Page 24 of Seduction in a Kilt

It took Laird Stewart several moments to recover from the fit of laughter that seized him when Liam recounted the events of the last hour. He and Liam were sitting by the fireside in his study, drinking whisky.

“She has the heart of a warrior, nay doubt about it!” Knox cried, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. “’Tis such a shame we havetae hand her over tae that swine of a braither. Jaysus! Ye’ll havetae go a long way before ye find a lassie with such spirit. I cannae help but admire her. And she’s easy on the eyes as well. What a combination!”

“Mmmm.” Liam sipped at his dram and watched his friend compose himself. “I thought ye’d be more interested in the fact I stopped her from runnin’.”

“I am, me friend, of course, I am. But ye must admit, she’s a wee wildcat. She claims tae be scared of this Gael, but I reckon she’ll give him a run fer his money, eh? Bloody hell, maybe I should wed her mesel’.”

Liam’s head jerked up. He scanned Knox’s face to see if he was joking. For some reason, he found he did not like the idea of him or anyone marrying Ivy at all. But Knox’s face was bright with mirth, so he relaxed again, certain he had spoken in jest.

“Anyway, she willnae promise nae tae try tae run again, so I’m gonnae move intae that chamber with her, so I can keep a closer eye on her until the exchange. Have ye had any word back from her braither yet?” he asked.

Knox shook his head. “Nay, nae yet. But the scouts who’ve reported back are sayin’ there’s nae sign of any army hereabouts.”

“That’s encouragin’, but ’tis nae guarantee MacAlister’s nae plannin’ somethin’.”

“Aye, true enough. I just wish he’d put us out of our misery, but he’s likely enjoyin’ keepin’ us in suspense,” Knox said. Then he leaned forward, his glass between his hands and grinned at Liam. “So, ye’re movin’ in with Ivy, are ye?” His bright blue eyes twinkled. “That’s workin’ out well fer ye, since I can tell ye have a soft spot fer her. Or maybe ’tis nae such a soft spot, eh, Liam?” he laughed uproariously again, while Liam felt his cheeks flush and grew annoyed with himself for being so transparent.

“Very amusin’,” he muttered, “but can we get back tae somethin’ more serious? Like another way tae get yer peace without forcin’ Ivy tae go back tae her braither. From what she’s told us, I dinnae trust him nae tae hurt her.”

Knox was instantly serious. “Aye, I’ve been thinkin’ about that too. But I cannae see how we can decide anythin’ until we hear from MacAlister. I’d like tae let her go since she’s clearly desperate tae get away from him and Hamilton. But at the moment, she’s the only leverage I have against the threat MacAlister poses tae me and the clan.”

Liam thought about that for a moment. Then he said, “Maybe we could give her a wee bit more freedom, as long as I’m guardin’ her all the time. What d’ye reckon about that?”

Knox nodded. “Aye, I’ve nae objection tae her leavin’ her chamber as long as ye make sure she stays either with ye or someone trustworthy inside the castle walls.”

“Aye, of course. I think some fresh air and exercise would dae her good.”

“Go ahead,” Knox agreed, looking up at Liam as he drank down his dram and rose to his feet.

“Thanks, Knox. Well, I’d best be headin’ back if I’m tae move me stuff in with her tonight.” He placed the empty glass on the mantel.

Knox grinned up at him. “Aye, lad, good luck with that.” His laughter followed Liam out of the room.

When Liam got back upstairs, he saw the servants waiting outside Ivy’s chamber door with cans of hot water, towels, soap, and wash cloths. He got them to bring the tub from his room across the hallway before tapping on her door.

“Ivy, yer bath’s here. Can we come in?”

“Dae what ye like. Ye always dae,” came the reply.

Ignoring the servants’ glances, he unlocked her door. Ivy was sitting in a chair by the fire, dressed in a loose robe. He saw she had hung her boy’s clothes out to dry by the fire. She gave him a sullen glance as he entered, with the servants behind him. She got up and moved away, standing silently, her arms folded, watching while the tub was positioned on the hearth rug and slowly filled with the steaming water.

When it was ready, Liam dismissed the servants. “I’ll give ye some time tae yersel’,” he told her before going out into the hall and locking the door. With a weary sigh, he went over to his chamber to sort out what he needed to take with him over to her chamber, thinking how much he would like hot bath as well.

A while later, he knocked on her door. “Ivy, are ye decent? I’m comin’ in.”

“If ye’re comin’ in anyway, then why bother askin’ if I’m decent?” came the sharp retort.

He unlocked the door and went in. As before, she was sitting by the fire in her robe. The air smelled faintly of lavender. The tub was still in place, the water faintly steaming.

When she saw him about to bring his mattress and blankets inside, she sat up straight, her eyebrows raised. “I told ye, ye’re nae sleepin’ in here with me,” she said sharply, watching as he lugged his things inside.

“Ye can blame yersel’ if ye dinnae like it. Ye’re the one who keeps tryin’ tae escape,” he pointed out, throwing down his stuff and locking the door behind him.

“Pah!” She folded her arms and turned away to stare into the flames, ignoring him while he organized his makeshift bed and possessions.

A tense silence reigned between them until two maids knocked on the door, bringing dinner. Liam let them in and directed them to place the trays on the table.

“Would ye like us tae get rid of that tub while we’re here, Sir?” one of the maids asked. Liam thought for a moment, then he went over to it and dipped his hand in the water. It was still warm enough to bathe comfortably by the fire, and he decided that was exactly what he was going to do.

“Nay, leave it. I’ll see tae it later mesel’,” he replied, dismissing the pair, making sure to lock the door behind them and put the key in his pocket. As he did so, he noticed Ivy covertly watching him. He had to smile to himself, feeling certain she would try to get the key from him while he slept. He would make sure she would not be able to find it without waking him. Secretly, he almost wished she would try.