Highland Escape - Cathy MacRae Page 0,31

walls she erected.

He continued to stare wistfully in her direction, long after she left his sight. It seemed she carried away much of the day’s beauty with her. Scrubbing his face with his hands, Duncan tried to dismiss the absurd notion.

Where the devil did that come from? Ye are no beardless lad to be taken in by such sentimental foolishness.

’Twould be wiser to attend to the facts of the situation. The blasted woman insists she doesnae need my protection. Shaking his head, he could only imagine what her brother and father must have suffered. Would the lass ever abide direction or care from a man?

He’d finally found a woman who stirred his interests beyond mere physical desires. However, the stubborn lass seemed more interested in fighting with him than anything else. Her rigid independence abraded his patience, leaving behind the polished sheen of frustration. Fine. If she wanted to fight, he would find a way for them to train together. Perhaps that would be the path to gain her trust. He strode toward the gate, anticipating a strenuous bout of sword play with the men, the perfect way to vent his aggravation.

Chapter 8

Anna found Nessa and Isla grinning widely when she arrived upstairs from the ride. Ignoring them, she sat at the table and poured a cup of cider. Every so often the girls stole a glance in her direction. After a few minutes, she couldn’t ignore them any longer.

“Very well, ladies, what is it? Do I have dirt on my face or smell of the stables?”

They both giggled.

Flummoxed by their behavior, Anna turned her chair toward them, arms crossed. “Speak up, what is it?”

Ignoring the question, Nessa sat next to her. “Did ye enjoy the ride?”

Arching a brow, Anna decided to play along. “Yes, it was wonderful to see my horse. Your brother took me riding around the village and the surrounding area. He showed me the loch, explaining the boundaries of your territories and the neighboring clans. ’Tis quite beautiful here.”

“So if ye like it here, ye will stay?” Nessa’s enthusiasm shone on her face.

Anna smiled. The girl’s continued desire for her to stay, to become part of her family, tempted. Perhaps she would stay through winter. She’d have a few months to form a plan for the future.

“I have not made a decision yet, but could not wish for a lovelier place to live. Though I think it will take some time to get used to the cold.”

Nessa seemed content with her answer. “How was yer horse?”

“He is quite well, and as glad to see me as I, him.”

“Aye, my brother has personally cared for him. He refused to let anyone else near. Duncan treated him as his own.”

Anna didn’t know what to say, but an odd sensation fluttered in her stomach. “’Twas very kind of him.”

Nessa giggled again, and Anna’s eyes narrowed in frustration. “Nessa, what am I missing?”

Nessa studied Anna for a moment, her brow furrowed. “Ye really dinnae know, do ye?” Isla stepped to Nessa’s side. They looked at each other and giggled.

“Ladies,” Anna warned, reaching the end of her patience.

This sent them into another fit of giggles.

“I give up.” Finishing the cider, she placed dried chamomile flowers in a cup and walked to the fire, where a kettle hung. Pouring hot water over the petals, she sat in the chair facing the fire, ignoring the two girls.

Nessa placed a hand on Anna’s shoulder. “I am sorry to tease. I thought ’twas obvious—that ye knew.”

Anna gazed at her over the rim of her cup. “Know what, Nessa?”

“Duncan favors ye.” Nessa grinned again.

Anna sputtered. “What?”

Nessa nodded, glee lighting her eyes. “Everyone sees it. I thought ye would, too.”

Anna gaped, at a loss for words.

Nessa frowned. “Anna, why are ye so surprised? I would think ye used to the attentions of men by now.”

Anna stared at the fire.

When she didn’t respond, Nessa started again. “Is it so difficult a thing to think my brother would find ye bonny?”

The odd sensation in Anna’s stomach flared again, this time bordering on pain. Men always fit into one of two categories in her life: enemy or ally. Enemies were to be watched, not trusted. Like those idiots who sought to court her. So very obvious. Never really interested in her, but in how much land and coin came with her in marriage. Allies were kin, or comrades in arms, people to rely on not to betray you. She had no room in her life for a third category. A