16
Lorna’s Story
“Ihae done the very best I can, Milady,” Isla sighed, “but this wine willnae come oot.” She shook her head. “I dinnae knaw who did this, but thon disnae look like a spill tae me. It looks as if they threw it at ye!” She shook her head, tut-tutting at the mess. She was a small but sturdy middle-aged woman, red-headed as many Highlanders were, and her eyes were a deep bluish-gray, like the sea on a cloudy day. She laughed often, but she was not laughing now.
Robina sighed. “If you can find something else to do with silk you are welcome to it, Isla. Perhaps you can make a little girl’s dress with it.”
Isla’s eyes lit up. “Wee Florrie will love it!” Florrie was her daughter. “Thank you, Milady!”
“Good.” Robina smiled at her and handed her a parcel. “For a Christening outfit. I will leave the design up to you.”
Isla was about to say something when Alex came leaping into Isla’s workroom and grabbed Robina by what was left of her waist, then whirled her around and kissed her passionately, holding the back of her head so that she could not get away.
His lips moved on hers so sensually that she began to feel moisture between her legs, and when he eased his tongue into her mouth she gave a little moan of pleasure, and kissed him back with equal fervor.
Isla had tactfully gone out of the room and left them alone. After a moment Alex let her go and smiled into her eyes with such love that she almost felt moved to tears.
“Why did you do that?” she whispered.
“Can I not kiss my wife when I wish?” he murmured. “I saw you as I was walking past and it came to me how much I love you and how proud I am that you are carrying my baby. I could not stay away.”
Robina stood still in the shelter of his arms. She could have stayed there forever.
It had been ten days since they had heard from Lorna, and both of them had forgotten about her. However, she had to go and see her father, and had not forgotten about them. When she had all the answers to the questions she needed to ask him, she came back.
When Robina received her letter she slit it open carefully, because Alex had suggested that any correspondence between the Campbells and themselves might be needed in a court of law if there were any more disputes.
Milady Lindsay,
I trust that both you and Laird Lindsay are well. I would appreciate it very much if I could come and see you on Friday morning. If you say yes, I will be alone. Please send a reply at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Lorna Campbell
“Hmmm…” Robina mused. “No ‘Lady.’ Strange.”
“A writing error,” Alex said dismissively. “Do you think we should hear what she has to say?”
“Yes, I do.” Robina’s tone was firm. “My heart tells me that this is important to us, and now I know what she meant when she said that she would not give up.”
“I agree,” Alex concurred.
Accordingly, Robina wrote a letter back. It was short, to the point of rudeness, and Lorna’s heart skipped a beat when she read it.
Milady,
Please come at the appointed time and I will see you.
Regards,
Lady Robina Lindsay
Lorna was full of trepidation as she rode over the drawbridge and dismounted inside the courtyard of Glengour Castle. The buildings were magnificent, great walls of granite that looked like cliff faces. It was not as big as Castle Campbell, but it was more beautiful and in much better repair.
She had expecting a servant to show her inside, and was very surprised when Alex himself came striding out to meet her. He bowed politely and kissed her hand, then gave her a tight little smile.
“Milady.” He extended an arm to usher her inside, then showed her into a small parlor where Robina was sewing what looked like a dress for a baby.
