Page 22 of A Scottish Lord for Christmas
“That is the MacCauley family crest.”
“His family’s?” Rowena marveled at the blade. “How can you be sure?”
The woman laughed. “Nigh on ten years ago, my husband won that in a game of cards from the late Earl of Forres. That’d be Quinn’s father. He was a good man. I believe he let my Angus win. We were in need of coin that winter, like many folk here. The entire village was having a bad time of things. The old earl came through town and lost quite of bit of coin at the tavern that night during card games to men who needed it most for their families.” The woman flashed Rowena a knowing smile as it dawned on her what the woman was saying. Quinn’s father had lost the money on purpose to help the men feed and clothe their families. It had likely been more welcome than if the late earl had tried to give them charity.
“And the dagger? Your husband didn’t sell it?”
“Ack, no. Angus knew what the earl meant by it and was so honored, he kept it. He always meant to find a way to return it. Then my Angus took ill last year and passed. God bless him.” She pushed the dagger toward Rowena. “Take it, lassie. Give it to your husband.”
Rowena opened her coat to search for her coin purse, but the woman scoffed.
“Now, now, none of that. I want only to know it gets back to the man it belongs to.” There was a gleam in the older woman’s eyes as she leaned over the counter to speak in a hushed tone. Rowena leaned in too.
“And if I were you, lassie, when you give him that present, it might be good to be wearing a lot less clothes, if you take my meaning. Men forget to keep their distance when a bonnie lassie is waiting for them in bed.” With a wink, she shoved Rowena back out into the streets.
Clasping the dagger, Rowena wrapped it back up in the cloth and slid it into one of her coat pockets before walking to the motorcar. Quinn stood there, leaning against the door, his coat open and flapping slowly in the winter wind. His arms were crossed, and he was frowning slightly until he saw her. There was a flash of light in his serious eyes, a heat, a pleasure, before he banished it. That hint was all Rowena needed to summon her courage. She hastened her steps and when she reached him, she curled her arms around his neck and kissed him. Startled, he didn’t immediately respond, but after a moment, he kissed her deeply, fire burning between their lips, his arms wrapping around her body to lift her up against him. After a long, delicious moment of kissing, he gently set her on her feet again. His cheeks were ruddy as he cleared his throat.
“Ready to go?”
“Yes.” She smiled happily. There was still hope. Tonight she would do as the silversmith had said. She’d present Quinn with his father’s dagger, and she’d do it in such a way he would want to take her back to bed.
The next hour passed quicker than Rowena expected. She spent the entire time quivering inside with excitement. She had a plan to win him over tonight. It would work; it had to.
“There it is, Castle Forres.” Quinn’s deep voice cut through the flash of giddy thoughts she was having.
Rowena focused on the view through her side of the car. In the distance, vast hills formed a ragged line against the sky. Closer still lay a gray stone house. It wasn’t really a castle. It was more modern than medieval. Gothic peaked spires appeared through the heavy mists that had gathered as the day warmed. It made the castle appear like a crouched wolfhound, protective, a force to be reckoned with. The snow-covered lawns leading up to the front entrance were bare, but beyond the castle she saw the promise of a snow-veiled garden. It appeared harsh, but Rowena had a feeling it was like Quinn: a gruff serious exterior that would open up to reveal a soft heart.
When they reached the front door, Quinn parked the motorcar and got out. Rowena started to open her door, but he beat her to it and helped her out. It felt so wonderful to be in his arms again as he lowered her to the ground. She felt a little foolish, too, but she was a married woman now and enjoying her husband was her right, wasn’t it?
The castle’s tall oak door opened and a burly man in a black suit stood there, grim-faced and scowling slightly. Rowena mustered a smile as she and Quinn walked up to him. He stood back to allow them in.
“Welcome home, milord.” He flicked his eyes over Rowena, the gaze sharp and cold. “Milady,” he added as an afterthought.
Perhaps he’s just a bit serious.She hoped that was the reason. She hated to think the butler disapproved of her only seconds after meeting her.
“Afternoon, Morris.” Quinn nodded at the stiff butler. “This is Rowena, the new Countess of Forres. Rowena, this is Malcom Morris.”
“Good afternoon,” Rowena greeted, giving him what her father always said was her most winning smile.
The man did not blink once. His dark eyes were as cold as a frozen lake at midnight.
“Ah, here’s the rest of the staff.” Quinn brought Rowena farther into the house and announced a row of maids and footmen, but Rowena was only half listening. The housekeeper, Mrs. Stuart, was clutching a set of keys and frowning, much as Mr. Morris had done, as though upset that Rowena was here.
An anxious knot grew in the pit of her belly.
Am I so awful that they won’t smile?
She knew, as any proper English lady of good breeding did, that a clear line existed between the occupants of the upper stairs and lower stairs, but she knew, too, that a smile upon greeting was not frowned upon. Perhaps Quinn’s servants were afraid to meet her and therefore they were acting unusually formal.
“You all may go. Morris, where is my sister and the bairn?”
“They are in the nursery,” the butler replied. “The child has had a bit of a cold the last few days.”
“Oh?” Quinn paused, worry tightening his eyes.
“Aye, the good doctor was just here a few hours ago. He’ll return tomorrow morning to see how the bairn feels,” Morris replied, seemingly not that concerned. Children did often catch illnesses, but Rowena would do what she could to help Blair feel better.
“Thank you, Morris. Have the doctor see me first thing when he arrives tomorrow.” Quinn handed his coat to the remaining footman and finally glanced at her. “Well, take off your coat and I’ll show you to the rooms I’ve had prepared.”
