Page 13 of My Highland Love

“Never mind,” Marcus cut in. “As you say, you have a mare to attend to.”

“I do,” he agreed, and made a hasty exit.

Lady Ross looked to Marcus. “Lord Ashlund.” She started to curtsy again.

“None of that, Margaret,” he said.

She paused and studied him from beneath her lashes then, with an incline of her head, straightened. She gave him an inquiring look and he stood.

“Gille,” he addressed the man seated to his right, “give your seat up to the lady.”

The man stood and bowed.

Lady Ross angled her head in thanks, then sat. “You are looking well,” she said. “Did you enjoy London?”

Once again, the postern door opened and Marcus paused in sitting to look see who entered. Recognizing the newcomer as another of his men, he seated himself.

“Lord Ashlund,” came Margaret's insistent voice.

“My visit went well.” He forced his attention to her.

“I'm sorry I could not accompany you as you wanted.”

“It was you who requested an escort, Margaret, not I who requested your presence.”

“A shame my plans changed,” she went on. “Unfortunately, I now must go to London.” She smiled. “I would be glad of your company.”

He gave a mirthless laugh. “London twice a year is quite enough. I have no wish to make it three.”

She laid a hand on his arm. “Not long ago you would have done this for me.”

“Made a special trip to London? You're confusing me with another of your admirers.”

The women began serving the food and he glanced at the clock over the mantle. The evening grew late. “Did you come alone?” he demanded.

“I did.”

Marcus frowned. “Very foolish.”

The postern door creaked open again. Daniel stepped in. He looked in Marcus's direction. Amusement flicked across his face before he turned and exited.

“Are you expecting someone?” Margaret asked.

A maid placed a platter of mutton on his side of the table and he reached for it. “I will have one of my men escort you home.” He dished a helping of meat onto his plate.

“It is so late, I thought perhaps…”

Marcus paused and looked at her. “You knew you would arrive after dark. Why do it?”

She stiffened. “Sheathe your conceit, Marcus. You were not the only person I visited today.” She pursed her lips. “If my staying is too much of an inconvenience…”

He glanced again at the clock. Elise wouldn't journey home in the dark. He sat the platter of meat on the table. If she did, he would clip her lovely wings.

* * *

When Elise didn't return the following afternoon, Marcus went in search of his father and found him in the stables keeping watch on Coreen.

“It isn't unusual for her to be gone a day or two when she goes to Michael's,” Cameron said. “She likes to make sure he is well-cared-for.”