Page 32 of A Highlander's Bride

Despite the interfering, annoying woman’s best efforts, Daniel had been able to get some time alone with Beth. His kisses left her breathless, and he’d taken a few more privileges that she should not have allowed, but she had a way of forgetting herself when he kissed her.

He was still trying so hard to get an “aye” from her. Although she never said so to him, she was getting close. There was no reason for her to continue to eschew marriage. She knew by now that she loved the arrogant oaf and even though Daniel had never said the words to her, she was almost certain he felt the same.

He’d mentioned more than once that the advisors wanted him to make a betrothal announcement at the festival. She hadn’t asked himwhat he would do if she hadn’t given him the answer he wanted by then.

She knew he had no intention of accepting Lady Alice despite the lass’s mother’s constant barrage of comments on her daughter’s skills, good manners, virtuous demeanor, and ability to run a keep.

In all the time they’d been there, and despite Beth’s best efforts, she was unable to speak much with Lady Alice. Her mam was always by her side, almost as if she was guarding her. Could she be that concerned about the lass’s virtue?

How easily the woman had taken over the job of Lady of the Manor, making it obvious she fully expected Daniel to accept Lady Alice.

Beltane always included the entire village with a huge bonfire in the village green. Beth had thought it unnecessary to decorate the castle so much, but no one had the courage to go against Lady Chisholm’s dictates.

“I doona understand that woman,” Beth’s mam said as, arms linked, they strolled in the garden, mainly to get away from Lady Chisholm and the way she ordered everyone about.

“I ken ye and the laird have become friendly,” she glanced at her with a smirk, “so unless I am completely fooled, I doona think the laird plans to marry Lady Alice.”

“I can tell ye one thing for certain, Mam. Daniel does no’ wish to marry Lady Alice. And anyone with eyes can see they do no’ have an attraction to each other.”

“She doesna like anything he likes, she doesna talk to him, and doesna even look him in the eye. If there was ever a lass who let it be known she has no interest in a mon more than Lady Alice, I’d like to meet her.”

They continued to enjoy their walk, admiring the new spring flowers in full bloom and the warm air. Hopefully the weather would continue to cooperate that evening when the bonfire would be held after supper.

After a few minutes, her mam said, “Is there something between ye and the laird yer da and I should ken about?”

Beth glanced sideways at her mam and said, “Mayhap.”

Her mam burst out with laughter. “Mayhap?”

Beth grinned. “Aye. Mayhap.”

“’Tis obvious to yer da and me, as well as others in the keep, that the laird has a fancy for ye.”

Now it was Beth’s turn to laugh. “A fancy?”

Before she could comment on that, Lady Chisholm stood at the front of the garden and hustled toward them. “Oh, Lady Munro. We need yer help in here, if ye and Lady Beth are finished with yer walk.”

Beth sighed and muttered, “I swear the woman follows me. No matter where I am, she turns up. I expect to find her in my bed one night.”

Her mam mumbled, but Beth heard her say, “That better be the only one yer da finds in yer bed.”

They joined the woman and Beth, still reeling from Mam’s comment, decided to head to her bedchamber.

“Oh, Lady Beth. We would so much like yer opinion on some of the decorations. Lady Alice did so much of the work, but now ’tis yer turn.” Lady Chisholm waved her finger at her, a smirk on her face.

She wished there was someone here who had the daring to shove the woman onto her bottom. In the nearest loch.

“Aye. I would love to help,” Beth said as she glanced at her mam.

Beltane always included the entire village with a huge bonfire in the village green. Beth had thought it unnecessary to decorate the castle so much, but no one had the courage to go against Lady Chisholm’s dictates.

*

The Beltane festivalwas in full swing. The weather had cooperatedand the night was clear and chilly, but the bonfire kept everyone warm enough. Along with the whisky and dancing.

Daniel and Beth stood side-by-side watching the antics of the revelers. Older men who should be seeking their beds were still jumping up and down to the music. Highlanders loved a party.

“Do ye think ye can do another dance?” Daniel asked her as he took a sip of his ale.