Page 10 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

Her father sat on the far side of the laird, while Yvaine sat beside Benedict, and Killian sat beside her at the end of the table. When everyone was settled, Audor stood and gave a riveting speech about the upcoming alliance between the clans. He told those present how the benefit of having an alliance with such an esteemed laird as her father could only bring greatness to their clan, and that he looked forward to the day he could call Evelyn his wife.

A great cheer and round of applause filled the room when he had finished, and after that, music began as food was served. Audor was in deep conversation with her father, leaving Evelyn feeling a little at a loss as to what she was supposed to do.

“Dae ye like venison, me lady?” Benedict asked, as a plate of dark meat was placed between them. He lifted several slices with a fork, and laid them on her plate. “Here, try it.”

Evelyn smiled and thanked him. He then topped up her wine, and offered her the bread bowl.

“How was yer journey? I hear it is many miles from yer faither’s castle tae here.”

“It is,” Evelyn said, trying to distinguish if his interest and kindness was simply him being courteous, or if it was Benedict she had encountered in the Mackay’s library. “But we rested overnight, and with me faither’s lead, we made it in good time.”

“I’m sure there are few places ye venture without yer faither with ye.”

It was a strange thing to say, and Evelyn was alerted, but he said nothing more to her after that.

Benedict leaned forward to catch her father’s attention. “Are ye looking forward tae yer daughter’s wedding, me laird? We have planned a grand affair.”

Benedict continued. “Did ye attend the Mackay’s wedding, me laird?”

Evelyn held her breath at his words.

Laird Sinclair shook his head. “I am afraid I was unable tae make it. I sent me apologies tae the Mackay’s ahead o’ time.”

Benedict sported a wicked smile, and glancing from Evelyn to Yvaine and back again, he said, “And what o’ ye ladies? Did ye attend?”

“Indeed, we didnae,” Yvaine said, a bit too quickly. Evelyn winced at her sister’s faux pas, and hoped her father had not noticed her obvious lie.

“That is a shame,” Benedict replied, looking directly at Evelyn. “I dae think ye would have enjoyed it.”

There was a playful teasing in his tone, and his eyes sparkled mischievously. It was him. It had to be him. And yet, Evelyn could still not be certain. How could she truly discover that it had been Benedict in that library?

A moment later, however, she got her answer. Turning away from her, Benedict began speaking to Killian, and twisting his head a little, his hairline moved. Evelyn could hardly breathe, for there on his neck, and directly below his left ear, was a scar. The very same scar she remembered discovering when she had kissed him back so passionately.

Och, me God! What am I tae dae? I kissed the wrong braither.

Before she had a chance to think further, Benedict turned back to her and with a half-smile, he said, “So, dae ye like reading? Would ye like me tae show ye our library after dinner?”

While Evelyn’s face flushed bright red, his eyes danced with delight and his smile beamed knowingly at her.

“Ye must excuse me,” Evelyn stammered. “I need some air.”