Page 264 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Talbot knew Isobel intended to wheedle her way into his bed, but truth be told, he was concerned about Rhoslyn. She seemed in a worse state of mind than she had been this morning when he’d found her leaning over the jakes.

“Women grow moody as their time approaches,” Seward said. “This is natural, St. Claire.”

“So true,” Lady Isobel agreed. “But a woman likes to have another woman around.”

“Rhoslyn’s time isna’ close,” the old baron said. “When her time draws near, she may want your help. I canna’ see that it is of much use now.”

Lady Isobel laughed. “Spoken like a man.”

A few minutes passed and Rhoslyn didn’t return. Talbot rose and went to the kitchen. Rhoslyn was nowhere to be seen.

“Where is Lady Rhoslyn?” Talbot asked Mistress Muira.

“In her bed by now, I imagine,” the housekeeper replied. “She wasna’ feeling well.”

Talbot glanced at the stairs.

“Dinna’ worry,” Mistress Muira said. “It is common for a woman to want rest while pregnant.

“I should not have allowed Lady Saraid to return,” he said more to himself than to Mistress Muira.

“Dinna’ be silly,” Muira said. “Lady Rhoslyn can no’ do nothing for the next few months. As time goes on, she will need more rest, but she will know when that time comes.”

Talbot wasn’t so sure. He returned to the great hall and sat at his place. “Rhoslyn has retired for the evening.”

Lady Isobel nodded. “Just as I thought.”

“You are welcome to stay the night, if you like, my lady,” Talbot said.

“Of course,” she said, and Seward shot him a speculative glance.

* * *

At a soft knock to the solar door, Talbot looked up from the rolls he was studying. He rose, crossed to the door and opened it to find Lady Isobel standing in the hallway.

“Lady Isobel. Rhoslyn is abed,” Talbot said.

“You are no’ asleep.” Lady Isobel slipped between him and the open door.

She passed so close that Talbot got a whiff of rose water. She stopped two paces away and faced him.

Hand still on the door bolt, he nodded toward the hallway. “You may return in the morning when my wife is awake.”

She faced him. “Ye are working yourself too hard. I know how difficult things must be for you.”

“Put your mind at ease,” he said. “I am well. Rhoslyn sees to my needs.”

Isobel stepped close and put her arms around his neck. “You need no’ worry, Talbot. Alec was discreet. We can do the same.”

Talbot reached for her hands—the door to Rhoslyn’s chambers burst open. She stumbled forward, pushing through the door and into the room.

“Ye bastard,” she said, her voice shaking.

St. Claire grasped Isobel’s arms and pulled them from his neck. “You should go, Lady Isobel.”

“Aye,” Rhoslyn spat. “And dinna’ come back.”

“Lady Rhoslyn,” Isobel began.