Page 115 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

"I'm tellin' ye, me lady, ye cannae serve pheasant and venison," Cook was saying, her hands on her ample hips. "It's too much meat. The Regent will think we're showin' off."

David found Elinor in the kitchens the next morning, surrounded by Cook and three kitchen maids, all of them looking at lists and arguing about portions.

"But what if he does not like one of the meats?" Elinor countered, her finger tracing down her list. "I don't want to serve something he doesn't like."

"Too much game makes us look like we're tryin' too hard."

David leaned against the doorframe, watching his wife hold her own against his formidable cook. Elinor had ink on her fingers and a smudge of flour on her cheek, and she'd never looked more beautiful.

"What daes me laird think?" Cook spotted him and gestured imperiously. "Tell her the menu's too complicated."

"Is it?" David moved into the kitchen properly, coming to stand beside Elinor. "What are we servin'?"

"Beef fer the main course," Elinor said, showing him her list. "With roasted vegetables. Then pheasant as a second course. And perhaps some venison, in case he does not like one of the previous courses. Fish—salmon, fresh from the river. Bread, cheese, fruit. And for dessert—" She glanced at Cook. "We're still deciding."

"Sounds perfect tae me. It's a king." David kept his voice mild. "Or his regent, at least. We should show him proper Highland hospitality. Which means abundance. Quality. Showin' him what Keppoch can provide."

Cook muttered something under her breath but nodded. "Fine."

After Cook and the maids returned to their work, David pulled Elinor aside. "Ye're daein' well. Managin’ all this."

"I'm terrified." She kept her voice low. "What if something goes wrong? What if the food isn't right?"

"Then we'll handle it." He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Taegether. Like we handle everythin' else."

"Together." She leaned into his touch. "I like the sound of that."

"So dae I." He kissed her forehead. "Now, show me the rest of what ye've planned. Let’s make sure we havenae forgotten anythin'."

They spent the next hour going over every detail. The menu. The seating arrangements. The guest chambers that had been prepared. The musicians and the wine that had been selected.

Elinor had thought of everything.

"Ye're goin' tae be a brilliant Lady of Keppoch," David said as they reviewed the final list. "Ye already are."

"I just don't want to embarrass you."

"Ye could never embarrass me." He took her hand. "Ye're brilliant and capable and the Duke is goin' tae see exactly what I see, a woman who belongs here. Who's made this castle a home."

Her eyes shone with emotion. "Thank you. For believing in me."

"Always, lass. Always."

The royal party arrived the next afternoon.

David stood in the courtyard with Elinor at his side, watching the royal banners approach through the gates. His hand found the small of her back, a gesture of support and solidarity.

"Ready?" he murmured.

"No. But let's do this anyway."

The regent dismounted first, his height and shrewd eyes commanding attention. Behind him came his advisors and guards, all in the king's livery.

"Laird MacDonald." The regent's voice was formal. "Thank you fer receiving us."

"Yer Grace." David bowed, Elinor curtsying beside him. "Welcome tae Keppoch. Ye remember me wife, Lady Elinor."