asked, feeling guilty that it had all fallen to her faithful housekeeper.
“Heavens nae, child! Ye must rest. There will be plenty of dinners for ye to organize in the future when ye are nae hobblin’ about all over the house,” she said cheerily and gave Maisie a wink as she went back to her duties.
“I have never seen anyone get into Mrs. Murray’s good graces so quickly,” said Harris with a note of awe in his voice. “She wouldnae speak to me for three weeks when I arrived because I changed the schedule of the footman to suit me trainin’ rounds.”
Maisie chuckled as he led her down the steps, and they headed out into the gardens.
It was early evening, and dinner was scheduled for the following night. Maisie was eager to see James, check that he had gotten some sleep the night before, and find out what he was up to.
I am getting used to havin’ his arms around me at night,she thought guiltily.I shouldnae be gettin’ used to anythin’ when it comes to James MacLennan.
They found him standing with a group of guards, giving them their orders. Harris looked a little put out momentarily and Maisie squeezed his arm.
“I am sure he would have asked ye to arrange things if ye hadnae been guardin’ me door.”
