Page 32 of The Highlander’s Dangerous Desire

“Is there no way to be sure which is the truth?”

“Nae at this moment.” He shook his head.

“And what does this have to do with your decision to claim me as your betrothed?” Grace frowned.

“Gael MacTavish has a distant claim o’ blood, and a family. A wife and son. I’ve been the overseer and laird for two seasons, but there’s a chance that the Council will let him claim the lairdship on those grounds. Especially as my presence is justified by the fact that the previous laird died without an heir.”

She nodded. “I understand. My uncle has often considered similar matters.”

“I still intend tae tak’ ye tae Castle MacDuff taemorrow. Ye dinnae need tae meet the Council if ye dinnae wish tae.”

Grace frowned, but it seemed more thoughtful than angry. “So…”

“Ye dinnae have tae pretend tae be me betrothed if ye dinnae wish.”

“And if I did agree to support this… ruse?”

“Then ye’d meet the Council first thing in the morning.”

“You know they are likely to object to the fact that I am English.”

“I ken. However…” He hesitated, then continued. “The protection o’ bein’ a laird’s betrothed will keep ye safer than anything else I could dae. And safer than just bein’ Niamh’s friend. An’ after the bairn’s born, if ye like, we’ll simply say that we’ve come tae a different decision, an’ have someone escort ye home.”

Grace considered that argument. Ewan held his breath. He’d told her the truth, and it was up to Grace to make the decision now. He wouldn’t try to convince her to agree with him, even if the result made his life more difficult.

Finally, Grace nodded. “Very well, I agree to your suggestion. I shall present myself as your betrothed, until such time as we may agree to part ways.”

Ewan breathed a sigh of relief, and wondered why he also felt a pang of something that might be disappointment.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Grace woke to sunlight shining through her windows, and the unaccustomed scent of heather in her nose. The bed beneath her head was extremely comfortable after what she’d become accustomed to during the long journey through the Highlands. It might even be more comfortable than the bed she’d slept in while living with her uncle.

There was a knock at the door, and Grace pulled herself from her thoughts and hastened to tug on a night robe she’d had Anne retrieve the night before. The maid was incredibly efficient, and had put away all her clothing with a speed and organization that was, if she was honest, superior to the lady’s maid she employed in England. “Come in.”

Anne entered the room, carrying a tray, from which wafted the smells of fresh bread and porridge. “Fair morn, m’lady.”

“Fair morn.” Grace nodded and moved toward the table.

“M’laird asked me tae bring ye yer morning meal, and tae tell ye the Council will be meeting in a few candle-marks.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Anne poured her a cup of hot tea and set out her meal, then moved around the room tidying up. She selected a dress and brought it to Grace for approval. It was, Grace noted, similar in color to one of the shades that made up the faded tartan on the lass’s skirt. Grace agreed to it.

After finishing the cleaning, Anne lingered. “Dae ye need assistance in dressing?”

“It would be much appreciated.” Grace noted the young woman’s expression. “I… I don’t suppose the steward would consider assigning you to be my personal maid while I am here?”

“If ye asked, Steward Malcolm would likely agree.”

Grace nodded. A lady’s maid had more status than a general household servant. To ask for Anne would be giving her a much better position. Likewise, it would also assist Grace in maintaining the appearance that she was Ewan’s betrothed. There was, however, one matter for consideration. “You know that I am…”

“Ye’re from England. I ken. I also ken that ye’re the friend o’ Laird MacDuff’s lady.” Anne nodded. “I… I saw the lady briefly, two seasons ago. The previous laird had her… kidnapped. She was fair brave and well-spoken. Besides, if I may speak plainly…”

“You may.”

“M’laird’s a fair master, an better than most o’ us expected when we were given tae his oversight - the clans were feuding afore, an’ he could have been fair worse, given it was blood feud. Kennin’ that, I’m willin’ tae tak’ a chance that he chose a lady who was the same, an’ we might have good fortune twice o’er. Rather risk it than lose a chance fer me kin.”