Chapter Seventeen
Still smarting from Jamie’s insinuation yesterday about the chocolate being tainted, Mari forced a smile. “For once, I am giving the orders,” she said as she placed the half-empty bowl of broth on the small table beside Effie’s bed. The maid had slept for most of twenty-four hours since the episode in the gardens. She’d awoken a short while ago and was already fussing about lying about for so long.
“You will get some more rest,” Mari said.
“I’ve been resting long enough. It is not my job to sleep.”
“For now, it is,” Mari replied firmly and then smiled as she seated herself on the bed beside Effie. “I do not often get the chance to pay you back for all you do, so this once, let me be in charge.”
Effie grumbled something unintelligible as the door opened. Mari’s smile faded as Jamie and Ian entered and closed the door behind them.
“You should not be in here,” she said.
“Ye shouldna have disobeyed my orders,” Jamie answered.
“I do not have to obey—”
“Enough. Ye will both quit yer squabbling,” Ian said.
“I am not—”
“Silence.” Ian leveled a stern look at Mari that made even Effie cease muttering.
Jamie clamped his mouth shut while Mari felt hers drop. Ian MacLeod was even more insufferable than his brother. How Jillian ever thought otherwise…
“I want to know what happened during your outing with that Frenchman,” Ian said.
Mari set her mouth mulishly and said nothing.
“Speak, lass.”
“You told me not to.” She smiled sweetly. “Just now.”
Ian raked a hand through his dark hair and gave Jamie an exasperated look.
Jamie managed to suppress a grin. “The lass is nae verra biddable.”
Ian glowered, a look that was eerily similar to Jamie’s when he was put out with her. Well, let him. Mari was not going to take orders from two MacLeods. Biddable indeed. She lifted her chin and returned his look. It took all her courage to do so for Ian had a much fiercer look than Jamie, although Jillian had assured her he would never strike a woman. She hoped her sister was right.
“Fine,” he finally said. “I will be asking the maid then.” Ian turned to Effie. “Tell me what happened.”
Effie’s eyes went round. She looked from Ian to Jamie and then at Mari who shook her head. Silence ensued.
Jamie sat down on the bed next to Mari, his thigh pressed against hers. Startled, she moved, only to have one of his arms encircle her waist and hold her firmly in place.
“Let me go. What do you think you are doing?”
“Nothing yet.” Jamie looked at Effie. “My brother and I wish to ken what happened yesterday at the picnic. Ye can tell me or I can lie the lass down on the bed and tickle her until she talks.”
“You would not dare,” Mari sputtered.
Jamie’s eyes turned molten gold. “Nae?”
She struggled to stand, but his arm felt like steel. “This is most improper.”
“Aye. ’Tis. It can get much moreimproperif ye dinnae talk.”
“Oooh.” Mari batted ineffectively at his muscled forearm only to have his hand trap hers. His thumb rubbed up and down her ribs softly, finding the vulnerable spot that made her twitch. Jamie grinned, his dimple showing. “Tickling ye might be verra fun.”
