Page 12 of My Highland Love

Ten minutes later, Marcus entered the kitchen to find the women busy with preparations for the meals. “Good morning, Winnie.” He seated himself across the table from her.

She reached for a sprig of herbs from one of the piles before her and began grinding it in a mortar bowl. “Morning.”

He glanced at the rear door.

“No sense watching the door. She isna' here.”

He leaned forward. “You are a witch, Winnie, my love. Where is she?”

“Michael's. She set out early this morning.”

“Why?”

“He broke his leg. She makes sure he is tended to.”

“Indeed?”

“Indeed.” Winnie reached for another sprig of herbs.

Marcus rose and kissed her cheek. “Making trouble while I've been gone, I wager?”

She looked up. “No more than usual.”

“So I thought,” he said, and left the kitchen.

* * *

Marcus looked from his father to the warrior entering the great hall. The man strode past the men gathered for the evening meal and stopped at the table opposite him.

“Lady Ross to see you, laird,” he said.

“And you back but a day from fighting with Campbells,” Cameron said.

Marcus sighed. “I suppose she knows I'm here.”

The guard looked uncomfortable.

“You can escape out the back,” his father suggested, but the door opened again and Lady Margaret Ross entered dressed in a tightly fitting riding habit that said she'd been in the saddle the better part of the day. “I told ye not to dally with noblewomen,” Cameron added under his breath, and stood as she approached. “Margaret, lass, how are you?” He clasped her hands in his.

“Your Grace.” She dipped into a deep curtsy.

He shot Marcus a dry look while her head was bowed. “Enough, lassie.” He pulled the petite woman to her feet. “We are not in Edinburgh.” He released her hands. “You will forgive me, if I dinna' stay. I have a mare that bears attending.” He winked. “You won't miss me, I feel sure.”

“It is always good to see you, Your Grace.”

“It is good to see you, as well.”

“You haven't had your supper, Cameron,” Marcus remarked.

“Aye, well, I cannot leave Coreen alone too long. She is due to foal any time.”

“Craig can watch after her.”

Cameron snorted. “The boy doesna' know a gelding from a stallion.”

“The next time you geld a stallion, have him watch. He'll remember after that.”

His father cast a sheepish look at Margaret. “Well, I do not think—”