Page 11 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"I've traveled to my aunt's a few times, farther south," she added, hoping to bore him to tears.

"Indeed?" He pretended interest. "Where?"

"Near Loch Lomond. Do you travel much?"

"I visit other lairds and chiefs throughout the Highlands. And I must check on my other properties every month or two. I have five estates, you ken." Pride permeated his tone.

He loved to brag, did he not?

"Indeed? Where are they?" she asked.

"All over Scotland. You know about Dalthort... because you've been there." He winked.

She scowled at the horse's arse, but he didn't appear to notice.

He kept naming his properties. "Duncragle, Inverfeld, Glenhaish and Dunrhyne."

She ran the place names through her mind, trying to commit them to memory. "How fortunate you are." She tried to hide her revulsion. How could he own so many properties and still be greedy enough to abduct selkies and covet her dowry? Her father had saved for many years so that she might have something to offer a husband upon her marriage. It made her ill to imagine this evil knave getting it.

"I'm especially fortunate to be sitting by the loveliest young lady in Scotland tonight," he said.

She rolled her eyes heavenward. Did he think he was charming? His words combined with the scents of onions and fish turned her stomach.

He leaned closer and murmured, "With your stunning beauty, m'lady, I'm surprised you are nay yet married."

His soggy breath on her neck made her cringe, and she drew away. "I have nay inkling why it's surprising."

"You were waiting for me, I think." He sat back, a smug smile tightening his lips.

She frowned. Was he daft enough to believe that? She hated this sort of ridiculous conversation.

"Aye?" He lifted a brow.

Near overcome with disgust, she was unsure whether she could go through with her plan of growing closer to him to learn more about the abductions. Mayhap she should come up with another plan. But what? She could think of no other way.

"Believe what you wish," she said.

Because of her queasy stomach, she refused the brambleberry tarts, unusual for her, for they were her favorite.

When the meal ended, the musicians played a reel on a fiddle, clarsach, and flute. She loved music, but Talnaroch prevented all enjoyment this night. The clansmen pushed the lower tables against the wall, and several couples moved into position.

"Would you honor me with a dance, m'lady?" Talnaroch asked.

She yawned. "I thank you, but nay. I'm exhausted."

He looked skeptical. "And what have you done that's worn you out?"

"I went for a ride."

"Och. You have a hard life, do you not?" He winked again.

She was sick of his loathsome winks and snide comments. Let him think she was a weak, sniveling, useless lass. 'Twould make it easier to accomplish her goal.

"'Haps we could talk in the solar, if your brother will permit it." He glanced to Will on her other side, knowing he'd heard.

"With a chaperone, aye." Will tugged at his wife's sleeve.

Lenora leaned forward and forced a tight smile, easily able to see Elsea was highly uncomfortable, and she did not want the job Will was assigning her.