Lady Shannon found the clothes that she had been given fit perfectly over her slender frame. At first she had been unwilling to don the surrendered garments but there beauty and the fine material had drawn her to try on the dress. Only when she was wearing the gown did she feel whole once again.
She paused, a worried frown spreading across her face. The handmaiden had instructed her that the Master of the house wished for her to dine with him that night. Her stomach churned violently. She had no wish to confront the monster who had stolen her from her marriage bed. She wanted nothing to do with the man her husband so despised.
She remembered all the things her spouse had said about his enemy. The picture he had painted was quite gruesome and she was terrified to meet this horrible creature. Her husband said he was terribly scarred about the face and body with a hump on his back. She had never seen this man but supposed it all to be true, for any man forced to steal another man's wife must truly be a monster.
She trembled at the thought and tossed herself upon the bed, mourning the life she once had and the misery to which she now found herself. She did not love her husband; she did not even like him but her father had betrothed her to him in repayment for a bad debt.
She had cried hopelessly when her father had broken the news of her arranged marriage. She had no desire to leave the warm and loving environment of her father's home and she had begged for him to change his mind but the marriage had gone ahead.
It was not that her husband was cruel for he was quite a kindly man but he was old and his skin rough and wrinkled. His displays of affection were a test of her endurance for she found no pleasure in their marriage bed and was always relieved when he went off to visit his mistresses. She rather he spent time with them then with her. She shuddered to think now that she wished she were back with him. At least with him she knew what to expect.
Kellie spent the next two days wandering around the city. She took a bus tour and then retraced its steps revisiting the places that the tour guide had hurried them through. The Innkeeper kindly offered to pack her a lunch but she had declined eager to sample the various restaurants and pubs featured in the travel book she purchased.
She spent hours walking and absorbing the flavour of the city, allowing the atmosphere to soak into her blood. This was the land of her father and his many descendants an old, aristocratic family and she was eager to learn of its history and traditions.
She strolled along the harbour and filled her lungs with the smell of the sea. It was surprising how comfortable she felt. It was as if she had lived there all her life. By the time evening came she was content to have a late meal and fall into bed.
It came as some surprise the next day when she found Erin Macgregor in the reception area of the Inn. It was late morning and she was on her way out for the afternoon. Her heart began to beat just slightly faster.
Erin turned from the receptionist to the woman and immediately felt the strings around her heart tighten. It looked as if the girl was on her way out as she was casually dressed in a pair of worn jeans and a t-shirt. A heavier sweater was tied around her tiny waist and hung over her narrow hips.
"Miss Macgregor," she said in a low voice.
"Ms. Macgregor," Kellie nodded in greeting.
Her eyes narrowed as she studied the taller woman's features. Erin was quite handsome with thick dark hair and high cheek bones. She did not look like the average Scotsman in her severe dark business suit.
"I hope I am not disturbing you," Erin said in the same low voice.
"No. I was just on my way out," Kellie replied. There was an odd tension and awkwardness between them. It was to be expected.
"Than I won't keep you," the taller woman said graciously. "I just wanted to come by and apologize again for the way my mother behaved. She normally isn't in such bad form but she had a somewhat contentious relationship with Angus."
Kellie nodded. It was nice that the woman had sought her out to make such a personal apology. Any trepidation she initially felt melted away.
"It's very understandable," she said. "I'm sure that everything must have been a big disappointment to you."
"Do not be mistaken Miss Macgregor, I am not unhappy. The things I wanted from the old man were of higher value than anything you received," the solicitor paused, a distant smile on her lips. "Anyway, I don't mean to keep you. I just wanted to express my apologies in person."
Kellie nodded and watched as the tall woman bowed her head politely and turned to go. The Scotswoman was at the door before the Canadian spoke. She was unable to let the tall woman just walk away.
"Ms. Macgregor," she called and the dark haired woman paused, turning to watch as the smaller woman strolled up beside her. "I was just on my way out to lunch. I'm not meeting anyone, so I was wondering if you would care to join me, that is if you have nothing else planned."
There was silence but she saw that the other woman's eyes had turned dark. There was no expression on the angular face to say what the older woman was thinking.
"I don't know what your situation is," Kellie continued when the silence grew. "My mother never married so the only relatives I have is an Aunt and a cousin. It's kind of nice to know that I also have a sister. It would be nice if we could get to know each other a little better."
"That probably would be a good idea," Erin conceded. She watched as the younger woman nervously twisted a ring on her finger. "I have no plans and yes, Miss Macgregor, I would be pleased to join you for lunch."
"Kellie," she smiled and held out her hand.
"Erin," the dark haired woman returned the greeting accepting the offer of friendship.
They walked to a small pub on the corner of the lane. They took a table by the windows and when the waitress arrived they ordered a plate of sandwiches and chips with a pot of tea to wash it all down.
"Was it painful for your mother when she heard that Angus had died?" Erin enquired politely, curious to know more about this foreign woman.
"My mother died about a dozen years ago," Kellie said shortly. It was still hard to talk about even after all the years. "She had never been sick but only a few months after my grandfather passed away the doctors diagnosed her with cancer. She was dead within a year."
"I'm sorry, it sounds like you were very close," the tall woman was sincere.
"Yes, there was always the three of us. It was difficult to lose them both so quickly," Kellie nodded, determined to keep the mood light. "What about you, have you a large family?"
"I suppose I was lucky even though I was an only child," the solicitor supplied. "My mom came from a large family and I have more Aunties, Uncles and cousins then I can keep track of. My grandparents still live on a farm outside the small village of Lockley not far from Loch Loe. The whole family still gathers there every year for the holidays."
"You are lucky," Kellie breathed genuinely envious. "My grandmother died when my own mother was born and grandfather didn't have the heart to remarry. He had been through the war. He had seen to many young people die. He got tired of the whole business. He was a kind man but very reserved."
"Did he know that Angus was your father?"
"I don't know," the Canadian admitted sincerely. "My mother would never talk about who my father was and I never understood why until now. The two men had been buddies during the war, perhaps it was because she knew that grandfather would have disapproved."
Silence followed her confession and Erin stared at the blonde's downcast expression. She watched as the smaller woman picked at the chips on her plate, a lump gathering in her throat. There was nothing false about this woman, she was honest and sincere.
"Do you know what you are going to do?" she asked after a few minutes.
"Mr. Ludden suggested I take my time to think about that," Kellie repeated the solicitor's advice.
"That is sound counseling," her companion agreed.
"I would like to give my Aunt and cousin something. They both helped me through some tough times," she paused and looked across the table at the taller woman. "I was sincere when I said it would only be proper if we shared the inheritance."
"No," the response was quite firm. "If Angus had wanted me to have anything he would have bequeathed it. I don't take charity."
"It's not charity," Kellie disagreed. "Your mother was right, it is your birthright."
"Perhaps," Erin agreed with a distant smile. "However, I shall not accept anything."
Kellie saw than that her companion was a proud woman. Others in a similar situation would have only been too eager to accept such an offer. The gesture of turning down a share made the Canadian feel happy and it had nothing to do with being greedy.
"Did Mr. Ludden explain all the details of the Will?" the Scots woman asked pensively.
"He started to but it was all rather complicated and I think he realized after a bit that I was still in shock and not really taking any of it in. I have arranged to see him tomorrow afternoon to go over the details."
"Wise," Erin nodded her approval. "The older gentleman is a good and honest solicitor."
"He said the same thing about you," Kellie said pausing for an instant noticing that the woman had the grace to flush over the compliment. "Perhaps you should join us for the meeting."
"I am sure Mr. Ludden would like to speak with you in private," the dark haired woman said with a frown.
"But I recall Mr. Ludden mentioning something about you being an administrator of the estate," she said hesitantly, suddenly shy. The frown on the older woman's face deepened.
"Yes," Erin nodded absently with a bland smile. "It's a silly provision that a lot of wealthy older men still include in their Wills when they are bequeathing the bulk of their estate to a female descendant. They worry that the woman may fall prey to some unscrupulous male suitor who will abscond with the fortune."
The smile faded. "It just means that I will be in charge of the funds, overseeing the spending to ensure that it is all handled properly, until such time as you take possession of the full inheritance. The money will remain in Trust and an accountant will be hired to ensure that none of the monies is mishandled. There will be nothing to worry about. It is just a silly formality really."
"I wasn't worried," Kellie replied sincerely. Instinct told her that she could trust this woman. "If you are available I would still like you to be there. If I am as wealthy as I think than I will need a protector."
Erin studied the woman for an instant. There was a disturbing appeal in the depths of the green eyes. They were magnetizing and she didn't doubt that once word got around the country the girl would be inundated with suitors. She turned away glancing at her sandwich.
"Some people would caution you not to be so trustworthy," she spoke in a soft voice.
"If I can't trust my own blood relatives than who can I trust," the blonde countered in the same soft tones and Erin stared at her, her heart beating at an irrational pace.
"Please," the simple appeal went straight to her heart.
"I will check my schedule and if it's not too heavy I will be there," Erin promised and than changed the subject disturbed by the feelings the other woman evoked in her. "Have you been to Scotland before?"
"Once when I was very young, but I don't remember much," Kellie smiled. "Yesterday morning I took one of these bus tours and then in the afternoon I went out on my own. Edinburgh is a very beautiful city."
"Yes," the older woman agreed. "It is a reflection of the country as a whole. The district around Loch Loe has beautiful green rolling hills. It is mostly a rural farming community."
"What about Loch Loe?" the younger woman asked eagerly. "What is it like? All I know is that it's an island."
"Yes," Erin nodded her head again. "It's off the west coast and the island is about five squares kilometer. It's a green meadow with only a few trees. The village of Loch Loe is on a small cove facing the mainland and the strait in between is about three kilometers in distance."
"I can't wait to see it," Kellie sighed romantically envisioning the place.
"Don't get your hopes to high," the dark haired woman cautioned. "The land itself is a beauty but the Castle Macgregor is in sad repair. Angus never spent any money on fixing the place up though I think at some time he did install central heating and electricity."
"It doesn't matter it shall be wonderful," Kellie said cheerfully. "I never thought Tony's prediction would be so accurate."
"Tony?" Erin asked raising her eyebrows slightly.
"A friend from where I used to work," the small blond replied. "I showed him the letter I had received from the lawyers and we speculated on what I had inherited. He glibly thought I might be getting a Castle and a title. He was partly right."
"What did you think?" the woman was curious.
"I was dumbfounded. All I knew about Angus Macgregor was that he was a war buddy of my grandfathers. It never entered my mind that we were even remotely related. I certainly never thought he was my father. I naturally assumed that he was probably going to leave me some war memorabilia."
"Why?" Erin frowned and she shrugged again.
"Well, as far as I knew my connection to the man was through my grandfather. I still can't figure out how it all worked out, my mother was years younger than him."
"Angus was a handsome man," the tall woman explained. "He had a charm with the women, if he liked you. If he didn't it could be the opposite. He was an odd man who took some getting used too. He could be very kind or very cruel."
"Did you know him well?" Kellie wondered curiously.
"Yes," Erin nodded. "I spent many of my school holidays on the island. We used to go hunting together and for hours he wouldn't say anything. A lot of people thought him strange but I knew it was his way."
"You were lucky," it was Kellie's turn to be serious. "You had the opportunity to know the man."
"Yes," a dark head nodded and than posed another question unwilling to dwell on her life. "What do you do back in Canada?"
"I was a writer on a weekly newspaper but I quit to come here," she replied lightly.
"Was that a wise decision, after all you didn't know what you were going to get?"
"No," Kellie agreed with a sigh. "But I had been working there for five years and was getting no where so when my editor refused to give me time to come here, I quit. It wasn't very practical and I might later regret the decision but I want to be a writer and I wasn't reaching that goal sitting working at the magazine.
"My plan was to come here collect my inheritance, whatever that was, and than continue through Europe and around the world. I have some money saved up and thought the adventure would do me good."
"And have your plans changed?" Erin wondered.
"Not really," the younger woman confessed. "I suppose I shall stay around here until everything is sorted out but than I imagine I will go on. Mind you I don't know what it is costing me staying at the Inn. I suppose I should check into that. I had rather planned a strict budget."
"Didn't Mr. Ludden tell you?" Erin was surprised.
"Tell me what?"
"Nottingham Inn where you are staying, you are now the owner."
"What?" Kellie's surprise was genuine.
"Yes, the Inn is part of Angus's holdings," the woman explained. "He always used to come up to the city for business and resented paying hotel bills so he bought the Inn. He stayed there every time he came to Edinburgh."
"Oh," the blond mouthed the simple word as colour seeped into her face. "I suppose that was one of the things Mr. Ludden was going to explain."
"As for money I don't think that should be a problem either," Erin continued. "You are to receive seven hundred thousand pounds per year. I think that would convert to about two million of your Canadian dollars."
"I hadn't even thought of that," Kellie shook her head in amazement. "I was in such shock about learning the man was my father that nothing else really registered."
"In time it will," Erin assured her. "Perhaps you might think of contacting Angus's accountants after you speak with Mr. Ludden."
"I suppose I better," the blond agreed looking slightly overwhelmed and it was as if the realization of what had happened still had not sunk in completely.
"If you need anything you can always call me," the solicitor heard the words coming from her mouth without thought.
"Thank you," Kellie breathed gratefully, feeling like she had gained a trusted ally.
Later Erin had a moment to ponder the conversation. She didn't know why she had volunteered her services. She was a busy woman working long hours at her law practice. She reasoned that she had felt sympathy for the woman. Kellie was all alone in a foreign country coping with a situation that was completely overwhelming.
Perhaps she even felt a kinship, after all Kellie was her half sister even though there were moments when she forgot that fact. In the end she determined that she had extended her offer because the Canadian was a genuinely nice and sincere woman and she instinctively knew her efforts would be appreciated.
Lady Shannon followed the handmaiden through the dimly lit corridors. Her head turned systematically to study the features of the Castle. If she was to plot an escape she would have to know where to go.
The dining hall was on the main floor. It was a large oblong room with a huge fire place. A long table dominated the center of the suite and lit candles were placed all over the room. An elaborate place setting had been arranged at the far end of the table.
"Good evening my Lady, thank you Mary," a soft voice called from the shadows at the far end of the room.
The handmaiden bowed and than hurried out off the room. Lady Shannon braced herself, her eyes focused on the shadowy figure that slowly emerged from the darkness. She held her breathe as the man emerged from the shadows.
"You look very beautiful," Ewan Macgregor said his eyes focused on the slender woman. He could see that his guest was nervous. "I am pleased that the dress fits you so well."
The Lady said nothing. She was speechless, her eyes trained on the tall man as he stepped into the light of the fire. He was tall with broad shoulders and a narrow waist and hips. His long legs were encased in tight fitting breeches and leather boots. He wore an exquisite waist coat. His dark hair was thick and tied back in a ponytail.
Her eyes were drawn to the strong angular face and her heart beat quickened. There was a long red scar, carved in the shape of a half moon that began just below the left eye and ended at the jaw. Rather than being ugly it had an enticing affect on an already handsome face. Their eyes met and she was trapped by their deep blue intensity.
"My husband will come for me and he will kill you," she said in a trembling voice, her green eyes dropping to the ground.
"He will try," Ewan replied coolly. "It will remain to be seen if he succeeds."
Lady Shannon felt her whole body shudder. She had lay in fear of this person and she trembled now, but not from any threat of physical danger. She had never before met anyone who could make her heart pound so erratically.
"Come, please join me for dinner, the cook has worked hard all day to prepare a special meal."
The Lady hesitated but saw no reason to deny the request. The man politely held out a chair before taking his own seat at the end of the table. Servants appeared immediately, one pouring wine into a goblet while another placed a bowl of broth in front of her. Her hand trembled as she picked up the spoon to eat. The man watched silently, his azure eyes narrowing perceptively.
"You have no need to fear. I will not harm you. My grievance is with your husband and not you," he said in a soft voice in an attempt to distil the smaller woman's fears.
"Than why have you taken me prisoner?" Shannon dared to ask. "I have no part in my husband's quarrels."
"Ah, but you do," Ewan disagreed in the same soft voice. "But eat now before your food grows cold."
"No," Lady Shannon tossed her spoon back on the table in defiance. "I will not eat until you tell me why you have kidnapped me and brought me here."
There was silence and the only thing that could be heard was the crackle of the burning wood in the fireplace. Their eyes met and held. The man was uncertain he could tell the truth.
"Your husband stole something of value that belonged to me," heexplained without being specific. "I needed to take something of value from him. There can be nothing of greater value to a man than his wife."
Lady Shannon was silent. There was a tremor in the man's voice that had started her heart racing. Butterflies flew in a flurry about her stomach.
"Do not worry," the tall man said in the same gentle voice. "I make my promise to you that I will not take what you don't wish to give. Now eat."
Lady Shannon swallowed and turned her eyes towards the bowl of soup. She was afraid that she would give this man more than any thing he would ever ask for.
The meeting at the offices of Ludden, Gates and Mcfadden began at precisely two o'clock. Kellie had been in the waiting room when Erin had come strolling into the offices. A wave of pleasure swept over her at the sight of the tall woman. She had been hoping that the Scotswoman would come. George Ludden was pleased by the presence of the younger solicitor.
"It will make everything so much simpler," the older attorney announced before motioning everyone to take a seat around the conference table.
Erin wasn't certain why she had come. She had a full schedule in her diary yet she had asked her secretary to clear the afternoon. She glanced across the table at the young woman who had requested her presence and knew the answer. She chided herself for being a fool.
If Kellie had thought going through the Will would take only a short matter of time she was badly mistaken. The solicitor had kindly typed up a detailed list of assets and property that she had inherited. She was amazed at the diversity of the holdings.
"Mr. Macgregor was involved in a lot," she said feeling overwhelmed and worried that she might not be able to handle it all. It occurred to her looking after his holdings could be a fulltime job.
"You don't have to keep everything," Erin said quietly, correctly interpreting the bewildered expression on the blonde's face. "Angus liked to spread his money around in different ventures. He was a businessman who liked to have his hands in everything. It's yours now and you have the right to dispose of anything you wish."
"Miss Macgregor is correct," George Ludden affirmed. "You may want to consolidate some of your holdings, make things simpler if you have no mind for business. Certainly there are some ventures that will likely be to costly to keep like Loch Loe and the Castle Macgregor. The National Trust
Society would be most eager to take them both off your hands."
"No." Kellie wasn't quite certain what she planned to do, but one thing she was sure about was that she would not get rid of the island or the Castle.
From the information she had picked up in the local library the property had been in the hands of a Macgregor descendant for several centuries and contained a wealth of history. The Castle had been built three centuries ago by a descendant to woo a woman.
"I know the Castle and the Estates must be frightfully expensive to keep up but they have been in the family for many generations. I don't want to be the one who gives it away."
"Very sensible," Erin said and Kellie was pleased that the older woman had agreed with her.
They poured over the complicated Will, going over each detail to ensure that she fully understood her rights and duties. The solicitors were also very precise in making her understand how the Trust worked.
"The seven hundred thousand pounds per annum will not be given in one lump sun but rather divided up into monthly installments of just under sixty thousand pounds per month," George Ludden explained. "The remaining capital will remain in Trust until your forty first birthday, however this does not mean that you cannot touch the principle. If you wish to invest some of the capital or purchase a business you need only to submit the request to the administrator, Ms. Erin Macgregor, and she will assess the feasibility of the project and advise you accordingly."
"What if we don't agree?" Kellie asked teasingly of her sister.
"The money is really all yours to do with as you wish, it's really just a formality," Erin repeated an earlier assertion.
"So you wouldn't stop me if you thought I was doing anything stupid?" she queried.
"I would offer my opinion," was the diplomatic reply. "You are a grown woman Miss Macgregor, and from what I have seen I hardly think you will need much guidance from anyone."
Kellie felt a strange surge of pleasure at the compliment and hoped that the tall woman would have no reason to change her mind. She felt a disturbing need to have this woman think highly of her.
Before the meeting ended Mr. Ludden presented her with the first cheque of sixty thousand pounds. It was quite an enormous sum of money for someone who had never had much in her life.
"The Bank of Scotland has a branch nearby where you might like to open an account. I spoke to the manager Mr. Cardston and he was quite willing to meet with you this evening to help you establish a checking account."
"Thank you," Kellie was completely taken aback by the graciousness of the people that were making everything so easy.
"My son Henry has even offered to accompany you," the older solicitor said and she nodded approval. "Afterwards your accountants can have it arranged so that the money will automatically be deposited in your accounts at the first of the month."
"Yes," she nodded feeling like she was in some dream from which she would be rudely awakened.
Henry was patiently waiting in the outer office to ferry her to the bank. She was familiar with the banking system in Canada but was uncertain if it was different here. She welcomed the help of a friendly face to take her through the whole process. However, she was also a little disappointed that Erin would not be accompanying them.
"I will contact you in regards to your inheritance in the next few days," Erin said when the meeting dispersed. "I think for you to get a good idea of exactly what you have inherited you need to see it first hand."
"I could take her around," Henry volunteered eager to spend time with the woman. "You are much too busy Erin and I am certain father could spare me for a few days."
"As appealing as the idea may sound, it would be best if I showed Miss Macgregor around. As the administrator of the Trust we will be working closely together. Besides I am more familiar with Angus' holdings than anyone else."
Erin wasn't certain why she was so adamant in her decision. Perhaps it was that she wasn't particularly fond of Henry Ludden. Though he was a fellow solicitor she did not consider him to have the same high moral and character standards as his father.
"Erin is quite right," Kellie agreed and than offered when she saw the man's disappointment.
"But I am free for dinner tonight and would love to see some of the night life."
Henry beamed at her request certain that he had the woman's interest. He did not see Erin Macgregor as any sort of competition for the pair were related but it was evident that the Canadian woman was turning to her for advice. He was worried the Erin would influence Kellie unfavourably towards him. This was his big chance and he did not want to spoil it.
"I will have my secretary ring you and settle the arrangements for whenever it is convenient for you," Erin said before moving towards the door.
"Anytime," Kellie replied and held out her hand. "I look forward to hearing from you."
Erin shook her hand nodding towards the man before hurrying on her way. It was ridiculous but she felt jealousy towards the man. She tried to reason the feeling away by acknowledging that she didn't approve of Henry Ludden.
That night there was a package waiting at the reception desk for her when she returned from her evening out. Kellie waited until retreating to her room before ripping the paper open. She stared at the neatly bound leather books. A note fluttered out from between the pages of the first edition when she flipped through the pages. She retrieved it from the floor.
Kellie,
I thought you would be interested in learning more of our family history. As you can see by the two thick volumes our family has a long history if not always interesting association to this great country. Enjoy the read.
Erin
A smile came unbidden to her lips as she flipped once more through the pages. It was a thoughtful gesture on the woman's part and she knew that she was not wrong to trust her.
Chapter Four
It was not quite two days before a message was left at the Inn for her to contact Erin Macgregor's secretary. On a whim she decided to drop into the law office and introduce herself. She got the address from the hotel proprietor and than hired a taxi to take her to the downtown offices. She was not familiar enough with the city to trust herself on the public transit system.
She had hoped to find Erin in her offices and was mildly disappointed to learn she was in court that morning. She did however meet her secretary Debra McHadden, a very friendly red headed woman in her early fifties. The two immediately sensed a kinship and in no time they were sitting in the lunchroom chatting over a cup of tea and planning the itinerary.
"Are you certain Miss Macgregor can afford so much time away from the office?" Kellie asked with genuine concern but the woman only smiled.
"Miss Macgregor's next big trial doesn't start until a fortnight and the rest of her appointments can all be rescheduled," the secretary said breezily as only a woman who had known her boss for a long time could.
"The woman could use a break from the office and it would give the both of you a chance to get to know one another, after all you being so closely related."
"Yes," Kellie agreed and before either could say any more the object of their discussion came strolling into the office.
Erin felt an odd mixture of emotion seeing the woman sitting there with her secretary enjoying a cup of tea. As usual the blond was dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt with a sweater tied around her waist. There was a bright smile on her unpainted face.
"So this is what you do when I'm away Mrs. McHadden," she said with a light tone of voice. "Have you left some tea and biscuits for me?"
"We were just planning up your schedule," the older woman seemed unconcerned about being caught away from her desk. Debra rose from her chair and winked at the girl. "I will leave you to break it to the woman."
With that the older woman walked away leaving them alone. There was a brief awkward silence as an unusual tension rose up between the two younger people.
"Mrs. McHadden thought it would take two days to tour through every place," Kellie said to break the silence.
"Aye, it will," Erin glanced at her watch. It was almost one in the afternoon. "It's lunchtime, why don't we go down to the pub for a bite to eat and we can discuss it then, or have you other arrangements?"
"None," the blonde agreed enthusiastically aware that she was beginning to like this woman too much.
The local pub was just down the street on the corner. It was a busy place filled with young professionals and it took a moment for Erin to secure them a table. This was one of her favourite places but looking at the crowd and the accompanying din of noise she realized it was perhaps not the most ideal place to have any type of discussion.
"Perhaps we should have gone someplace else," she said in a loud voice and Kellie had to lean towards her to hear what she was saying.
"No," she disagreed. "This place is fantastic."
Erin looked at her and realized she was genuinely honest. Her face was glowing and the green of her eyes were sparkling. There was an animated smile on her face. At that moment the solicitor had some of the most impure thoughts of her life.
"What did you and Mrs. McHadden decide?" she said when the waitress brought them each a plate of sandwiches and a pint of light coloured ale.
"She thought it would take two days for you to show me everything so she is going to clear your calendar for Thursday and Friday."
"Going up to Loch Loe is a day's journey in itself," Erin muttered to herself with a frown. "Maybe we should make a weekend of it. You will want to spend more than an afternoon on the island."
"That sounds fine, as long as you can afford to spare the time, I know you must be busy," Kellie said biting into a sandwich.
"As I am being paid to look after your concerns it is the least that I can do," Erin said lightly taking a sip of her ale.
"Yes," the blonde nodded some of the light going out of her face. She had forgotten that the older woman was being paid to handle the Trust. She chided herself knowing that a woman as busy as Erin would never do this if it didn't have to do with work.
"I'll set up an appointment with the accountants for Wednesday so they can detail the procedures they go through."
Kellie nodded and listened trying not to let her disappointment show. She had no right to expect anything from this woman. She had been more than gracious in not holding a grudge. She didn't know that she could have been as accommodating if the roles had been reversed. Erin immediately noticed the frown.
"I hope I haven't said or done anything to annoy you," she liked to see the other woman smile. Kellie put down her sandwich.
"No, I was just thinking of how great you have been. I do appreciate the time you have spent. I know you are getting paid for your services but I still am thankful for all your help," Kellie didn't know if her words were adequate. "Under the circumstances it must be very difficult for you."
"Would you be surprised if I said it isn't?" came the solemn answer and than she smiled when the other woman looked at her. "I knew Angus pretty well and considered he might do this. I wasn't one of these bastard children who lived on the hope that someday I would inherit everything.
Fortunately my grandparents raised me better than that. I built my own career and future and none of it relied on Angus Macgregor."
"Perhaps that was why he didn't leave it to you," Kellie suggested. "Maybe he saw that you could take care of yourself and maybe by some sheer instinct he knew I would need help."
"Do you honestly believe that?" Erin was curious. "By what you have told me you were doing fine. You had a job and a career."
"Yes, but I wasn't very successful at either," Kellie admitted with a sigh. "Whereas I bet all I would have to do is mention your name and a dozen people could tell me who you are and what you do."
Erin did not argue. She had worked hard to establish herself as a reputable attorney. She had been lucky to win several very prominent public cases that had made news throughout the Kingdom. She was proud of her accomplishments but not arrogant. However, she knew a part of her fame was due to her association with Angus.
"Success is measured by the type of person you are," she said lightly. "I suspect whether you believe it or not you are very successful. You probably have a lot of friends at home and just by meeting you I know you will make a lot of friends wherever you go. Whereas me, I am so busy with my career that I hardly have time to socialize."
Kellie thought about what she said and realized it all made sense. Despite not being the world famous author she dreamed of being she was happy and generally content with her life.
"You mentioned you were raised by your grandparents?" she said casually changing the subject.
"Yes, my mother was rather young when I was born and not up to the challenge of raising me. Angus didn't want anything to do with children so my grandparents took me on," Erin paused. "I can't say I was robbed of anything because the whole family spoiled me rotten. Instead of one set of parents like most people have I had about a dozen. All my aunties and uncles took pity on me and carted me about the countryside with them. I never had a chance to be sorry for myself."
"Did your mother ever marry?" Kellie asked wondering if she was being too personal.
"Yes," the dark haired woman nodded grimly. "When she finally realized Angus wasn't ever going to propose, she took up with a local farmer. That marriage only lasted a few years. Callum was a nice fellow but he wanted a family and mother wasn't interested in having any more children. She really wasn't interested in being a farmer's wife either. A few years after they divorced she married a man from the United States but that marriage didn't last long either."
Erin smiled weakly though the amusement did not reach her eyes. She had long ago accepted the reality of what type of woman her mother was.
"I don't know if my mother was ever in love with anyone," she confessed. "Sometimes I think she was only in love with the idea of being in love. She never had the stamina for marriage. She always thought it would be like in the movies."
"What about you?" Kellie dared to ask. Though she had never said anything she naturally assumed that she was still single. "Have you married?"
"No," Erin was quite succinct, wondering what the other woman would think if she told her the truth. Somehow it was very important to her not to have this foreign woman think badly of her. "I have never had the desire or inclination to marry."
"Perhaps your mothers' experiences have tainted your mind," the smaller woman suggested, surprised when the other woman shook her head.
"No. I just haven't met the right person," the dark haired woman admitted truthfully not wanting to dwell on that subject. "Why haven't you married, I am sure you must have had dozens of proposals?"
"None," Kellie said firmly. "Of course I haven't encouraged anyone. My grandfather never remarried devoting himself to raising his two daughters and my mother never married. I think it might be an inherited family trait."
"You are still young and there is plenty of time," the taller woman said tentatively. "There is no reason why you shouldn't be selfish and enjoy yourself at the present. Is that what you are doing with Henry Ludden?"
"Yes," the blonde nodded unaware of how pleased that knowledge made her companion feel. "He's great fun but hardly what I would think of settling down with. I hardly know him but he seems to be into all this flash and parties and I know it may sound boring, but I really do enjoy just sitting at home watching television."
"Well than that would make us ideal companions," Erin said lightly. "Most of my dates think I am rather dull. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a good party now and than but my work is to exhausting to allow me to step out every night."
"Perhaps it's another inherited family trait," Kellie said with a smile and watched as the other woman nodded silently in agreement.
"Perhaps it is indeed."
Lady Shannon lay in bed that night listening to the wind howling outside the windows. A single candle burned on the table next to her bed. It was well after midnight and though she was exhausted she could not sleep, her mind and heart were tormented by the most horrible of thoughts. Thoughts that mirrored the raging storm outside.
Her host had been charming and nothing like the monster her husband had portrayed. He had treated her as if she were a favoured guest. After the meal they had retired to the library to play a game of chess. She wondered if and how the Lord might have known it was her favourite sport. Certainly her husband did not.
They had played a challenging series of matches which had both ended in draws. They had been equally matched opponents and the man had graciously praised her skill of the game. She knew most people would have thought it uncommon for a woman to be as competitive as she was. The realization that her host did not mind and even seemed to enjoy the challenge had been exquisitely pleasing.
She thought of her husband and was no longer impatient for her rescue. Because of her arranged marriage she had never been allowed to entertain any suitors. She had been betrothed to her husband even before she was out of her childhood. She slept that night and dreamt of the things that she had missed.
Ewan Macgregor paced restlessly before the fireplace in his bedchamber. He had given his word that he would do nothing that she did not ask for. He cursed himself now for making such a pledge knowing that his love for the woman would not allow him to defile his word of honour. By giving this promise he had destroyed all possibilities of being with the woman who had stolen his heart.
The ache in his loins grew, his desire for the woman going unappeased. He had waited for her to grow up, unaware that his own half brother had plotted against him. He had spent those long years erecting this Castle in honour of her and just when it had been complete and he had been about to claim her, his brother had arrogantly snatched her away. It had been his half sibling's revenge for not inheriting the island of Loch Loe, the prize of their father's estate holdings.
If Ewan had known of his brother's treachery he would have gladly given away the land. But there had been no chance and before he had been warned his brother had married the woman who had stolen his heart.
He stared into the fire, tears dampening his eyes. He would be ready to give everything away to have the chance to be first in the woman's heart. He would do anything to lie at her feet. He would sacrifice himself and his honour to be with her if only for one night.
On Wednesday morning Erin arrived at the Inn as promised and Kellie was waiting outside on the front steps. They shared a leisurely breakfast at a local restaurant before driving over to the prestigious offices of Mclellan, Jones and Whitaker, the accountants who meticulously handled Angus's financial affairs.
They were greeted by a rather dower looking John Whitaker. Kellie shook the older man's hand feeling out of place amongst the tightly buttoned collars of these suited men. She had worn her regular outfit of jeans and t-shirt, preferring to be comfortable rather than worrying about making an impression.
They adjourned to a conference room and she watched with horror as a group of assistants carried in a mountainous stack of paperwork, including a thick sheaf of pages detailing an exact statement of all Angus Macgregor's accounts.
"Mr. Macgregor was very meticulous," the accountant said in his monotone voice before going on to explain the various ventures in which their client was engaged.
After awhile the numbers all started to jumble together but unlike the solicitors they did not break to give her a chance to absorb everything. They did not even adjourn for lunch but had sandwiches delivered to the office. By the time they ended the meeting her head was swimming with information that no longer made sense.
Erin suggested they stop at a restaurant for an early meal and she was only too eager to agree. Her head was pounding and she needed a drink to sustain her flagging spirits.
"Once you take a look at everything first hand, things will become clearer," she assured the younger woman once the waitress had taken their order.
"I hope so," Kellie admitted with a resigned sigh, taking a sip of her ale before leaning back in her chair. "This is definitely not my fortitude."
"Don't get discouraged. You must remind yourself that you are trying to learn in a few days what it took Angus a lifetime to accumulate," her companion encouraged.
"I still don't understand it," the blonde said shaking her head. "You know all about this, it makes no sense why Angus left everything to me."
There was a brief silence as Erin stared down at the draught she had ordered.
"I have been thinking about that," she admitted glancing around the room before settling once again on her companion across the table. There was a pensive look on her face. "Perhaps this was his way of bringing his children together. After all, look at the time we have already spent together and the time we will be spending together in the future."
"Certainly there could have been an easier way," Kellie suggested. "I know a simple letter advising me that we were siblings would have piqued my curiosity."
"Maybe, but would either of us actually gone out of our way to forge any type of relationship?" Erin wondered and Kellie had to admit that she had a valid point.
"A lot of people would say otherwise but Angus had a strong belief in family," the dark haired solicitor continued. "He didn't like to show his emotions but he was a man of deep feeling. Simple gestures sometimes meant allot."
"You could be right," Kellie agreed quietly. "But what would have happened if we hadn't liked each other."
"I don't know," the taller woman admitted reluctantly. "It's a good thing that this is at least one thing we don't have to worry about."
Erin had only to look at the other woman and her heart beat just a little bit faster. She had never been with another woman that had made her feel so comfortable. She had never met anyone who made her forget about work.
"I will pick you up tomorrow at the same time," she said when they returned to the Inn. "It's a fairly odious drive so its better we have an early start."
"I will be waiting," Kellie promised and waved as the other woman drove off. She was still thinking about the day when she walked into Inn and the receptionist called her over.
"A gentleman dropped by earlier to see you. He was most disappointed when he found you were out. He left his number for you to call when you returned."
Kellie thanked the girl accepting the message before retreating upstairs to her room. It was still early and though she was weary from the long day she was too restless to stay inside. She rang Henry Ludden and accepted his invitation to go dancing.
The next morning she woke later than anticipated and rushed through her morning toiletry. She hastily flung a few clothes into a carryall and flew down the steps aware that she was late. She was in such a rush that she wasn't paying attention to her surroundings and ran smack into someone coming up the stairs.
Erin was almost knocked flat by the bundle of energy that slammed into her. Fortunately she retained her balance and even managed to grab hold of the other woman so that neither of them took a tumble.
"Sorry," Kellie apologized profusely, her face flushing red. "I overslept."
"I see," there was a smile on the tall woman's face.
She looked at the taller woman and felt a flutter in her heart. Erin was dressed casually this morning in blue jeans, sneakers and a light blue polo shirt. This was the first time she had seen the Scotswoman out of a business suit. The affect was quite devastating as was the current of electricity that passed between them.
Erin held the smaller woman a moment longer than was necessary. She liked touching the blond and the faint fragrance of perfume she was wearing was a delight to her senses. She released her grip aware of the look the Canadian had given her. She could see that Kellie appreciated the view and that pleased her.
"Do I pass inspection?" she asked with a grin as she spread her arms.
"You look splendid," Kellie confirmed. "I was beginning to wonder if you had any clothes besides those stern suits you always wear."
"I do occasionally relax," Erin laughed.
"I would like to see that," the blonde chortled gleefully and the dark haired woman pouted pretending to be offended by the assertion.
"I can assure you Miss Macgregor, I do relax," Erin said and than bowed. "Shall we be on our way?"
"Yes," Kellie nodded and started down the steps.
"Aren't you bringing any clothes?" the taller woman asked and she turned to face her, flashing an impish smile while lifting the small carryall she held.
"All I need is in here," came the reply. "We are only going away for three nights."
Erin agreed but it had been her experience that the women she had always taken away for the weekend needed several pieces of luggage. It seemed that her Canadian sibling was more practical.
They stopped for a quick breakfast before heading out on the main highway North along the coast. Kellie stared with fascination at the lush green scenery. It was late August but everything seemed so rich and alive.
Erin glanced occasionally at her companion. She seemed to enjoy the atmosphere, her attention completely focused on their surroundings. It was a beautiful day and she had put the top down on the car. The wind was playing havoc with her hair which had been loosely tied into a ponytail. The drive didn't take as long as either expected and they began their tour of the area by visiting several local farmers along the coast.
"Angus owned all this," Kellie was amazed.
"Yes," Erin nodded. "The land was passed down from generation to generation for many centuries. It was the ancestral lands of Lord Macgregor of Aberdeen. The title passed out of the family about a century ago when the Lord of that day had only daughters. Upon his death she inherited all the property and ended up marrying a distant cousin."
The woman paused. "The Macgregor's are known as a very stubborn lot. Over the various generations we have been able to maintain a hold on most of the property we possessed even while other landowners were losing theirs."
"It sounds so very medieval," the younger woman sighed.
"In a way it is," Erin agreed turning her head to look out over the land. "All the farmers here have a lease on the land. It allows them to farm the property for many years and only pay a nominal fee as rent. Most often it is a percentage of their yearly earnings and usually the fees are only enough to cover the cost of the land taxes."
"Will any of that change now that I have inherited the property?" Kellie was curious.
"No. Most leases have been fixed until well into the next century but there may be one or two up for negotiating in the next few years," the solicitor replied.
It amazed Kellie how distant the holdings stretched. Erin politely introduced her to several of the farmers and their families and she was impressed with their heartiness, though they did not seem as friendly as she might have hoped.
"Angus was a tough man to deal with," Erin spoke as if reading her thoughts. "He was a man of many contradictions. He could be unfailingly kind and yet he could also be very cruel. The people who live here have seen the both sides of his character. They will be a little hesitant until they know what you are like."
Kellie decided than that she would interfere as little as possible in any of these people's lives. They were tenants and she would want to build a trusting relationship with them.
"There is Loch Loe," Erin said pulling over onto the side of the road that ran parallel to the coastline.
They were at the top of a rise and below at the end of the road was a village of quaint older houses with stone fences. She followed the direction of where the older woman pointed and gazed upon the island to which she was mistress. She could not see much except that it loomed large and dark, rising up out of the calm sea like a monster waiting to strike.
"There is a small village on the cove with about a dozen families. The people living there all work on the island for Angus in one capacity or another. A boat crosses the Strait twice daily bringing the children over to the mainland for school. It also brings the ladies over to the shops."
Kellie nodded intrigued and excited by the whole idea that she was the owner of the island. Green eyes swept the surrounding landscape coming to a halt on an odd pile of rocks not far off the side of the road. It was too shapely to be an ordinary stack of rock. She pointed in its direction.
"What's was that?"
Erin followed the direction that her companion was looking at. "That used to be the old Castle Macgregor. It was destroyed several centuries ago when a war broke out behind a pair of brothers. There is a section on it in one of the books I sent over to you."
Kellie nodded again and climbed back into the car. There was so much to learn about her heritage that she wondered if she would be able to remember any of it.
They drove into the village of Lamerrant and Erin parked the car in the lot by the ferry. It was not due to make its final journey for another two hours so they spent the time wandering around the shops before stopping for tea.
Kellie was surprised how many of the local population recognized her companion. They hailed a hearty greeting as they passed along their way. She remarked on this as they sat drinking their refreshments. The woman smiled sheepishly.
"Most people here know me as Angus' daughter," Erin admitted hesitantly. "My family lives in the next district and I have plenty of cousins in the area."
"Is that how your mother met Angus?" Kellie was curious.
"Yes. She was here visiting a cousin. They were walking along the beach when Angus spotted her from his boat. They later ran into each other again in town and the courtship began."
"But Angus never married her?"
"No," Erin shook her head. "He had no interest in another wife. He had been married before the war when he was a very young man, but while he was overseas in Europe she took up with a Yank soldier and went to America after the war. Angus never got over the betrayal."
Kellie listened intently trying to understand a man who she had never known. It was difficult to grasp his personality though she had almost begun to be glad she had never known the man. She feared that he would have disapproved of her.
"Perhaps that's the same reason why he never married your mother?" Erin suggested.
"I am beginning to think it might have been a mutual decision," Kellie disagreed. "Whatever happened between them was probably just an affair. I can't see my mother abandoning my grandfather to come live here. I think she probably knew from the outset it could never be more than a holiday romance."
"That doesn't sound very romantic," Erin commented lightly surprised that she had viewed the situation with such realistic clarity. The blonde smiled wanly.
"Once you know me you will realize that I am not much of a romantic," Kellie said. "Oh, I like the flowers and candies and fancy dinners but I have never allowed myself to get swept away with all that. I know that life isn't always going to be that way."
"Perhaps than the romance of the place will be lost on you," the taller woman said and she raised her eyebrows.
"There is some romantic story behind this place?"
"Yes," Erin nodded. "Legend holds that the Castle Macgregor on the island of Loch Loe was built by the younger son of the ruling Lord. It is said he fell in love with a young girl and that he built the castle in honour of her and to prove his great devotion."
"Did they live happily ever after?" Kellie asked but her companion only smiled.
"I will let you find that out for yourself," she said, unwilling to spoil the ending. "The Great Hall contains all the records of the family. It is interesting reading and you will learn a lot of our history."
Kellie was disappointed that she did not reveal the ending of the legend but was also glad. Erin was right. She did need to learn and know the history of the family of which she had just discovered she was apart.
"I haven't thanked you yet for the books you sent over," she said remembered her manners. "I have started reading the first edition and it just boggles my mind that I am associated with such a rich history."
"You are more than just associated," was the gentle reminder. "You are now apart of the unfolding story. Your life will form the basis of another chapter in the book. It is up to you exactly what is written."
Kellie hadn't thought of it that way but she supposed that the other woman was right. As the owner of the island and the heir to the family fortune she had indeed become apart of the family legend. The idea was suddenly very exciting.
They caught the afternoon ferry and Kellie found herself amongst a delightful array of characters. Many of the few passengers were school children returning home for the day, but there was also an old man with a gnarled face and arthritic hands who clutched a knotty wooden cane.
He wore a green tartan tam on his white head and a brown wooden jacket and trousers over his frail body. The clothes looked as old and worn as the man himself but there was a youthful smile in his eyes.
She watched quietly as Erin struck up a conversation with the man. There was an easy familiarity between the two that made her think they knew each other.
"Who did you brought with you lassie?" the man asked, a pair of twinkling green eyes admiring her appreciatively.
"Mind yourself Shamish, this is Kellie Macgregor, the new owner of the Castle," Erin said lightly.
"It be true than," the old man's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Folks round here said that Loch Loe had been passed to a foreigner. I can hardly believe Angus could be such a fool as not to give it to his own flesh and blood."
"You know we never saw eye to eye," Erin said quietly. "Besides Kellie is flesh and blood. She be Angus' daughter so the place stays in Macgregor hands."
"His daughter you say," the man chortled with interest, his eyes narrowing to slits. "She ain't looking nothing like the old man. Where be her mother from?"
"Canada," Kellie spoke for the first time. "Her name was Annie Macgregor and my grandfather fought along side Angus during the war."
"Aye, now I remember," the old man seemed to be reaching back into his memory. "She was a fair young lassie with lovely blonde curls. She was a fetching filly. You be her daughter you say?"
"Yes, did you know my mother?" Kellie felt a measure of excitement.
"Aye, I met her a few times. She was a sweet lass, attracted all the local lads attention. I remember her getting along particularly well with one lad who worked in the master's stables. I didn't know that Angus was having her on. It don't seem right."
Kellie didn't know what to say. She glanced down at her hands and nervously twisted the ring around her finger. As long as she could remember her mother had never earned much attention from the opposite sex and that had always puzzled her. Her mother had been attractive and kind, a combination most men looked for in a woman.
"Is the gentleman still around?" she asked curiously. She wanted to know more about what her mother was like as a girl. The old man shook his head.
"Nay, if I remember he got into a furious row with Angus one day and the lad was sent packing. Headed to London I think. Old George Gowan was worried for his job as the lad was his nephew but Angus had no grudge against him."
It was an interesting conversation that imprinted itself on the back of her mind however, at that moment she forgot everything else as the ferry pulled into its tiny port. The adults waited until the children had scrambled off the boat before following their lead.
The village of Loch Loe was a quaint place. The houses were small and old but carefully tended. There were dinghies and small fishing vessels anchored just off the shore. The beach around the cove was sandy but the rocks along the shoreline were dark and sharp. She followed her companion along the gravel path that led up from the pier through the village. She guessed there were about a dozen houses in all.
They waved farewell to the old man when they reached the center of the hamlet and watched as he tottered off in the direction of his own home before continuing in the direction of the Castle. They trudged through the village and up a bluff.
The moment they stepped up over the bank Kellie saw it and she was engulfed by a wave of familiarity. It stood like a dark monster in the middle of the island, rising off the lush green carpet that surrounded it. It looked cold and forbidding yet she had the oddest sense that she had finally come home.
The storm was continuing to rage outdoors and the first faint wisps of snow settled on the ground outside the Castle walls. Only dark indistinguishable figures scurried through the blizzard and the cold biting wind. Ewan stared out from the guard tower into the fury and felt a mixture of triumph and satisfaction. He could not have plotted his good fortune any better.
"Stand alert," he cautioned the soldier. "Only a fool would think to cross the Strait in such foul circumstances but my brother was never known to have all his wits about him."
He left the man to watch the post and bounded down the steps into the Castle proper. He had posted watch along the shore just in case his sibling did try an attack. He retreated to the kitchen where the fires burned brightly and the ovens warmed every dark recess.
"How is the Lady this morning?" he inquired of the cook.
"She was in fine spirits," the woman replied cheerily. "She ate up her whole breakfast. Mary said she had slept comfortably."
"Good," Ewan was pleased. He accepted the mug of tea and rum the woman offered. He stared into the fire and sipped on his draught. "Tell Mary to leave the Lady's door unlocked. I want the Lady to be able to roam freely about the castle."
"Yes, my Lord," the cook nodded and than sent her young assistant off in search of the maid servant.
Lady Shannon was just stepping out of the bath when a young girl came scurrying into the room. The child whispered into the handmaiden's ear before turning and hurrying back out the door.
"Is there trouble?" she inquired thinking perhaps that a rescue party had been sighted.
"No, my Lady," the handmaiden said. "My Lord just left instructions that you were to be allowed to wander about the Castle freely."
Lady Shannon accepted this news with a confusing mixture of emotion. She was both pleased and chagrined that the man trusted her with such freedom. She did not want to like the man. She did not want to think of him as being friendly. She decided than and there to keep herself a prisoner of the bedchamber, but her resolve soon faded.
She sat alone in the room listening to the fire crackle and the wind howl. She was quickly bored and time passed slowly. Pacing about her room did nothing to help and finally she decided to accept her captors offer.
She paced cautiously out the door into the empty corridor. She stepped out and moved slowly trying to remember the way down to the dining hall. The place was completely still and the click of her heels echoed loudly throughout the corridor.
She came to a wide stairwell and moved down its length hugging the wall closely. There were distant and faint sounds but nothing to distinguish from where they originated. At last she happened on familiar territory. She found the dining hall and than continued down along the corridor opening the various doors and checking the contents of each room.
She was searching for the sitting room where they had spent the last evening. She remembered seeing books in the shelves that lined the wall. She thought that surely she could find something of interest amongst them.
She finally found the room. It was warm with a fire burning brightly in the grate. There were lit candles near the settee but the rest of the room was dark. She picked up one of the candles and moved across to the bookshelf, holding it high to see the titles.
Ewan watched the woman move about the room, his presence hidden by the shadows. He watched silently as she scanned the titles. Each one of her movements were delicate and she reminded him of a tiny bird. He was hesitant to speak, afraid that she would fly away.
"Perhaps I can be of some help," he dared to break the silence. "Is there something for which you are searching?"
Lady Shannon jumped backwards, startled by the sudden interruption. She had thought she was alone. In her haste she banged into a table which jarred her arm and sent the candle crashing to the floor.
Ewan moved quickly, bounding to his feet he rushed to her side, pushing her from harms way as he stamped his boot over the flame, snuffing out the spark. She stood there her chest rising and falling as she watched him.
"Are you all right?" he asked with concern when she did not speak.
"Yes," she said shaking her hand. "I just spilled some hot wax on my finger."
"Let me see," the concern was genuine. He grabbed the proffered hand and stared at the red skin.
"It will be all right. It just stings a bit."
"I have a salve," he rejected her plea and pulled her across the room and through the Castle to the kitchen.
The cook immediately took charge producing a cold bucket of water to rinse her hand and a jar of salve which her host applied to the redness of the skin on her finger.
Shannon stared at the long, elegant fingers that applied the ointment to her hand. An odd shiver raced up from her spine and spread through her entire body. The man was standing next to her, his long, hard body leaning into her shoulder. She breathed deeply filling her senses with his masculine scent.
Ewan did not want to stop holding her hand. All his senses were alive. She smelled like fresh roses and the perfume was intoxicating. Hastily he wrapped a strip of cloth around the injury and than abruptly stepped away.
"Come let us go back to the sitting room and Mrs. Scott will bring us some fresh tea."
Shannon wasn't certain it was a good idea to spend any more time in the company of this man, but something deep inside her heart compelled her to follow her host. She sensed that she was in no physical danger. It was the emotional danger that made her worry.
Continued...