Page 17 of Highlander’s Forbidden Fruit

It had to be hers, did it not? Aleck was not known to be a stickler for fashion and would not have commissioned a boutonniere, let alone picked and arranged one on his own. What could it possibly mean? She had tried to meet his eye all evening, but he had ignored her, or simply scowled at her when they did make eye contact.

Of course, it didn’t mean anything. All Aleck knew was duty. There was no space for love in his cold heart.

Evanna resumed her perusal of the view outside her window. The house was grand and housed a maze in the garden. From Evanna’s vantage point, she didn’t see much of the gardens, but the night was warm, and a night stroll would be ideal in case things got too dull.

Their carriage stopped in front of the entrance steps, and Evanna’s heart stopped beating in her chest. It was rattling slowly in her throat. Swallowing it down, she squeezed Clara’s hand again, allowing herself to be helped out of the carriage by the footman.

Lady Ashby took the lead. She greeted Lady Fulton and then turned to Evanna and Aleck to make introductions.

“Thank ye for having us.” Evanna bowed after she was introduced.

Aleck, close-lipped as always, bent low and kissed Lady Fulton’s knuckles.

“Ah, yes!” Lady Fulton clapped her hands. “My Scottish guests.” Lady Fulton was matronly in appearance, but she had the most wicked sense of humor. Nothing escaped her eagle eye. “What an honor. I was especially pleased when Portia told me you two were coming. You’ll soon find out why.” She tapped the side of her nose with her forefinger.

She shooed them inside as more people arrived for her to greet.

“What do you suppose the theme is?” Clara asked as they stepped inside, and at once Evanna knew.

The sweet haunting melody of bagpipes carried from the ballroom, and when they stepped inside, it was like stepping on to a glade back home. The walls were strung with tartan and leafy buntings, and every surface was adorned with fragrant flowers and candles. Tiny mirrors hung from the ceiling, catching the light, and making the room sparkle like there were fairies winking at them from the heavens.

“It’s a wee slice of Scotland!” Evanna gasped and held Aleck’s hand. It had been her first reaction. She hadn’t had time to think or stop her hand from reaching out to hold his. All she knew was that he was the only other person in this room who understood what it felt to be immersed in a small portion of home away from home.

But Aleck did not look amused. On the contrary, he was scowling worse than ever. Evanna removed her hand, her pleasure at the surprise replaced by annoyance. If anyone should be upset by the decor it should be her. She had run away from home, from Scotland. Aleck never wanted to leave it, so why was the decor making him angry?

Nae point trying to figure him out, she thought. It’ll just give ye a headache for all yer troubles but nae answers.

“I had a feeling you’d find this amusing.” Ashton Winchester appeared by her side. He kept his eyes straight ahead, but Evanna knew he was addressing her. “I myself find the excessive use of flowers a bit wasteful.”

“Ye would,” Evanna assented, holding out her hand to him. “But what is the purpose of flowers if not to please us with their beauty? Why must they only be enjoyed in the garden.”

“I’m not against flower picking,” Ashton consented. “It’s the excessive nature that perturbs me. To think acres of rose bushes have been stripped for an evening of fun.”

“You must start a welfare group,” Clara suggested.

“The Society for the Welfare of Wallflowers,” Evanna proposed. They laughed until Evanna noticed Aleck staring at her oddly. She couldn't make head nor tails of that look, but she squared her shoulders and determined to make the best of the evening. “Ashton, allow me to introduce Aleck Bryce. He is my father’s man-at-arms.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Ashton shook Aleck’s hand.

“Likewise.” Aleck nodded.

“Come. I’ll introduce you to my friends.”

The next several minutes were spent exchanging introductions and greeting people that Ashton and Lady Ashby considered essential for their future prospects. Evanna was pleased to see that a lot of favorable attention was coming her way. Her dance card was almost full, and she had been invited to teas, fetes, and more balls.

Evanna danced the first dance with Ashton. The second was won by a Mr. Charity. The third and fourth were consigned to Mr. Merton, and the fifth was for Mr. Gladstone. She excused herself for the sixth and went in search for a glass of lemonade.

All in all, the evening was turning out to be a success. All but the menacing shadow that loomed behind her wherever she went.

“Must you follow me so close?” she hissed at Aleck when she found herself alone with him by the refreshments table.

“I’m doing my duty.”

“Hang your duty!” she glared at him. “I might not get a chance to go to a ball again, Aleck. Please try and find some mercy in yer cold heart to allow me this one evening of revelry.”

Aleck pursed his lips.

Evanna touched the boutonniere on his coat. She felt him stiffen beneath her touch. “Where did ye find this?” she asked.