Page 45 of The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain
Rut peeked through the crenellations, glad to see that Meg was nearly at the water’s edge, trying to get inside the boathouse. Lennox was skipping steps to catch up to her, yelling as he did his best to keep up.
“See what I mean, Douglas? He’s so upset that he can’t calm down. He can only yell. And I have a feeling our Meg will put an end to his yelling in a quick moment. This will be fun to watch, I wager!” She giggled, covering her mouth.
“Don’t you dare touch that boat or the oar, Meg!”
Rut tipped her head back and laughed, holding both hands over her mouth so her son wouldn’t hear her. She was in luck because any sound made near the water carried beautifully. “Douglas, I believe we’ll hear every word.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Meg
Meg was so angry with Lennox, she was ready to spit.
“Meg, wait. Please.”
She stopped and whirled around. “Fine. I’ll wait. What is it you wish to tell me now? How foolish I am? How weak I am? What now? I’m sorry I’m not a chieftain as you are, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a brain.”
“Forgive me, I did not mean to imply you are ignorant.”
“You used those words, Lennox. I’ll forgive yourignorance. Did you forget them already?” Her hands balled into fists on her hips. Oh, how tired she was with all these men telling her what to do.
“Your ignorance about women rowing their own boat. Naught else. Forgive me. Please calm down and allow us the time to talk about this.”
“Oh, I think I know exactly what you wish to tell me.Be kind, Meg. Don’t get me upset, Meg. Do as I bid you, Meg. Do as I say, Meg.What else do you have to say?”
“You’re changing my words, lass. Do not twist this around to your favor.”
“All right. Then let’s start with this. Why did you lie to me about Loch Aline?”
“It wasn’t intentional. It was—”
“It most certainly was intentional. Another lie.”
He growled. “Meg, don’t push me in a way you don’t want. I can only tolerate so much insolence.”
“You can only tolerate so much insolence? I’m not in your clan, Lennox. And guess what? I’m tired of men telling me what to do. Why do men think they should be deciding what’s best for me? Mayhap I might know what’s best and what I want. Andby the way, I’ll not be marrying you, you insufferable lout. How dare you assume something for me.”
“Insufferable lout! You insult me on my own land, after how hospitable I’ve been to you?”
“Aye, I do. I’m taking that boat whether you like it or not. You may come with me if you prefer, but I’m going to cross that water if I have to find a log to climb on. There’s a wee lass of five summers who needs me. All you wise men are worried about everything else. I’m worried about Lia!”
“You’ll not be taking that boat. I haven’t allowed anyone to touch it, so surely I’m not going to allow you to take it. Leave it be, Meg.”
She spun around and opened the door to the boathouse, tugging out a boat and shoving it into the water.
“You can’t do this.”
She turned to glare at him. “Watch me.” She grabbed the boat but he yanked it back.
“Not that one.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t need to give you a reason. Use the other one.”
“It’s dirty.”
“Well you can’t take either one. I won’t allow it. You’ll never make it on your own.”
