Page 50 of The Highlander’s Dangerous Desire

Alistair, however, clearly meant his apology, and made every effort to include her. He passed her the bread when she wanted more, and spoke to her as much as he did to any other. It made the idea of spending an extended time in his home far more bearable than it would have been otherwise.

The evening passed in comfortable companionship. After dinner, Catriona’s husband produced a pack of cards, and they began a game. Grace immersed herself in learning the rules, for her uncle had never before allowed her to play, it being unladylike to engage in games of chance. She was not the best skilled at such things, but it was fun nonetheless.

Gradually, the fire burned down, and Grace found herself shivering. The room had been pleasantly cool during the daylight hours, but she was the person seated furthest from the hearth, and with the sun below the horizon, the evening chill was making itself felt. She was about to excuse herself to seek out an over-robe or her chambers, when Ewan glanced at her, sighed, and stood.

“Here.” In a single motion, he tugged the over-cloak he wore from his shoulders, then draped it around hers. The warmth of him immediately surrounded Grace, and her shivering disappeared.

Catriona and Niamh shared another look with each other. Grace huffed slightly, bemused by their obvious belief that there was more between herself and Ewan than she’d admitted to while they were speaking.

She might wish that they were right, but Ewan’s gestures and her own were nothing more than the same easy camaraderie that they’d developed during the long ride north.

They played cards for another candle-mark, then Catriona and her husband excused themselves, with Ian nodding off on his mother’s shoulder. Shortly after that, Niamh rose from the table. Alistair stood at the same time. “Och, are ye tired?”

“Somewhat?” Niamh stretched slightly, then winced. “Och…”

Her hand went to her belly. Grace was at her side in the next instant, with Alistair and Ewan only a step behind. “Niamh, are ye all right?”

“I… ‘twas just a twinge…” She made a face. “’Tis naething serious, I’m certain.”

“I’d rather Catriona were certain. I’ll go get her.” Alistair started to step away, but Niamh caught her husband’s arm.

“Dinnae disturb her. Ye ken, it might be…” She hesitated. “Catriona and I can go tae see Sorcha. She’ll ken more, and be able tae tell us if aught is wrong. Dinnae think it is… ye ken what Sorcha said about the matter.”

“Aye. I ken what she said. But better fer ye tae be sure. I’ll nae have anything endangerin’ ye. I’ll send a message fer her tae expect ye.”

Ewan grimaced. “Ye’re still talking tae her?”

“Aye. She’s been helpful with the pregnancy, ye ken that. And we’re nae on such bad terms as we used tae be.” Alistair sighed. “Though I’ll own she’s happier when ‘tis just the womenfolk visiting.”

Grace wasn’t sure what they were talking about, but she thought she understood a few of their concerns. “I can go with Niamh, if you are concerned about her safety.”

Ewan and Alistair exchanged a look. Then Ewan shrugged. “I dinnae ken how she’ll tak’ yer presence, but it cannae hurt fer her tae meet ye.”

Niamh nodded. “’Twould be good. Sorcha daes like havin’ company, despite all her reasons fer livin’ alone. And Catriona can come with us, tae ensure naething goes wrong between here and Sorcha’s home.”

“All right. But in the morning, after breaking fast. Fer now, ‘tis best ye get some rest.” Alistair swept an arm around Niamh’s shoulders.

Niamh took Grace’s hand and squeezed it gently. “I’ll see ye in the morning. Get some rest.” Then she leaned into her husband’s arms, and the two of them disappeared into the halls of MacDuff Castle, leaving Grace alone with Ewan.

Grace was surprised by how lonely she felt. A part of her wanted to lean into someone’s arms the way Catriona and Niamh did with their husbands.

She wanted to be able to lean into Ewan’s arms. Grace swallowed hard to stifle the impulse. She looked up at Ewan. “In all the fuss, I never did discover… who is Sorcha?”

Ewan gave her a smirk, but there were shadows lingering in his eyes. “Sorcha MacBeth. The witch o’ MacDuff Clan.”

“Witch?” Grace stared at him, wide-eyed. “You cannot be serious…”

“It isnae what most English seem tae think it is. Sorcha is…” Ewan shrugged. “Best tae get plenty o’ rest, and keep an open mind when ye go tae meet her. She… kens certain things. More than that, tis difficult tae say. Just keep an open mind.”

Grace swallowed. She’d always heard stories of witches… but if Ewan told her to keep an open mind, then she would do her best to do so.

Ewan stared at her. For a moment, the lines of his face softened, and she thought he might say something to her - perhaps something to help alleviate the tension and awkward silence that had fallen between them since the night they’d been together. Then he stopped, and the mask fell over his expression again. His shoulders straightened. “Good night, Grace.”

Then he was gone, leaving her with his cloak and her doubts and uncertainties once more filling her mind.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Ewan stretched. His muscles burned, but it was a comforting feeling - the heat of productive sparring and training well-conducted. After so many days confined to light stretching and exercise, the minutes of combat against his brother and the other warriors in the training yard were a welcome return to normal activities.