Page 53 of The Highlander's Auctioned Hellion
“What was that?” she hissed.
She rolled up her sleeves, grabbed a chair, and walked toward the edge of the room where the broom had fallen.
“I saw a rat, I swear. That thing isnae goin’ to make a nest out of yer fine things if I can help it.”
Lydia rolled her eyes as she heard little whispered voices outside and sighed.
“It’s all right, Kristen, it is no rat. Wait a moment, and I will retrieve the culprit for you.”
Kristen backed away, looking uncertain and holding the chair in front of her to protect her from marauding rodents.
Lydia went to the edge of the room where a great bundle of thread had fallen to the floor and reached inside to draw out the bundle of black fur, which was playing with it.
The kitten mewed sadly as it was removed from its playthings, and Kristen’s shoulders relaxed.
“Och, aye, Alex told me there was a wee kitten runnin’ about the place. Amy and Eilis, I have told ye nae to come in this room, have I nay?” she called, and the girls appeared shamefacedly in the doorway.
“We were lookin’ for Lady Lydia!” they said together, as perfect and sweet as could be. Lydia narrowed her eyes at them.
“Here. Take Raven back. He will get lost for days with all this fabric,” she said gently. “What did you wish to speak to me about?”
“We want a story!” they said together. It sounded like a rehearsed performance, and Lydia was not sure she believed them.
“Oh, yes?”
“In the library. The fire is lit, and we have chosen a story you could read to us.”
Lydia sighed, glancing back at Kristen, who was observing the girls fondly.
“It appears I am summoned. Thank you for showing me the dress. I am…” she paused.
What she had been going to say was, “I cannot wait to wear it,”but, in truth, she was not certain how she felt about the impending wedding.
I am to marry a man who would rather I stay out of his way than spend time with him. It is hardly going to be a happy occasion.
“I am looking forward to seeing the finished gown,” she concluded lamely.
Kristen nodded, going to the chaotic table beside her and drawing out four or five long strips of fabric.
“I had these delivered as samples. If ye pick the one ye like best, I’ll make yer next dress from them.”
She handed them over. There was a bright emerald green, a gold, and different shades of blue going from pale to dark. They were all beautiful.
“Thank you,” Lydia said, hiding them from the inquisitive eyes of the girls. “I will pick and let you know which I prefer.”
“Right, out ye wee bairns! Ye’re stoppin’ me from workin’!” Kristen said with an exaggerated growl, and the girls ran out with squeals of laughter as Lydia followed them to the library.
CHAPTER 15
“Patrolthe nearest edges of the forest,” Callum instructed, watching the guards assembling below him in the courtyard. “I want three groups to walk along the lakeside and the east path. Look for signs of fires that might have been set—or anyone watching the castle.”
“Aye, M’Laird,” Alexander said, signaling to the men through the window to mount their horses.
They were sending out three patrols, and a fourth, led by Alexander.
Is it enough? It is impossible to ken. But I have to keep those wee girls safe.
There was a prevailing feeling in his gut that something was coming. He didn’t know what it was, but it was looming on the horizon like a shadow.
