Page 31 of Highlander’s Quest of Desire

"Aye. 'Twas a grand meal. Thank ye."

"Yer quite welcome. I’ll come up for the clothes in a while," she said to Elspeth, all smiles and good cheer.

"Thank ye for all yer help, Madam Beatrice," Elspeth held her hand. "I truly appreciate it."

"Ah, sweet child." Beatrice caressed Elspeth's cheeks. "Sleep well!"

Bruce stiffened. The moment was upon them. Elspeth stood up with confidence and took the candle from the table. Bruce followed her to the main hall from where they took the stairs.

When they reached the attic room, Elspeth turned to him suddenly and placed a hand on his chest. "Would ye wait outside?' she asked, looking up at him. The candlelight gave a special glow to her face. "I'll need a moment to change into my night things."

Bruce stammered a yes and quickly stepped away from the door. When Elspeth went inside, he went down a flight of stairs for good measure. The thought of her undressing was too much for him to bear. His dreams had been haunted by her. Even now, he could close his eyes and see her in his bed, naked, her arms outstretched, inviting.

God was testing him. Every time Bruce made up his mind that Elspeth deserved better and he should send her back to Blair Atholl as soon as possible, something happened to snare him in again. At this very moment he wanted to do nothing but go inside that room and kiss her lips and show her how much he admired her.

But no. It was safer for them both if she thought him indifferent.

A few minutes passed in this turmoil, then Bruce heard the attic door opening.

“Bruce?”

The whisper of his name was honey to his ears. Clenching his jaw and his resolve, Bruce went up the stairs and inside the room.

Candles rested on a mantel piece and a low fire smoldered in the hearth. A jug and basin were placed on a small table besides the gabled window. Elspeth was looking out the window, bathed in moonlight.

Bruce caught his breath in a sharp hiss.

Hair open and flowing in heavy waves down her back, her beautiful face turned up to accept the benediction of the moon, Elspeth looked like a celestial goddess. Though she wore a gown, it did little to hide the nightdress she had on underneath. It was old and had seen many a wash because it was nearly sheer. Her naked form was easily discernible in the moonlight. The slant of her thighs, the curve of her buttocks, and the crowning glory of her nipples - it was like she had stepped out of one of his dreams to torment him.

The vision lasted but a moment. As soon as Elspeth heard the door open she pulled her gown closed. She looked at him from across the room, her eyes large and full of innocence. Bruce could feel his heart beating in his throat and the rush of blood to his loins. Adjusting his bag to hide his discomfort he entered the room and went to the far side of the bed.

“I’ll step outside,” Elspeth said. “Ye can change and prepare for bed.”

“Nae,” Bruce said, rather too quickly. “Ye can stay.” The idea of her waiting out in the hall alone in her state of dress was too distressing. What if she encountered some rogue?

He undressed quickly. There were hooks on the wall where Elspeth had hung her gown. Bruce did the same with his clothes. He spied her from the corner of his eyes, but she was staring out the window resolutely.

Once naked, Bruce poured some water into the basin and cleaned his face. Drenching his neckerchief, he gave himself an impromptu bath. The wound on his back was a painful gash, but it no longer oozed. With a final flourish, he dunked his head in the basin, and vigorously rubbed his scalp with the pads of his fingers hoping it would dislodge most of the dirt.

When he stood up straight, water trickled down his neck and torso. Dark wet strands of hair fell in front of his eyes. It was cold but refreshing. He brushed his hair with his fingers and turned to the window. Elspeth caught his eye, flushed, and looked back outside the window.

Bruce stood there frozen, like a deer that has caught the scent of a wolf. Elspeth had been spying on his nakedness. For a moment he was abashed then he considered how he had seen her practically naked only a moment ago and thought it only fair that she had got a peek in as well.

He wondered if she found him pleasing. It would make him very happy if she found him desirable.

A knock on the door made them both jump.

Bruce was about to open the door when Elspeth rushed to it instead. “Who is it?”

“It’s Beatrice, dear. I’ve come to collect yer husband’s things for the laundry.”

“We have nae money for laundry,” Bruce hissed.

“She’s doing it out of the goodness of her heart,” Elspeth said. “I’m sure ye remember what that is.”

Her comment stung. At least he could tell his efforts to make her dislike him were working.

“Just a moment,” Elspeth said, and took off her gown. She threw it at Bruce without looking at him. “Please, put that on.”