“Hmph. Ye doona ken my sister.”
She supposed he might have a point. Greer was something of a whirlwind, full of energy and not reticent at all. She offered her opinion freely and didn’t seem to notice Simon—or even their father—frowning at her. Or, more likely, she didn’t care. Vi would have liked her. A 1700s version of a women’s libber.
She had also arranged this shopping trip. When Charlotte had mentioned she couldn’t pay for anything—her “friends” must have picked up her bag along with theirs—Greer had given her a practical look.I doona mind sharing my clothes with ye, but ye should have some of your own. Then she’d smiled conspiratorially.Besides, if I divide my clothing with ye, I will just have to make up for it.
So, here they were. The dress—a soft woolen that felt like cashmere—fit.
“Excellent!” Greer exclaimed and turned to the proprietor. “We’ll take three more in different colors.”
The man nodded. “I’ll have to order the material, but—”
“That’s too much trouble,” Charlotte said. “This one will be fine.”
“Nonsense.” Greer shook her head. “Ye cannae have just one.” She turned back to the shop owner. “Order enough material for four.”
Charlotte widened her eyes. “But—”
“Nae another word,” Greer said and moved to a table that had an assortment of scarves, stockings, and other accessories. She gathered up an armful and took them to the counter. “We’ll need some linen shifts, too.”
“Right over there.” He pointed.
Greer added several of those to her stack as well. “Ye can send the bill to my da at Castle Dounie.”
“Castle Dounie? Of course.” The man wrapped the purchases and handed them to Niall, who took them with a resigned look.
Once they were out on the street, Charlotte turned to Greer and Niall. “I cannot thank you enough for your generosity.”
“Oh, we are nae done yet,” Greer answered cheerfully. “ There are boots to buy, and slippers. And ye’ll need at least one bonnet.”
“No, really—”
“And a cloak as well,” Greer said. “Come on, then. I ken just the place.” She was off, leaving Charlotte and Niall to trail in her wake.
Charlotte slanted a look at Niall, expecting to see him scowling, but his face was impassive, so perhaps he was used to his sister’s tenaciousness. He had warned her earlier. He smiled slightly.
“She’s getting away from us, lass.”
Charlotte smiled back, appreciating his humor. Most of the men she knew wouldn’t have been so patient.
Still, a small sigh escaped him as they followed his sister’s trail.
****
Niall wasn’t quite sure if he considered himself Scotland’s biggest eejit or a valiant bodyguard. In either case, here he was escorting Charlotte and his sister while they shopped for gowns and slippers, bonnets, and other female paraphernalia.
He should be back at the castle conferring with his brother regarding the advance on Stirling. Instead, he was loaded down with an assortment of bags and boxes that contained purchases.
Maybe no one would spot him.
He should have known it would be bad luck to even think that thought. No sooner had he done so when he heard a hearty voice hale him. Slowly he turned—his vision was half-obscured—to see his friend Keir Gordon crossing the street. Keir’s sister, Fiona, was with him.
Double trouble.
“Madainn mhath,” he said.
“Mornin’ to ye too,” Keir answered, his lips quirking as he eyed the various packages Niall was toting. Then his gaze turned to Charlotte and his grin widened.
“Well, now, who be ye?”
