Page 31 of Highland Renegade
“Ye doona want to miss a chance to flirt with our bonnie Scots lasses?” Rory winked. “I understand the Irish lassies are friendly, too.”
“’Tis nae reason I canna charm all of them,” Alasdair replied.
“Aye, and mayhap Lorelei as well?” Rory asked innocently.
To Ian’s surprise, his brother’s face turned pink. Was he interested in Emily’s sister? Or did he intend to lead Lorelei on a bit? Either way, it was probably better that he did leave for Ireland. “Sooner would be best.”
Alasdair raised a brow. “Harvesting begins in two weeks. We need every hand here to bring in the barley and cut the peat. I willna leave before ’tis done.”
Ian suppressed a sigh. His brother had a stubborn streak that usually remained below the surface of affableness, but on those occasions when he took a stand, it was doubtful armed dragoons could change his mind. “After harvest then.”
Alasdair grinned, sunny disposition returned. “That will give me time to say a proper goodbye to our lasses.”
Ian wondered if that meant Lorelei, but perhaps it wasn’t prudent to ask. No use in borrowing trouble that might not exist.
…
Emily and her sisters had retreated to the solar after the meeting with Gavin Campbell to mull what had taken place when Fiona rushed in.
“I heard Gavin Campbell paid a visit earlier,” she said as she plopped down in an empty chair. “Tell me what I missed!”
“I was surprised you were not there,” Emily said.
“I took one of Maggie’s tisanes over to an elderly widow who’s ailing,” she replied, “and she wanted me to stay and visit. Poor thing is lonely.”
“I would like to accompany you next time. It would be good for me to know who is in need of help.”
Fiona nodded. “We have a number of elder clanswomen who would appreciate that.”
“I did not know the housekeeper made tisanes,” Emily went on. “Is she considered a healer?”
Fiona shook her head. “That would be Old Gwendolyn who has a cottage near the peat bog. Maggie’s tisanes consist mostly of whisky and honey. ’Tis good for a rheumy cough.”
“I will keep that in mind.” It was good to know the grouchy housekeeper had a soft spot for the neighbors, since, on a good day, Emily could get no more than a few words from the woman.
“But tell me what I missed,” Fiona repeated. “I canna remember when a Campbell last came to visit, let aloneGavinCampbell.”
“Do you fancy him?” Lorelei asked.
“Fancy…? Och, nae!” Fiona laughed. “I have listened to him tell too many lasses they are beautiful as Venus herself and sweet as roses in the spring and other such nonsense.”
Juliana gave Emily a direct look. “I hope you remember that.”
Fiona furrowed her brows. “Why should she remember… Oh! Did the mon flirt with ye already?”
Emily waved a hand. “He asked leave to call on me. That is all.”
Her eyes widened. “He did?”
“Yes, but I suspect he did so to have an excuse to come over to rile your brothers.” Emily smiled. “They do not seem to be on the best of terms.”
“’Tis true there has been bad blood between us.”
“So I gathered.” Emily paused. “I probably should explain to you why I granted Mr. Campbell leave to call.” When she finished, Fiona’s face looked stormy.
“My brothers expect to use ye?”
“They were not very subtle about it,” Juliana said.
