Page 54 of A Touch So Wicked

“I dinna see her, but I heard she’s a great beauty.”

Elissa tried to convince herself that Lady Kimbra’s beauty or lack of it was no concern of hers. That didn’t stop her from being curious about Damian’s bride, however. Would the lady be a sweet, demure miss who doted on Damian? she wondered. Lord help the poor woman if she fell in love with the scoundrel. Damian would never give his heart to a woman, for he guarded it too closely.

Elissa heard a commotion in the great hall and the devil inside her made her slip away for a peek at the new arrivals. Hovering near the kitchen door, she peered over bobbing heads at Damian’s heiress.

Elissa’s heart plummeted. Lady Kimbra was indeed a beauty—a typical English rose with golden blond hair, peaches and cream complexion, and dolllike features almost too perfect to be real. Small and petite, her womanly figure was rounded in all the right places. Oh, aye, the lady was indeed lovely, and smiling up at Damian as if she wanted to devour him.

Elissa crept closer. She saw Damian bring Lady Kimbra’s dainty white hand up to his lips and buried her own reddened hands beneath her apron. With sudden insight, Elissa realized that while Damian might not love his bride, he surely would appreciate her beauty.

“Welcome to your new home, my lady,” she heard Damian say. “I hope you learn to love Misterly as much as I do.”

Elissa noted Lady Kimbra’s disdainful look and realized something that Damian did not. Damian’s bride hated Misterly.

“I suppose it will do for short visits,” she said with bored indifference, “but my lord, surely you don’t intend for us to languish in this savage land during the Season, do you? Why I would simply perish without balls and fętes and parties to attend.”

Elissa saw the tiny frown gathering between Damian’s eyes and waited anxiously for his reply.

“We’re both here at the king’s command, my lady,” Damian reminded her with more gentleness than Elissa would have credited him. “I’m sure you’ll grow accustomed to the beauty of Misterly and learn to enjoy the peacefulness.”

“You expect me to find peace in a place inhabited by Jacobite traitors?” Lady Kimbra spouted. “I think not, Lord Damian.” She waved her fan languidly before her face. “I am fatigued, my lord. Perhaps one of the servants can show me to my chamber.”

Damian lowered his voice; Elissa sidled closer to hear. “I thought we should discuss our wedding, my lady. Did His Majesty set a date for the nuptials?”

A man dressed in severe black stepped forward. “I am the Reverend Trilby, my lord. It will be my pleasure to perform the nuptials. Our gracious sovereign left it up to you to decide the date for the wedding ceremony.”

“Welcome to Misterly, Reverend,” Damian said. “I hope you enjoy your stay.”

Elissa held her breath as Damian considered his next words. “‘Twould seem proper that Lady Kimbra and I get to know one another before wedding.”

“I agree, my lord,” Reverend Trilby said amicably. “Not many men would be as understanding of a woman’s feelings as you.”

Kimbra lowered her head demurely. “Whatever you say, my lord.” Her throaty purr held a hint of promise. “I am, of course, at your disposal.” She placed a dainty hand on Damian’s chest. “I’m not displeased with the king’s choice of husband, Lord Damian, and I look forward to…” her brows lifted for emphasis, “becoming better acquainted.”

Elissa decided she’d heard enough when Damian’s gaze found hers. She tried to appear inconspicuous and cringed when he motioned for her to approach.

Her steps dragged as she made her way to his side. “Elissa, please show Lady Kimbra and her maid to the south tower. Her trunks have already been delivered to her chamber.”

Elissa nodded but said nothing, suffering Kimbra’s insolent gaze.

“Are all the servants as flamboyant as this one?” Kimbra asked.

Damian’s brows lifted. “Flamboyant? How so, my lady?”

“All that flaming red hair. ’Tis indecent. Who is she, my lord?”

“I am Elissa Fraser,” Elissa said proudly. “Misterly is my home.”

“Elissa,” Damian warned.

“A Jacobite,” Kimbra sneered. “What is she doing here, Lord Damian? ’Twas my understanding that Lord Alpin’s daughter had been exiled.”

“We will discuss this later, my lady,” Damian said. “Chambers have been prepared for you and your maid in the south tower. I’m sure you will enjoy the view. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll make arrangements for the Reverend Trilby and your escort.”

“If you please, my lady,” Elissa said coolly, indicating that Kimbra should follow her.

“Come along, Daisy,” Lady Kimbra said, speaking to the mousy little maid hovering behind her.

Elissa was aware that Damian had ordered the south tower prepared especially for Lady Kimbra. The keep had been ransacked of all the best furniture to furnish the future countess’s chamber. Elissa had given up the walnut desk that had belonged to her grandmother and Marianne had lost the delicate chaise that once sat beneath her window. Elissa hoped Lady Kimbra appreciated it.