he afford the time to ride for the pure joy of it. At home he was forever busy with the running of his own estate, which included Dunollie Castle. He boasted two thousand head of cattle and fifteen hundred head of sheep. Shearing alone had kept him and his men busy for the past month. Fences were always in need of repairs, and wool had to be kept dry and taken to market. It was a good life but one filled with never-ending duty.
As Ciar strode past a hedgerow bordering the Achnacarry gardens, conversation of the feminine variety resounded over the foliage.
“I cannot believe my brother has taken his new bride to a rustic old hunting cottage in the mountains,” came a familiar voice, that of Janet Cameron, now Lady Grant since her marriage. Ciar had known the woman since before he could remember, the lilt of her voice making him stop.
“I fail to see why you’re all aflutter. They’re in love and together.”
He recognized Emma Grant’s voice straightaway as well. Peering around the hedge, he found the two ladies sitting on an iron bench in the shade of a circular garden arbor.
“It is not exactly romantic, if you ask me,” Janet said. Of course she would know what her brother was up to.
Smiling, Emma clapped her hands over her heart and feigned a swoon. “I think it is romantic.”
“Oh, please. There are no modern comforts. One must cook on a griddle that hangs above a fire pit and sleep on a lumpy pallet.”
“But they are alone—removed from the overbearing festivities.”
“They have a responsibility to their wedding guests. Mind you, I did not write all those invitations on their behalf for naught. Besides, I’ll say there are a hundred places in the Highlands where I’d rather spend my honeymoon than a dusty old cottage.”
Emma laughed. It was an infectious laugh, unfettered and utterly genuine. It made Ciar want to chuckle along with her.
“Whatever do you find so amusing?” Janet asked.
“As I recall, you and Robert spent some time in a rustic bothy of all places.”
“That’s because we were trapped in the midst of a snowstorm and there was no other place to go.”
“Och, aye?” Emma pressed her fingers to her lips, her shoulders shaking with that delightful giggle. “But not long afterward, you were married.”
“Obviously your memory is addled. It was quite a while after—”
“Good morn, ladies.” Ciar stepped out from behind the hedge and beneath the arbor’s shade. “Enjoying Lochiel’s fine garden, I see.”
“Dunollie!”
As soon as Lady Janet spoke his name, Emma smiled as if he were Christmas morn. “Ciar, wherever did you come from?”
“I took a ride to the river.”
“Was it wonderful?” Emma asked. “One of my favorite places in all the world is Moriston Falls. Have you been?”
“The falls are on our lands in Glenmoriston,” Janet clarified.
“I cannot say I have.”
Emma sat taller, her gaze focused well above him. A stranger would have thought the wisteria hanging from the arbor had caught her attention and not Ciar’s comment. “After all the times you’ve visited, Robert hasn’t taken you?”
He strode nearer. “The next time I visit Glenmoriston, you’ll have to show me, Miss Emma, since your brother hasn’t done so.”
Janet cupped a spray of flowers in her palm. “Whilst we are here, you must admit the Achnacarry gardens are something to behold. Dunollie, have you seen the plot of summer blooms?”
“Aside from a cursory glance, I cannot say I have.”
Emma reached out, managing to brush Ciar’s forearm. “Och, you must see the roses. There are countless fragrant varieties.”
“Careful not to appear too familiar, my pet,” said Janet. “I’m sure the laird has far more important business.”
The poor lassie’s face fell. “Apologies.”
“Not at all.” Ciar tapped his thigh with his riding crop. “Where are these roses? Would you ladies care to show me?”
Emma clasped her hands, looking as if she intended to give the tour herself. “Of course.”
Lady Janet patted her belly. “If you don’t mind, Emma will take you. I will, however, remain right here in plain view.”
Ciar gave Her Ladyship a sideways glance—the situation would be less awkward if Janet were to accompany them. Was she with child? She didn’t look to be, but what did he know about these things?
“I would be delighted to have Miss Emma show me these brilliant blooms.” What else ought he say? After all, they were attending a gathering where one was expected to enjoy things like flowers and gardens.
The lass started to rise, and Ciar immediately took her hand. He’d