Page 55 of My Highland Love

“I would be glad to, if she would allow it.”

Elise stared. “What kind of man involves his future wife with his mistress?” She began struggling again. “Let me go!”

“Not until you explain what this is about.”

“I have told you.”

“Nae. You've only spoken in riddles.”

“I'm sure Margaret would not think it was much of a riddle,” she retorted.

“Margaret? You're still fretting about her silly comments? I told you, tomorrow I will—” The horrified look on Elise's face halted him.

“Marcus,” she said in a trembling voice, “if you have any feeling for me, you will not do this. Margaret made it perfectly clear how she felt about you flaunting your mistress—”

“Flaunting my mistress?” Anger flooded him. “This is none of her bloody affair.”

“None of her affair? For God's sake, you are to marry her. I certainly wouldn't—”

“I what?”

Elise blanched.

“Margaret,” he said through gritted teeth, “I will wring your meddling little neck.”

Elise bristled. “You have no right to be angry just because she spoiled your plans.”

“Aye, but I do.”

“You think you can use women as pawns.”

“Love—”

“Do not address me in that familiar fashion. I tell you, I will not be your mistress.” She struggled beneath him. “I won't change my mind, no matter what you say.”

Marcus caught her face between his hands. “No matter what I say?”

She tried shaking her head, but he held her firm.

“I am happy to hear that,” he said. “For 'tis not Margaret I intend to marry, but you.”

Chapter Nine

A hard knock sounded on the door of Winnie's cottage. Elise started from her concentration on the teacup Winnie stood filling with hot water. They exchanged a questioning look before Winnie called “Come in” as she turned and replaced the kettle over the fire.

The door opened and Mary entered. She brushed back the shawl thrown over her head as cover against the light rain and addressed Elise. “Ye must come to the castle.”

“Why?”

“'Tis the MacGregor's command.”

Elise bristled. His imperious commands—her stomach did a somersault—were those of a husband-to-be. She summoned a believable amount of female condescension. “What does he want?”

“He and Lady Ross are in his library. Says you must come without delay.”

“Margaret?” Elise shot a glance at Winnie.

“The man keeps his promises,” Winnie remarked.