Page 10 of Highlander’s Forbidden Fruit

A swell of adoration filled Evanna, and she hugged the old man just as Clara had done. Lord Ashby’s eyes flew open in surprise and alarm, but he didn’t protest.

“Come now, Evanna,” Lady Ashby said in a strangled voice. Evanna let go of Lord Ashby to see Lady Ashby and Clara trying desperately not to laugh and doing a terrible job of it. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

“You have your work cut out for you, to be sure,” Ashton drolled.

Evanna made sure to tread on his booted toes on her way to the door. He winced and nearly spilled his tea.

Ashby Manor was quite large, but it was still smaller than her castle in Glenlivet. Evanna told Clara so, as they made their way up the stairs, following in Lady Ashby’s wake.

“Of course,” Clara assented. “It’s a manor house. Our country seat in Kent is much larger. That’s where our lands are. But I much prefer our London residence. It’s where all the fun is. Life in the country can be a bit dull.”

“Have ye been to any parties since the season started?” Evanna had been dying to discuss the balls and parties but had stayed her tongue because she didn’t want to discuss them with Ashton present. Women could hardly converse freely with men staring down their noses at them in contempt.

“Not this season.” Clara pursed her lips and her eyes lit up. “But I did attend the balls held here last year.”

“How was it?” Evanna asked. “Tell me everything!”

“That can wait,” Lady Ashby interjected. “We must clean you up first. This will be your room, Evanna. It is opposite Clara’s, so you two will find ample opportunity to sneak into each other’s rooms at odd hours of the night.” She smiled knowingly. “But now, Evanna must take a bath and make herself presentable. You two have all season to gab away. Rose will be your lady’s maid while you stay with us, Evanna. She is inside ready to help you. Clara, please help me chose the fabric for Evanna’s gowns. I’m sure she’ll trust your judgement.”

Clara reluctantly planted a kiss on Evanna’s cheek and dutifully followed her mother down the hall. Evanna watched the mother-daughter pair go, and for a moment, a small pinch of pain stabbed her in the middle of the chest. It was a hollow pain that yawned and fell silent. She couldn’t help wondering how different her life would have been if her mother had survived. Would she have been a dazzling beauty and picture of grace like Clara? Evanna doubted it very much. But still, she often wondered.

Chapter Five

The Thames stank.

Aleck wrinkled his nose at the offending smell of garbage that wafted up the bank.

He had arrived in London a mere hour ago, and he already despised it. England had its charms, he had to admit, but London was charmless, dirty, and much too crowded. The people weren’t without cunning, that was for sure, but they had an innate distrust of Scotsmen which followed Aleck wherever he went.

If he had thought his dark mood would quell by the time he reached London, he had been mistaken. His dark mood had turned into a thunderhead. It took very little to set him off, and the only person to blame was Evanna MacLeod.

Though Laird MacLeod had hoped it to be true, Aleck had known he wouldn’t find the impertinent brat on the road to London. Vexing as she was, it was more likely he’d find her the leader of a pack of street urchins running extortion rings along these very alleys.

Having had his fill of the Thames, he mounted his horse and guided it upriver where he’d been told the Ashton Manor was. This would be his first and hopefully final port of call. As furious as he was with Evanna, he hoped she had reached her destination without incident. The Laird’s honor rested on her tiny shoulders. She might take it for granted, but Aleck didn’t.

If it transpired that she had never made it to Ashton Manor, then things would take a grave turn and he’d have to extend his stay in England searching for her. It was a prospect he did not look forward to.

After fifteen minutes of riding, he came across a sundial guarding the entrance to a manor house. According to the Londoner’s description, this was a sure sign he had reached the right house. Aleck nudged his horse down the well-tended drive. He took in the manicured lawns and the flowers in bloom, and he couldn’t help but be a little impressed by the care that was taken to beautify the gardens.

He was just upon the house when he noticed two ladies sitting in the garden enjoying the sun as they worked on their embroidery. Aleck ignored them and rode on to the house. Evanna would sooner pick up an axe then a needle. It was impossible he’d find her poking holes in cloth.

Dismounting gracefully by the front door, he handed the reigns to a footman and sauntered forward to the front door where the butler was already standing. The butler eyed Aleck’s travel-stained clothes and long sword with disdain.

“Servant entrance is through the kitchens,” the Englishman sneered.

“Then ye best go that way,” Aleck shrugged. “Tell Lord Ashton, Laird MacLeod’s man is here to see him.”

The butler sniffed but did as he was told. Aleck was led into a small room and told to wait for the Lord’s arrival. Aleck looked at his surroundings, impressed by the grand rooms and furnishings. True, Glenlivet castle had noble history, and it was one of the best kept homes in Scotland, but it did not match the elegance and beauty of this London manor.

A fine bear head was mounted atop the fireplace. Aleck watched the firelight dance in the bear’s eyes, flashes of a life that was no longer there. False life. Suddenly Aleck felt much like that bear. His life’s purpose was to live and protect another. He was living vicariously through his Laird and his needs. And maybe that was how it should be. What possibly could Aleck achieve from a life lived only for his pleasures? What was a life if not lived in pursuit of a noble purpose?

Even if the noble pursuit reduces ye to a nursemaid running after spoiled children, he thought bitterly.

The door opened and in walked Lord Ashby. It had been a few years since they’d seen each other, but Aleck would recognize the man anywhere. Yes, he was older and there was more gray in his hair than brown, but the kind eyes and proud set of the spine were still there.

“Aleck?” Lord Ashby narrowed his eyes then smiled widely. “Aleck Bryce! It’s good to see you, my boy. You’ve grown taller since we met last.”

“It has been a while, sir.” Aleck bowed his head in respect. “And I’m sorry it’s nae under better circumstances.”