Page 40 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
The lad, whose name was Benedict, shook his head. “I’ve nae noticed anything out of order, milaird.” He grinned, revealing a crooked front tooth. “Me faither’s staying these days wi’ me and Morag and the weans and he has little tae occupy him. I’ll send him out tae see if he finds anything amiss.”
Ewan nodded. Benedict’s father had been gamekeeper before him and knew the estate like the back of his hand. He’d be aware of every nook and cranny, every cave, nesting ground and grazing field even better than Benedict. Although he was often troubled by gout, Ewan had no doubt the old man’s sight and hearing were as alert as ever.
“Good. Tell old Callum I’m grateful fer his watch and I’ll be along tae visit ye before much longer.”
After Benedict departed, he decided to head up to the room as he did not see Duncan anywhere.
As he climbed the stairs he caught the sound of muffled voices.
God’s blood. Duncan has a lass in there.
As he drew closer, he caught the muffled gasps and moans drifting from within. He stopped short at the door. The sounds only grew more heated, leaving no doubt as to what was happening inside.
Not wishing to linger further, he went to the room next door, occupied by Isla, and knocked. He’d sleep on a rug on the floor if he had to.
There was no response from Isla, save for a soft, gentle, snoring. He knocked again. After the slightest pause, the snores continued.
He huffed.
There’ll be nay waking her without bringing the house down around everyone’s ears.
He moved to the room further along the corridor where Tyra was staying. That washisroom; the one Malcolm kept exclusively for his use and did not rent out to any other. He thought longingly of the soft mattress, the feather pillows, and the fur coverlet.
Placing his ear to the door, he strained to listen and was rewarded with the sound of a slight movement, as if the fire was being stoked. At least Tyra was awake.
Without weighing the situation up any further, he rapped lightly.
“Who is it?” she whispered.
At the sound of her voice, his heart was suddenly humming, his fingers tingling. He caught his breath, recalling their laughter and the pull of her body to his as they whirled to the music of thecèilidh.
“’Tis Ewan. Can ye spare me a moment?”
The door creaked open and he stepped into the room.
She was in her creamy white night shift and robe, her hair brushed free of its circlet of braids and hanging loose down her back. With the fire behind her, it was as if a golden waterfall was tumbling over her shoulders. The breath hitched in his throat.
“What can I dae fer ye?” She sounded alarmed, pulling her robe close, looking up at him with anxious green eyes.
“Naething. There’s nay trouble, me lady.” He shook his head and grinned sheepishly. “It’s just that me room is… er… shall we say occupied at the moment, and I’ve nay place tae lay down me weary head. Could ye see yer way clear tae making space fer a dispossessed laird?”
She laughed. “Of course, I’d nae dream of turning away such a laird from his own chamber.”
“Ye remembered?”
“Aye. I daresay I’ll ne’er forget ye foregoing such comfort tae bide by me door all night to ensure me safety.”
She gazed up at him and he felt his heart jolt as their eyes met.
He pulled off his boots and went to spread his kilt on the floor by the hearth. “I’ll sleep here, lass, ‘tis nay bother.”
She looked from him to the large, comfortable bed, a shy smile dawning on her face.
“Laird Ewan, it would be churlish of me tae have ye sleeping on the floor when there is a perfectly good bed and covers, with the softest of pillows right here.”
He snapped his head back in surprise. “Are ye offering tae sleep on the floor, milady? Or…” He left the possibility hanging in the air between them, his heart thumping wildly. Surely, she was not suggesting they share the bed?
She gave a soft laugh. “Why, Laird Ewan, ‘tis nae as if we’ve nae shared a bed before this day.” She slipped across the room to the bed and pulled aside the coverlet. “Besides. We’ll be wed soon enough and will be sharing a bedchamber. I dinnae expect ye tae sleep on the floor.”
