Page 361 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“What do you mean, plotting?”

“I have no notion,” Thomas said. “But knowing those clever females, it could be anything.”

“This strangeness does not, per chance, occur when referring to the lass?”

His cousin looked surprised. “I believe it does.”

With Thomas following, Iain set out for the women who were now making their way in a leisurely walk toward the castle. Maude’s voice was the first Iain heard as they approached.

“’Tis what we agreed. You must have faith in us.” The lass shook her head. “It is not a sound notion.

There is enough trouble for the time being.” Iain exchanged a glance with Thomas.

“Nay,” Maude’s voice rose, “I am telling you, Vi—” one of the women coughed loudly.

Looking back, Maude smiled at Iain, who matched step with them.

“What mischief are you up to?” he asked.

Angelic as any angel of heaven, Maude blinked up at him. Iain wondered if he had somehow been mistaken in suspecting her, then his gaze fell on the lass. She looked guilty as sin.

“Have you something to say?” he asked the lass. She lengthened her stride.

“If you have something to say, now is the time.”

“What would Vi—er, she be needing to say?” Maude interjected.

Iain caught sight of Thomas, who had turned his head to the side and was grappling with laughter. With a grunt, Iain refocused on Maude. “Mayhap you would prefer to explain?”

A trace of doubt crept into her eyes. “Nay.”

“Nay, what?”

Maude looked startled. “Nay, Laird.”

They had reached the kitchen door, and Iain stopped and allowed the women to pass ahead of him. The lass slipped ahead of one of the women. Iain reached for her, but almost grabbed the arm of the woman she had cut off. He dropped his hand and stepped aside until they had all gone inside, then braced his hands on either side of the doorframe and waited.

His captive sat at the table and began peeling the onions laying there, while the other women resumed preparations for the evening meal.

When it became obvious he was being ignored, Iain spoke up. “How long do you plan on waiting before answering me?” When no one answered, he added, “You had best beware, my lass. I think you know me capable of drastic measures.”

Her eyes riveted on him. Iain raised a brow, only to be rewarded with a twinge of irritation when her expression turned languid.

“The only thing going on, my lord, is preparations for the evening meal.”

“Nay, lass, there is much more than that going on. For one, you are now adding disobedience to your mounting sins.”

She looked startled. “What in the name of Hades are you talking about?”

Iain strained to hear her words when she began muttering incoherently. At great length, he realized she was not about to quit her personal ravings.

He crossed to the table and caught her wrist, wresting the knife from her fingers. “I said you were to cease working in the kitchen. That, my lass, is what

I meant by disobedience.”

“What other sins do you refer to?” she asked.

“You are hiding something from me.” She blinked, then her eyes narrowed. “Ladies.” The bustle of work came to a halt. “We must confess. The master has found me out. How very clever of you. Tell me, when did the answer come to you?” A dazed sense of reality washed over Iain.