Page 27 of Never Kiss a Highlander

“Good morn, is Bonnie-Bay ready for our ride?”

He took off his cap and rubbed his ever disappearing hair. “Well, lass, here is the thing. I have been given orders that ye are no’ allowed to ride outside the castle without an escort.”

Her jaw dropped. “An escort? I ne’er had one before.”

“Aye, ye did. When yer brothers were here to watch o’er ye.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “It’s been over a year since they died. I haven’t had an escort since then.” Suddenly an idea popped into her head. “Who gave ye this order?”

It was not necessary for her to wonder at his answer. “Finn,” they both said at the same time.

“Ye can get my horse ready. I will be having a word with myhusband.”

She stomped away and headed directly to the lists. The men were already busy with their training. On the other side of the area, Finn stood, instructing a young lad in the proper way to swing his sword.

She cupped her hands alongside her mouth. “Finn!”

Several men turned in her direction, one of them almost slicing off his training partner’s ear.

Her husband called a stop to the training and stormed over to her. “What the devil are ye doin’, lass? I’ve told ye before ye are no’ to come near the lists when the men are training.”

She poked him in the chest. “Who gave ye the authority to order Old Kilmead no’ to let me ride my own horse outside the castle?”

“I’m the only authority needed. I am yer husband, and I doona intend to let ye put yerself in danger.” He leaned forward. “Yer da has been remiss in protecting ye.”

Alison drew herself up. “I am able to take care of myself. I doona need ye going behind my back and giving orders.”

“Nay, lass. As I said before, yer little dagger will only make it easy for a mon to take it from ye and slit yer throat. And for yer bow, do ye think yer attacker will just wait while ye draw your arrow to hit him in the chest?”

Her eyes narrowed. “No one has troubled me before.”

“Not ‘before,’ lass, the word is ‘yet.’”

Alison stomped her foot. “I told ye before we married that I willna have my independence taken away.”

“And I told ye I willna allow ye to put yerself in danger.”

They glared at each other until Alison growled and swung around, almost tossing herself to the ground. The sound of Finn’s laughter followed her back to the keep.

The warriors piled into the great hall for the nooning meal. Alison had been helping in the kitchen since two of the maids had both come down with an ague.

She wiped her forehead with her wrist and lifted another tray to carry platters of cold meat and stewed vegetables.

The first man she spotted was Finn. He was standing near the great hall door, hands on his hips speaking with her da. She gritted her teeth, still wanting to break something heavy over his head.

He turned as she drew near to the dais. He quickly left her da and took the tray from her. “Ye are the Lady of the Manor, wife, ye shouldna be carrying trays or working in the kitchen.”

She followed him as he carried the tray the rest of the way to the table. “Aye, I am the Lady of the Manor, so ‘tis my responsibility to see that everyone is fed. We have two sick kitchen maids.”

“I will help ye.”

They turned from the table and strode side by side to the kitchen. She grinned at the big oaf and said, “And think ye ‘tis okay for the second-in-command and future laird to work in the kitchen?”

He looked over at her with a surprised expression. “I hadna given that a lot of thought. Of being the future laird.” He placed his hand on her lower back as they entered the kitchen. “I am hoping no’ to have to assume those duties for some time.”

Future laird.

Finn thought about that as he continued to help Alison and the one maid who wasna sick deliver all the food to the great hall.