Page 40 of Highlander’s Quest of Desire

Laird Labert was smiling broadly. “Aye, Domnhall expressed a desire to deepen ties between clans. I must say, I was very pleased by the notion. Charles is the eldest, but I daresay I would be happy with whomever ye chose, dear.”

Urgh, Domnhall!Even miles away he was still trying to shove marriage to a completely unsuitable man down her throat. How dare he make promises on her behalf? Marriage was far from her plans. Bruce was the only man that had piqued her interest, but he had made his intentions clear. Knowing that she could never be married to Bruce, Elspeth didn’t want to be married at all.

“I’m flattered that ye see me as worthy of yer sons, Laird Labert. Ye do me a great honor.”

Laird Labert’s smile was sincere and affectionate. He was a good man, and a kind one. Would it be so bad to marry into his family? She could be sure to receive special treatment by him, and he would intercede on her behalf in the marriage if any of his sons did not listen to her. There were many advantages to the union but only one drawback - she did not love any of the Labert boys.

“There is nae rush, my dear. Take yer time in deciding which one of my boys will be the lucky one. And ye three! Be on yer best behavior!”

“Aye, sir!”

“Ye can count on us!”

“I’ll try my best, Da!”

Elspeth smiled even though it was an effort. True mirth had left her. The brilliant morning had dulled, and she wanted to be alone. She glanced at Bruce to see how he had taken to the news, but he wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were cast downward on his plate. A half-eaten chicken, and a pear were there, but he didn’t continue eating.

Elspeth wondered what had caused him to lose his appetite. Was Master Faraday giving him strong medicine that did not suit him? She would have to pay the medicine man a visit. She could learn a lot from him, and this way contribute to Bruce’s recovery even if she could not approach him and ask after him like a friend.

* * *

Master Faraday’s study was on the first floor, with doors that opened onto a small, enclosed garden. It housed all sorts of plants and herbs that were part of Master Faraday’s frequent remedies. Elspeth found it all fascinating, and she was a little jealous of him. Master Faraday had never married, instead dedicating his life to the study of human maladies. Elspeth found his career enviable. If only she were a man with the ability to mend and cure people, then her life would have meaning and purpose, and she wouldn’t be running around the country looking for heirlooms that meant nothing to her, with a man to whom she meant nothing.

“Ah! Lady Elspeth. How may I help ye?” Master Faraday closed the journal he had been writing in to greet her.

“I just wanted to see where ye worked. I have a fascination with herbs and medicine.”

“I ken,” Master Faraday touched his nose in a secretive manner. “I saw yer work myself. Ye managed to control Bruce’s infection wonderfully. He would never have recovered fully on the road with its excursions and exhaustion. But all things considered, and the danger ye two were in, ye made a remarkable effort. Bruce has ye to thank that he is still alive and able to walk without assistance.”

“Ye should have told him that,” Elspeth snorted. “He thinks I am of no use.”

“Eh?” Master Faraday looked confused. “It was Bruce that told me ye were an excellent healer. He showed me all the mending ye’d done. He was all praise for ye.”

She was stunned. Had Bruce really said all these lovely things about her? Did he really think her capable and competent? Then why did he never say it to her face? He had called her and her clan every bad name in the book, but when it came to appreciating her efforts, he was shy. What was he afraid of?

That ye’ll take it the wrong way and fall into his arms, begging for kisses and bairns, Elspeth thought, mortified.

She recalled their kiss, the passion in it, and the familiar wetness began to grow between her legs. She bit her lower lip and shook her head. Why did her body react like this at the mere memory of him?

“Would it be okay if I assisted ye in Bruce’s care?” she asked. “I’d like to learn from ye.”

“I would be honored to teach ye. I had hoped to teach one of the Labert boys but they have other interests. But it’d gladden my heart to teach the future Lady Labert.”

Elspeth flinched. Did the whole household know of her brother’s promises? She decided to give Domnhall a swift kick for all his troubles, next she saw him.

“When will ye be changing his bandages?”

“Before dinner.”

“I shall join ye then.”

“I look forward to seeing ye there, Lady Elspeth.”

Elspeth left Master Faraday’s study and wandered the castle, lost deep in thought. She could not forget the details of that night, that kiss, or the present ache all over her body. She had no knowledge how to relieve it. Every time she touched herself the sensations scared her and forced her to stop.

What she needed was Bruce’s arms around her, guiding her to the parts of her body even she was unaware of. Like he had scooped his hands beneath her buttocks and lifted her up, his fingers grazing intimate places; she wanted the same again.