Seona proceeded into the cottage.
“If you wouldn’t mind, I need to have a private word with my niece,” Patience told the owner of the cottage and the other two maids who’d remained inside. They all exited silently. Lady Patience could easily intimidate servants, but she didn’t scare Seona. Her only leverage was that she would tell Seona’s father everything.
Once the door closed behind them, Patience said, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you about Keegan. I don’t like that you have been riding behind him all day. ’Tis indecent.”
Chapter Nine
Seona knew Aunt Patience would complain about her riding with Keegan earlier that day.
“My mare is unsafe,” Seona said. “I was afraid to ride her. She went mad during the storm and bolted, in case you don’t remember.”
“I remember!” Her aunt paused in her limping trek to the chair by the fireplace to glare at Seona. “Don’t be impertinent with me, young lady.”
Ignoring her, Seona continued with calm reasoning. “Chief Dirk said I should ride with Master Keegan. Do you wish to nay-say a chief?”
“Nay.” Patience slumped into the chair by the fire and propped her crooked cane next to her. “But you didn’t even protest. I ken what you’re thinking, lassie,” she snapped, pinning Seona with a perceptive stare. “I see how you blush when he looks at you.”
Seona felt her face heat.
“Aye, just like that.” Her aunt pointed at her.
How on earth could Aunt Patience see Seona’s face in the dim candlelight? She was too blasted observant. Seona sat down in the chair opposite her and didn’t comment.
“I’m not daft,” Patience said. “I was once a pretty young lass like you are. And I know how men are, especially charming rogues like that commoner.”
Immediately bristling, Seona stiffened. “He is no commoner,”she said firmly. “His grandfather was a baron and a chief, just like my own father. Keegan is a gentleman of the clan.”
“He is a scoundrel,” her aunt insisted. “Good for naught but to lure a good lady into sin and ruin her reputation. If you give him half a chance, he will steal your virtue and forget your name the next day. He is not fit to marry, so don’t even be thinking of it.”
“I’m not.” ’Twas a lie, but what else could she say? Her father would never allow it, and besides, Keegan had never mentioned marriage. ’Twas but her own outlandish fantasy.
Her aunt’s eyes narrowed. “What happened when you were alone with him during the storm? And last night, when he snatched you from the tent, wearing naught more than your smock? He returned wearing only a shirt. ’Twas shocking.”
“As you already know, he let me borrow his plaid because I was cold. Naught more. He saved my life twice. Do you care so little for me that you cannot appreciate that?”
Seona knew she was challenging her aunt, but she needed it. Patience’s glare intensified, but Seona held her gaze, waiting for an answer.
“Nay,” she finally confessed. “I am thankful he saved your life.”
“Did you tell him that?”
“Not yet. But I will,” Patience grumbled. “My concern is what happened after the rescue.”
“Do you honestly think I’d bed down with a man outside while someone is trying to kidnap me or during a horrendous storm?”
“Well…nay, I suppose not.” Her aunt shrugged. “But I don’t trust him. He could take advantage of you or force you.”
Seona shook her head. “Keegan is not that type of man.”
“What type of man is he… since you know so much about him?”
“Kind and protective. He risked his life to save mine.”
Her aunt lifted a brow. “Aye, well… he’d best not get it into his head he has a chance with you. Your father would never approve of him.”
“I ken it.” But her father was daft, valuing wealth and prestige over strength of character.
“Get the maids in here to help me over to the bed. I’m tired,” her aunt said.
