Page 314 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Five

Iain strode across the courtyard, headed for the comfort of his hearth.

His cousin fell into step beside him. “An intriguing woman. I could not help but notice the fine brocade of her dress.”

“What of it?”

“Not so common for women in monasteries. You do not find it unusual?”

“A woman in a monastery?”

Thomas clasped his hands behind his back. “Was she taking the vows?”

Iain scowled. “Even I would not have gone that far.”

“She is unattached then?”

“She has no husband.”

“Hmm.” They reached the castle’s postern door and Thomas opened it, then stood aside.

Iain entered. The aroma of wild boar met his senses, and he took in the welcome sight of the spit that hung over the fire at the far end of the room. A familiar bark echoed from the upper floor, and Iain swung his gaze upward. The paws and head of a hound appeared over the edge of the balcony.

Iain whistled and the dog disappeared from view, then reappeared a moment later, lunging from the narrow staircase. The dog halted beside Iain, and he paused to scratch the animal behind the ears before heading for his seat at the head of the table. He moved his saddlebag from the chair to the table and lowered himself into the seat. The hound, giving a final sniff to Iain’s kilt, threw himself at his master’s feet. Iain motioned to a lad for ale.

“She does not have a father then, or a brother?” Thomas asked.

“Eh?” Iain removed his gaze from the dog. “Ah, the lass. Nay.”

“Hmm.” Thomas seated himself in his usual place at Iain’s right. “She has no one who might object to your…” he trailed off.

Iain frowned. “My what?”

“Your abrupt courtship.”

“She is a widow in a monastery. Who is to object?”

The lad approached, ale in hand. Iain accepted the mug and took a sip. Settling the mug on his lap, he stretched out his feet, closed his eyes, and leaned his head against the chair’s high back.

“You did not ask?” Thomas persisted.

“She said her husband was dead.”

“Hmm…and her family?”

Iain opened his eyes and studied Thomas. “Why the sudden interest in my personal life?”

“Why the sudden interest in the lady?” “She is…unusual.”

“You hardly know her. How can you be sure?” Iain sat upright and placed his mug on the table. He picked up the saddlebag, retrieved a book from inside, and handed it to Thomas.

“Commentaries on Mathematical and Astronomical Topics, by Hypatia.” Thomas looked at him. “Where did you get this?”

“She was reading it.”

Thomas’s brows rose. “Interesting woman, indeed.” He thumbed through the book. “I wonder that Father Brennan might lament losing such a fine work.”

Iain shook his head as Thomas handed the book back to him. “I do not recall seeing any copies while at university in Glasgow, nor am I aware of any existing in Scotland. It must belong to her.” He balanced the book on his knee and opened the cover. “Such a valuable work would likely be in a museum or a private library. I have never seen a complete work by Hypatia—excerpts, but never the complete book. Have you?”