Page 29 of Tempting the Highland Captive

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

When Amelia entered the great hall the next morning to break her fast, she was caught off guard to find Ron and several other of the clan’s men standing on tables and benches, with arms full of flowers and greenery. Eyes wide, she watched as they attempted to decorate every surface that would hold it. Ron called out instructions to adjust this or that and Amelia did her best not to break out in laughter at the adorable absurdity of it all. Some of the kitchen maids were watching him with admiration filled eyes and Amelia felt an unexpected possessive pang of jealousy course through her. Crossing the room to stand just below his hip, she tilted her head up to study his work.

“Bonnie,” she praised with a teasing tone to her voice.

Ron looked down and grinned at her. “Me or the flowers?”

Amelia laughed. “Both.”

Ron’s grin widened and he handed his decorations to another man so that he could climb down off of the table. Once he was firmly on the floor, he pulled Amelia into his arms and kissed her for all the clan to see. Cheering and ribald jokes passed through the men, while the young kitchen maids giggled. “Ye are bonnier by far,” he murmured against her lips, then released her to return to his task climbing back on top of the table.

Amelia could feel her skin flush more out of desire than embarrassment. “What brought about all of this,” she gestured toward the decorations, attempting to hide her befuddled state.

“The lads and I came across these,” he waved the flowers in his hand, “when we were cutting the barley. We thought that they would be good for the Lammastide gathering.”

“Aye,” one of the other men agreed. “The laird had us go out and cut them down at first light.” He grinned mischievously at Amelia. “Is it true what they say about flowers and a lady’s heart?”

Amelia laughed. “Oh, aye. ‘Tis true if it is presented by the right lad.”

“I am always the right lad,” he teased while elbowing Ron in suggestive comradery, then moved on down the table to hand one of the loitering kitchen maids a flower from the bunch in his hand.

Ron shook his head at the younger man’s antics, then looked down at Amelia. “Are ye ready for the rest o’ yer people tae begin arriving?”

Amelia sighed, her smile fading slightly. “As ready as I can be.”

Ron held her eyes in reassurance. “Ye are nae alone.”

Amelia gave him an appreciative smile. “Have ye eaten?”

“Aye.” He nodded. “Maggie fed the lads and I afore sunrise.”

“Ye have been busy. Did ye sleep?”

“Oh, aye.” He nodded. “Did ye?”

“Nae verra well.” She shook her head. “Tae many thoughts and concerns with the coming gathering tae sleep.”

“Is there anythin’ more that ye need me tae be doin’?” He prepared to hand off his flowers again.

“Nae.” Amelia shook her head. “All is in hand. Ye have done more than enough.”

Ron grinned. “I am nae finished yet.”

Giving him one last smile, Amelia went to the kitchen in search of Maggie and some food. “Did ye see what yer husband is doin’ in the great hall?” Maggie asked by way of greeting.

“Aye.” Amelia smiled, just stopping herself from giggling like a little girl. “I ne’er would have thought it.”

“Nor I, but ‘twas a bonnie notion. He has a fine hand with the details.” Maggie handed Amelia a trencher of parritch, and she sat down to eat by the hearth.

“Unexpected, given the circumstances,” Amelia murmured around a mouthful of food.

“Aye,” Maggie agreed. They shared a knowing glance referring to his time as a prisoner. “He appears tae be far more than one would have guessed at first meeting.”

Amelia looked around the kitchen to see who might overhear and lowered her voice. “He has been quite affectionate of late.”

“Oh?” Maggie inquired with a glint of interest in her eyes.

“Aye, he kisses me in front o’ the clan.” Amelia blushed at the admittance.