Page 37 of The Highlander’s Tempting Touch

Alistair snorted. “If ‘twere just the scullery maid? Mayhap. But nae the cook. He’s a keen eye, and doesnae miss a creature living or dead in his domain.” A low bark of laughter escaped him. “Me especially, fer as a lad I was a wee bit tae fond o’ taking cakes off the cooling ledge.”

Niamh giggled softly, and Alistair felt his mood lighten a bit at the sound of her amusement. It might be at his expense, but he was still happy to see her smiling after her recent scare. “Then what dae ye suggest?”

Alistair thought a moment. “Wait here. The pig is sitting by the door, but he hasnae sent it tae the midden, so Catriona must have told him it can be eaten. If he starts the butchering, then I can take some o’ the blood while he works.”

“That seems a sound plan.” Niamh nibbled her lip, and Alistair squashed the impulse to kiss her to make her stop. “What if it doesnae work?”

“We’ll think o’ something else.” Alistair stalked out into the kitchen.

The cook looked up briefly as he approached. “Me laird, is there somethin’ I can help ye with?”

“Nae at this time. I simply came down tae see what Catriona said about the pig that died at the feast.”

“She said the meat was salvageable, me laird, so long as it was well cooked tae remove any taint.”

“Then ye might as well use it fer taemorrow’s meal. Dinnae want tae waste good pork.” Alistair paused.

The cook nodded. “As ye say, me laird. I’ll be happy tae dae that.”

Alistair had expected the man to turn to the carcass immediately. Instead, he turned back to the scullery maid. He decided to try again. “I’ve had a craving fer pork. I wouldnae wish tae interfere in yer kitchen, but since ye’ve the pork sitting there….” He trailed off as the cook turned to face him once more.

“I’ll certainly tak’ note o’ yer request when I begin the butcherin’ in the morn, me laird.” He went back to his other work. Alistair frowned.

He returned to alcove where Niamh was hiding. “He’s nae planning tae butcher the pig until morning.”

“I heard.” Niamh frowned. “Could ye nae order him tae dae it taenight?”

“Nae without upsetting him and making him fair suspicious. He’s been cook fer a long time, and I’ve never interfered in the kitchen afore.”

“Unless ye were stealing pies.” Niamh’s mouth quirked in a grin.

“Could ye offer tae dae the butchering yerself?” she then suggested.

Alistair snorted. “And what man would be thinkin’ o’ doing butchering on his wedding night? If there’s a more certain way tae arouse suspicion, then I dinnae ken it.”

“In that case, why would they nae be suspicious that yer here now?”

“Because I’ve a right and a responsibility tae be concerned about an incident that might threaten the safety o’ me people. Butcherin’s another thing altogether.”

Alistair considered the matter, watching as the scullery maid finished with the oven and was dismissed. He had a moment of hope that the cook would leave as well, but the man remained in the kitchen, going about whatever tasks he’d set for himself.

“Are there herbs yer cook only takes fresh from the garden?” Niamh’s question startled him.

“Most o’ them, in every season save winter. This time o’ year, he’ll have begun gatherin’ and drying them, I think, but he’ll nae finish setting the garden fer winter till Samhain.”

Niamh nodded. “’Tis common practice.”

Alistair studied her face. “Ye have an idea.”

“Aye. I’ll return tae the room, then call a servant and tell them I want a sachet o’ fresh sage and rosemary tae soothe me nerves, along with some chamomile tea. They’re sure tae send tae the kitchens fer it, and he’ll have tae go intae the garden fer the herbs.”

As ideas went, it wasn’t a bad one. Slightly more convoluted than Alistair preferred, but a sound plan nonetheless. After a moment of thought, he nodded. “I cannae think o’ a better idea. But can ye find yer way back tae our rooms on yer own?”

“Aye. I was payin’ attention tae the way we came.”

“Go on then. I’ll wait here fer the cook tae leave. And mind the maid doesnae see that I’m nae with ye.” Alistair checked his belt to make sure he had a small knife that would serve to make the incision. “I’ll be up as soon as I’ve gathered what we need.”

“Aye.” Niamh gave him a smile, then turned and crept out of the alcove. She vanished into the shadows a moment later with an ease that Alistair had to admit he both admired and envied. He watched the hall until he was sure she’d left, then turned back to the kitchens to wait for the distraction.