Page 20 of In Bed with a Highland Brute

Fortunately, no one else at the table appeared to notice. They were all too busy looking at Clyde.

“Soon, son, it will be soon indeed,” Fergus said and offered the coffee pot back toward Clyde. “I have invited some more guests, so we must wait for their arrival before we decide on a firm date.”

Murdoch and Eloise exchanged uncertain looks. He could see in her expression what was on his own mind. With no date firmly set upon yet for Clyde’s and Harper’s wedding, they could end up being here much longer than they had both intended.

“What are the next plans for the celebrations?” Murdoch asked, hoping to change the subject and urge Eloise to release him. Slowly, her fingers did release his thigh, but the heat still traveled up his leg, as if her fingers had remained there.

“We have another feast tonight,” Fergus explained.

“Another?” Clyde said in surprise.

“Aye, tae welcome more of our guests. I have some announcements tae make tonight as well.”

“What announcements?” Harper asked, leaning forward.

“Ah, my dear, that is me secret fer now.” Fergus tapped his nose and chuckled deeply. “Dinnae fear, fer they are good announcements indeed.”

Murdoch glanced at Eloise beside him, to find she was staring back at him.

It looks like we will be here for a little longer yet, Eloise.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Eloise entered the feasting room again, though she fidgeted with the skirt of her gown constantly, comparing it to the others in the room. She had not been expecting so many fine events and wondered how long her gowns would last her through the next couple of weeks if such events were to continue.

“Ye dinnae need tae fidget,” Murdoch whispered in her ear. “Ye look well in the gown.”

“Well?” Eloise scoffed. “Ye ken how tae make a woman feel nice, dae ye nae?”

He halted and looked at her, his gaze so intense that she fidgeted once more.

“Ye want me tae drop tae yer feet and lap at yer heels like a sick pup?”

“That was nae what I was asking fer,” she muttered hurriedly. Neither one of them was touching each other, their hands on their hips as they stared into each other’s eyes, the challenge plain. “Are ye and I incapable of having an easy conversation between us?”

“Unlikely indeed.”

“Change yer face tae a smile.”

“Why?”

“Because yer father is coming this way.” She nodded her head at Fergus approaching through the crowds.

Behind him, the room was decorated just as well as the night before, though some of the tables bore far too many empty chairs and benchers. Even if the dancers all sat down now, it would not be enough to fill those chairs.

This evening, fiddle players had joined the pipers and such buoyant music filled the air that even those not dancing were clapping along.

“Murdoch, Eloise,” Fergus declared, hurrying toward them. “I am glad ye are here, fer I have such a night planned.” He rubbed his hands together, rather like a child.

“What is it ye have planned, Father?” Murdoch groaned. He took Eloise’s hand and threaded it through his arm, as if it was second nature to him by now.

“Ye shall see.” Fergus gave nothing away but smiled warmly. “Trust me, me boy. All is in hand. Now, perhaps we shall see ye two dance tonight?”

“Dance?” Eloise repeated, her free hand fiddling with the skirt of her red gown as she looked at the floor. It was crowded indeed with so many people smiling and laughing together, she found it rather hard to imagine Murdoch taking to that floor. “I dinnae imagine Murdoch is much in the mood tae dance.”

“Nay, mo ghràdh. Ye think nae?” He offered another one of those challenging glares. His voice had deepened when he’d used that term again. Unable to answer him, for her mouth was suddenly dry, she just stared up at him. “Maybe a dance is a good idea, Father.”

“Wonderful!” Fergus said warmly.