Scorching heat rushed over her.
"Did you hear what I said?" Elena asked.
"Pray pardon. What?" Calla turned to stir the fire again, hoping her cousin didn't notice the blush burning over her face.
"I said I wish Father would allow me to marry Hardwick."
"Aye. Have you spoken to him about it?"
"Of course. He doesn't care what I want."
Elena was smitten with the young blond Hardwick. He was barely twenty summers, a future baron with no title as of yet. And given that Elena was two years his junior, 'twas understandable she was drawn to someone near her own age.
But in truth, Hardwick was naught as compared to the Earl of Rebbinglen, who appeared a strong and fierce Highland warrior. 'Haps a bit barbaric-looking—but in an exciting way—in that belted plaid, with his long dark hair loose about his shoulders. His body appeared not to have changed much in the years since she'd last seen him, except he was perhaps even more muscular than before.
The memory of his attractive face and naked body in the candlelight that one blissful night at the inn haunted her, especially during the nights when she grew lonely and starved for human contact. Sometimes, in the depths of sleep, she would dream of his kiss and crave the feel of his mouth on hers so strongly her chest ached. His touch was the only affection she had ever known from a man in her twenty-four summers. Most of the time, she banished the memories from her mind, for they seemed naught but a fantastical dream that only tortured her. And she knew she could never have a repeat of that night, ever.
***
"Come. You must see our beautiful daughter," Lachlan told Rebbie that afternoon. "We named her Hannah, after my mother." He led the way up the narrow stairwell.
At his sitting room door, he knocked. When no one answered, he stuck his head inside, then motioned Rebbie into the empty room. "Have a seat. I'll go see if thebairnis asleep." He disappeared through a different door which Rebbie knew led to Angelique's sitting room.
Moments later, Lachlan returned, carrying a wee bundle.'Twasa sight to see—the tall, burly warrior holding such a tiny babe. Rebbie rose to his feet to see the cherubic face peeping from the blankets. Though he didn't know much aboutbairns, he couldn't help but smile. "She's adorable."
"Aye, she looks just like me," Lachlan said proudly.
Rebbie snorted. "I see no resemblance. She looks exactly like Angelique, if you ask me. She has her red hair and… what color are her eyes?"
"They've been changing color, but I'm certain they'll end up light brown, like mine."
Rebbie smiled and shook his head. "No matter who she looks like, I'm happy for you both. Congratulations."
Lachlan smiled. "I thank you."
The wee babe looked up at Lachlan and beamed the biggest smile Rebbie could imagine from one so young.
"You see that?" Lachlan asked. "She loves her da." He kissed her forehead.
"I'm certain of it. I'm also certain she's already spoiled rotten."
"That she is, and I take all the credit."
Angelique, a petite, red-headed beauty, entered the room. "Rebbie, I'm so pleased to see you again," she said in a silky French accent.
Rebbie kissed both her cheeks in greeting. "Good to see you as well, m'lady. I was just saying how the babe is a wee version of you."
At Lachlan's frown, she smiled. "Oui, but he will not hear the truth of it."
"She looks like both of us," Lachlan said defensively.
Rebbie chuckled. His friend was an indulgent, loving father, and this wee babe was his third child, but his first with Angelique. Lachlan would be happy with a dozen or more children, Rebbie was sure.
"I'm so glad you've come," Angelique told Rebbie. "'Tisexciting to have so many good friends visiting. Have you met Lady Stanbury?"
"Nay." At least he didn't think he had. Lady Elena was the only female he'd been introduced to here as of yet. And she'd run from him as if he were Satan himself. He wanted to give a bitter laugh over that but held it in check.
"Stay here. I would like for you to meet her." Angelique disappeared into the other room.
