Page 74 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

Muriel grinned, then whispered, "Her ladyship said there is a thin line between love and hate."

Her face burning even hotter, Elsea shook her head. "All love has been demolished, I assure you."

"It has been rough for the clan since the curse struck. His lairdship was rarely here to lead us."

"I pray his curse will end soon." Even if 'twas not Elsea who helped break it. Though he had impulsively kissed her, she did not expect him to forgive her. Physical attraction was a vast distance from love and trust.

A light knock sounded at the door, and Muriel opened it.

Agatha entered, smiling, her dark eyes inspecting Elsea. "Heavens! How gorgeous you look, my dear."

Stunned by her flattery, Elsea grinned. "Oh, I thank you, m'lady."

"Are you feeling better since you regained your memory?"

"Indeed, and I'm so thankful." Even though the return of her memory brought back all the worries, pain, and regret.

"Good. Then you recall that you and Brodie used to be betrothed."

"Of course, but I'd rather not discuss it." Elsea hoped the lady was not offended by her bluntness.

"Oh. Alright." Agatha lifted her brows. "I simply thought you might want to sit in the drawing room with me. I'm certain you're tired of being cooped up in here."

What was the woman about? Did she want to pry and question Elsea further? Interfere and matchmake? In the past, she had always liked Brodie's mother, and they'd had no conflicts.

"I want you to feel welcome here, lass," Agatha said warmly. She appeared genuine and honest at present. Maybe she was grasping at straws, hoping someone, anyone, would destroy Brodie's curse.

"I appreciate it," Elsea said.

"The moment I met you, I wished for you to be my daughter-in-law from the bottom of my—"

A thunderous knock sounded at the door, making them all jump.

Chapter 14

"Oh, heavens," Agatha gasped and pressed a hand to her chest after the sharp knock on the door.

Elsea knew that knock. "Enter," she called.

Brodie opened the door, looking like a dissolute pirate rogue. His wet hair hung loose about his shoulders. His wrinkled shirt gaped half open, displaying an intriguing amount of chest muscle. He had hastily pleated his plaid, and left the upper sash hanging from his belt. Even more enthralling, his wild obsidian eyes locked on her more intensely than usual. A half-glare, she would say. Was he still irate with her? She could not believe how stubborn he was, refusing to believe anything she said.

"Goodness, Brodie, you're a sight to behold." Agatha skimmed a critical gaze over him. "And you smell like the sea."

He darted an irritable glance at his mother.

"M'laird?" Elsea curtsied, pretending all was well.

"Ladies." He inclined his head, then brought something from behind his back, dangling it in front of her.

The dirk she'd lost in the sea! Elsea gasped. 'Twas still in the sheath and attached to her belt. "Oh, heavens," Elsea said, grasping the soggy leather belt. "How did you find it?"

"One of the selkies retrieved it from the ocean floor."

Agatha crossed herself and hastened from the chamber, Muriel following.

"Why did she do that?" Elsea whispered, frowning after his mother.

"She thinks selkies are evil," he muttered.