A Lass to Love (Brides of Scotland #1) - Tammy Andresen Page 0,1

with a plan, and in her mind, that meant either accepting or dismissing the latest Lord Exmouth.

Colin approached with a smile and a wave. They’d been close since they were children and his successful shipping business made this journey far easier. But it also came with his opinions as well as her aunt’s.

As Colin regularly visited London, he received frequent updates on her fiancé and none of them were good. Yes, the people here in Scotland loved Exmouth, but the rumors in England spoke of a man who was involved in gambling, women, and generally rakish behavior. Colin had offered to support her himself rather than tie her to a man like the earl.

“Ye made it,” Colin called, waving his hand. “Aunt Edna, ye’ve never looked finer.”

“Bah.” Her aunt waved the cane again. “I’m too old fer yer charm and too young to believe yer lies.”

Colin grinned all the wider. “Fiona, yer looking beautiful as usual.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I’ve half a mind to repeat what Aunt Edna said.” But she stepped up to Colin, placing a hand on his arm and leaning in to kiss his cheek. He was the brother she’d never had and she loved him dearly for it.

“Well, I see we’ve got to move ye to Greenoch. Living with Aunt Edna is wearing off on ye.”

Edna gave him a light tap on the chin with her cane. Fiona had wondered if her aunt actually needed the stick to walk or if she just liked to have it to hit people.

“Auntie,” she admonished. “We’ve talked about this.”

Edna frowned. “Ye’ve talked. I’m an old woman and I’ll hit who I please.”

Fiona sighed and then turned to thread her arm through Colin’s. Now that she’d stepped onto the ship, there was no turning back. Excitement tingled along her scalp. She was off to face her rogue fiancé but she could enjoy the trip from here to London.

As she spun about, a man caught her gaze. He was the sort of handsome devil who made a woman’s breath catch. Dark hair waving in the breeze as his white teeth flashed in the sun. Broad shoulders filled his coat as he waved up. “MacFarland, good to see you, old chap.”

“And ye as well.” Colin waved down. “Come meet my family.”

“Who’s that?” she asked, surprised by how breathy her voice sounded.

“Thomas Mayweather,” Colin replied. “One of the finest wool makers in all of London and one of my best customers.” Colin gave her a wink. “He’s also sinfully handsome and rather popular with the ladies. Try not to fall in love.”

She pished, her hand tapping his bicep. “I’ve got enough trouble with men as it is. I don’t need anymore.”

“Remember that when ye see him up close.” Colin started walking toward the plank.

Fiona made no reply. She was considered by many to be a great beauty and she doubted very much she’d have any problem. She’d meant what she’d said. She had her hands full enough with the Earl of Exmouth.

Thomas stood below looking up at Colin, who had a radiant redhead on his arm. Damn. His friend had already claimed the beauty. To be fair, he couldn’t see the particulars of her features but the generalities were just his taste. Lush thick hair and curvy figure always made for a good tup.

Making his way up the plank, he caught sight of her again as he reached the deck. Hell’s bells. She was even more stunning up close. Green eyes, the color of fresh grass, lovely pale skin, high cheekbones, and a set of full, lush lips met his gaze. “Colin,” he called, giving his most alluring grin, one multiple women had fallen for time and again. “You must introduce me to this beauty. Where did you find her?”

Whack. His shin exploded in pain.

“Mind yer tongue,” A sharp female voice hissed from next to him. Turning his head to the side, he met the crinkled green eyes of an aging woman. Holding a cane, surely the instrument that had just assaulted his shin, she waggled a finger in his face. “And mind the rest of ye too.”

“Tom, this is my aunt, Edna MacFarland.” Colin said, barely containing a laugh.

“Charmed,” he gritted through his teeth.

Colin did laugh then but the sound was joined with a feminine trill of giggles that pulsed straight through him like no sound he’d ever heard before. “And this is my cousin, Miss Fiona MacFarland.”

Her bright green eyes met his and held his gaze as she gave him a