Page 100 of Lord of Dunkeathe
“Since when have you taken to dressing like a Scot?”
“Since I thought it would please Riona and her uncle, and most of my tenants who are, I point out, Scots. Adair gave me the brooch.”
“You’re looking damn smug.”
“I’m damn happy.”
“Where’s Adair got to?”
“He went to help Marianne with the children.”
“I suppose next time I see you, you’ll have a child or two yourself.”
“That depends how long you stay away this time, but yes, I hope to have children,” Nicholas replied, pretending to adjust the fabric at his shoulder.
In reality, he didn’t want Henry to see how the idea of being a father thrilled him, lest he be mocked about that, too. Yet he couldn’t imagine anything that would make him happier, or more blissfully content, than having a child with Riona—except the attempt to get the children.
He tried to stifle any such thoughts for the time being. His current ensemble didn’t do much to hide the effect on his body.
Henry sat on the end of Nicholas’s bed. “That skirt looks uncomfortable.”
“It’s very comfortable, and it’s not a skirt. It’s one long piece of fabric. Ask Adair how comfortable it is if you don’t believe me. No chafing, for one thing.”
Henry’s eyes narrowed. “What are you wearing underneath? Adair once told me—”
“Since I’m not a Scot,” Nicholas interrupted, “I’m wearing something.” He couldn’t resist wiping the smirk off Henry’s face. “But there’s a great deal to be said for wearing it as the Scots do, especially when you’re in love with a very desirable and passionate woman.”
Henry’s smirk disappeared and his eyes widened. “Good God, you haven’t…” He frowned. “Have you?”
“My dear brother, surely you don’t expect me to reveal such intimate details?”
Henry gave him a skeptical frown.
Nicholas decided to change the subject. “You’re determined to leave in a fortnight?”
Henry nodded.
Nicholas shook his head. “I despair of you ever settling down, Henry, I truly do.”
“Now you’re sounding like Marianne. But not all of us are such mighty warriors that kings give us estates.”
Nicholas heard the frustration and tinge of bitterness in his brother’s voice. He didn’t want any old arguments or rivalries to ruin his wedding day, so he clapped his brother on the shoulder instead. “SinceIam settled down, come and see me happily wed.”
To his surprise, Henry’s expression was gravely serious. “You’re sure about this then, Nicholas? You really want to marry this Scot?”
Nicholas nodded, equally serious, and sincere. “I really want to marry her, Henry. I love her.”
“First Marianne, now you…I’m beginning to think there might be something to this love business.”
“There is. I highly recommend it,” Nicholas replied as he steered his brother to the door.
The sooner he was married, the sooner he could return to this chamber with his lovely, loving bride.
POLLY REGARDEDthe woman who was soon to be the chatelaine of Dunkeathe with awe and admiration as they stood together in the bride’s chamber.
This would be the last time Riona would dress here. After today, and for the rest of her life, she would share Nicholas’s chamber, and his bed—a thought that filled her with pure and perfect joy and contentment.
“Oh, my lady, you look beautiful,” Polly murmured, her hands clasped in front of her bodice.
