He hesitated at first, staring at her mouth. “Tis red and plucked from a small tree. Once it is halved, there are hundreds of small, plump seeds inside. Ye suck the juice from the seeds.”
“Is it sweet or bitter?”
“Sweet.”
She closed her eyes. “And a lemon?”
“As yellow as the sun, oblong in shape. Children eat them as a treat, but I prefer to squeeze the juice onto my fish.”
She opened her eyes and gazed at Jamie. A long sword and several dirks of different lengths were sheathed at his hips. He was a warrior, not a poet. But the way he described things, the way he painted vibrant scenes in her mind, suggested he was an artist.
“I envy yer travels, Master Jamie,” she said.
“Doona,” he said softly. “For every beautiful thing I saw in those strange lands, something violent or evil overshadowed it.”
“The slave markets?”
“Aye.”
She wouldna press him for more information. He’d been kind enough to amuse her with stories. But someday, she promised herself, she’d hear more—understand what haunted the virile man standing before her.
“Lady Helen?” Petro said.
“Aye?” She turned to the scholar.
“If you would please sign this parchment…”
“Of course.” Helen stood and walked to the table. He handed her the implement already wet with ink, and she carefully provided him with her signature. “Is there anything else ye need?”
“No. This might take some time.” He looked at Jamie. “Perhaps the lady and her maid would like to take some air?”
Jamie nodded. “If ye wish…”
“I do,” she said.
Jamie walked across the room and opened the heavy, wood door. “I will escort ye to yer chamber to get a cloak.”
Chapter Six
Once outside withHelen, Jamie decided to find out more about the lady and her family. Why would the only daughter of one of the most powerful men in the Highlands flee her home because she dinna like the marriage her sire had arranged for her? Intelligent, reserved, and hopelessly beautiful, Lady Helen seemed more than capable of standing up for herself. Yet, Jamie knew not everything was what it seemed. Perhaps there were dark secrets—fears the lady had no choice but to run away from. Desperate men committed atrocious acts, often hurting the ones they loved most.
If her father needed to forge new alliances to safeguard his holdings, twas no wonder he chose Laird Munroe. Like the MacKays, the Munroes were famed warriors—with one difference: a Munroe would stab a man in the back while smiling to his face. Something Jamie couldna fathom. Honor ruled Clan MacKay as much as God did. And Jamie’s cousin, who had always been more of a brother, presided over their clan with fairness. A better laird dinna exist.
He gazed at Lady Helen and her maid. A bonnie sight in the bright, winter sunshine. If he dinna know better, Jamie would swear Lady Helen’s hair was spun from the purest gold, with streaks of red in it. Her eyes were a rare crystal blue, and she was unafraid to meet his bold stare. Did she expect a man not to steal a long look at her? No sane man could resist. His gaze dropped to her slim waist, noticeable even in her fur cloak. He guessed she had long legs, for she stood a head taller than most lasses.
His thoughts returned to her pomegranate-colored lips, lush and expressive, the very place he wished to put his own mouth. Would she taste as sweet as fruit? Or would there be a trace of bitterness? Nay. He shook his head. Nothing could spoil Lady Helen’s taste. Even her gait bespoke of things Jamie dared not talk about openly. From what he could gather, the lady was unaware of her feminine superiority. Or if she did know, she chose to remain humble about it, which in Jamie’s view, only made her that much more desirable. He had no use for vanity. Hell, he had no use for women, really.
But Lady Helen Sutherland might change his mind—if he let her.
“And where are yer thoughts, Master Jamie?” she called, stopping a few feet in front of him, smiling.
He waved her query off. “On matters of soldiering. Nothing a true lady would wish to hear.”
She cocked her head. “That is where ye’re mistaken. I would very much like to hear anything ye have to say.”
Jamie took a deep breath. If she dinna attempt to seduce him with her body, she’d surely succeed with her mind. For every word from her luscious lips intrigued him. “We are recruiting new soldiers.”
“Oh?”
