Page 22 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

The statement made Benedict grateful that he had not told Evelyn he had come to the village yesterday. That was the problem with lying. One always needed to keep a track of what one had said.

“And yet, it is always a joy fer me when I come,” Benedict said diplomatically. “I am here tae ask ye tae visit the castle. Many o’ our horses need yer attention, fer worn shoes and their hooves.”

Thomas frowned again and looked even more surprised than he had a moment earlier. He knew as well as Benedict that it was usual for the stable hands to come to him with such requests. Clearly, he was struggling to understand why his laird was there, doing such a menial task.

It had been the only thing Killian and Benedict had been able to come up with. It was risky, but they had not been able to think of anything else.

Before Thomas had a chance to protest or question him, Benedict opened his eyes wide, and then glanced at Evelyn, who still stood at his side. It was a silent plea to go along with what he was doing.

Thankfully, Thomas was quick in his understanding, and dropping the frown, he smiled, and then nodded, as though a laird doing a servant’s messages was the most natural thing in the world.

“O’ course, me laird,” Thomas said, with a swift recovery. “I can visit on the morrow, if yer request isnae urgent.”

Breathing with relief, Benedict continued the farce. “There isnae any urgency, Thomas. The morrow will dae well. While I am here, I ought tae introduce ye. This is Lady Sinclair, my betrothed.” Turning to Evelyn, Benedict continued. “Lady, Sinclair, this is Thomas Smith.”

“It is a pleasure tae meet ye, Thomas,” Evelyn said kindly.

Thomas looked a little bashful, and gazing down at her, replied, “I believe the pleasure is all mine, me lady.”

“Good. Well. Thank ye, Thomas,” Benedict said quickly. The farce was over, and now, they could be on their way. “We will leave ye tae yer work.”

“Farewell, me laird, me lady.”

Evelyn smiled and waved goodbye, and then, Benedict led her back onto the main street of the village. As they neared The Golden Gill, a tavern situated on their left, Benedict turned to Evelyn. “How about a little luncheon?”

Evelyn smiled. “Luncheon sounds grand.”

“Good.”

Again, he was welcomed warmly by the innkeeper and his wife, both delighted that the laird had graced their establishment with his presence. Once more, he introduced Evelyn, and once more, she was welcomed with warm enthusiasm.

After ordering a meal, they settled at a table near a window. The innkeeper hurriedly served them tankards of ale, and promised they would not have to wait long for their food.

“Ye are surrounded by good people,” Evelyn said wistfully. “Which, in me experience, is the sign o’ good leadership.”

“A laird is only as good as the people he serves,” Benedict replied. It was something Audor would likely say, and Benedict agreed with such sentiments.

She gazed up at him with a soft smile. “Then the man who leads these people must be good as well, if nae only by association.”

Her wording was a little strange, but Benedict nodded. “I have found they have made me a better man.”

“I’m sure they have,” she agreed.

She still gazed at him, her eyes glistening, that soft smile expressed with ease and contentment. And as much as he knew it was dangerous, he couldn’t help but gaze back at her with the same tenderness. His reaction to her in that moment was the very reason he had deemed it wise to stay away, and yet, as though powerless against an invisible force, she pulled him in.

Arriving at the table with their steaming food, the inn-keeper broke the moment.

“Enjoy yer meal, me laird,” James said cheerfully. “This one is on the house.”

“Nay, nay,” Benedict protested. “I willnae hear o’ it,”

“Please, me laird. It isnae every day we have the privilege o’ cooking for the laird and his soon-tae-be bride. It is our honor.”

“And ye have a living tae make, James,” Benedict replied.

“One meal will hardly deprive us, me laird.” The innkeeper gave them a warm smile, before turning and leaving them to eat.

Benedict shook his head and determined that he would leave some coin, no matter what the innkeeper said. When he turned to speak to Evelyn again, he found her smiling broadly at him.