Page 322 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Six

Victoria stared at Maude, unable to believe what the housekeeper had just said.

“’Tis no jest,” Maude said. “Before Lily married

Iain’s father, she was carried off by another man.”

Victoria squinted against the sun that hovered beyond the morning mist and surveyed the women assembled around her. “Is stealing women an illness

among Scottish men?”

The task of gathering kindling came to an abrupt halt as a round of laughter went up.

“I had not thought of that,” Maude said as she plopped her small behind against an oak tree. Dropping the bundle of twigs she held, the housekeeper turned twinkling eyes on Victoria. “Though, I do not think you can say Scots, the lowlanders havena’ the bollocks for such things. Now a Highlander…” The merry note in her voice trailed off, leaving silence in its wake until she spoke again. “It is strange in its own way. Men do have a way of getting what they want. But Liam did not get his way. Iain’s father forced him to give Lily back. Everyone was surprised.”

“Why?” Victoria asked.

“The worst was assumed, of course.”

Victoria inhaled the scent of pine mingled with the heather that grew beyond the grove. The women again grew quiet, and she knew some sort of response was required from her. “What do you mean, ‘the worst was assumed?’”

“It was not so bad for Lily,” Nellie cut in with a wicked grin. “But then, you understand how she felt, eh, Victoria?”

“Nellie,” Maude admonished. “You know nothing of it. You were not yet even a gleam in your father’s eye.”

“It does not matter,” Nellie pouted. “Everyone knows Liam was a handsome man. Still is. Not so different from Iain.” The girl cast Victoria a knowing look.

“How should I understand how his mother felt? She must have been pleased to return home. In that, I can imagine her feelings.” Cold silence followed her statement, and she realized her mistake. Victoria squeezed Maude’s hand. “Surely you understand I miss my own home?”

“Your home?” Nellie snorted. “Montrose Abbey is home to men who have taken a vow to no longer be men. No woman has taken the vow of celibacy there, and you are no exception, mistress.”

“True,” Victoria answered, “I did not take the veil, but what has that to do with this situation?”

“Well, now, ’tis curious you should say that,” Nellie said.

“Och, Nellie,” Maude interrupted. “Have you no sense at all?”

“Sense?” Nellie’s voice turned petulant, and Maude wasn’t the only one who rolled her eyes heavenward. “What can you mean? She is acting innocent.” Nellie turned back to Victoria. “You mean to tell us that was not Iain MacPherson leaving your cottage the other morning?”

Victoria looked at Maude. “Is the child insane?” Maude looked sheepish and Victoria frowned. “What is wrong with all of you?”

“Lass,” Maude said, “we saw Iain leave your cottage the morning he left.” At Victoria’s gasp, Maude grasped her hand. “No need to be embarrassed. None of us blame you. He is a charmer, and we all know he would have you, if he had not already.”

“You think—so this is what you mean by saying I would understand how his mother felt? Just because

Lily was untrue—”

“Nay.” Maude straightened from her restful position and wagged a finger at Victoria. “She was my friend, and I will not have you say she was unfaithful.”

Victoria angled her head. “Yet you have no compunctions about believing I would lie?”

Maude shook her head. “You misunderstand, Lily did not lie, nor was she unfaithful. She was betrothed to Iain’s father, but ’twas not Eric she loved, but Liam

Fraser.”

“Fraser?”

“Aye. He leads the Fraser clan. He is the man Iain will deal with concerning the men who…well, you know.”