Page 88 of My Highland Love

Chapter Fourteen

When Elise finally stepped from the stairwell, Marcus had to remember to breathe. Pleasure rippled through him at seeing she had worn her hair loose. Her creamy skin, luminous against the soft brown of the modest gown borrowed for this occasion, radiated a sensuality, which revived the memory of their earlier lovemaking. Low bodice met high waist, emphasizing the curve of her breasts. The dress hung loosely around her slim body, transforming her into an ethereal creature drifting toward him. She stopped beside him and smiled at his son. Marcus watched Kiernan's acute scrutiny of her as introductions were made. She extended a hand as graciously as any duchess.

“Madam.” Kiernan took her hand and brought it to his lips.

Her face lit with enchantment and Marcus breathed a sigh of relief that her misgivings seemed to have evaporated.

“Why, sir,” she said, “I believe you are a heartbreaker.”

Kiernan blinked in surprise.

“You didn't tell me he was such a rogue, Marcus. I wager the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”

Marcus smiled. “Kiernan is very much his own man.”

Her expression softened. “Perhaps, but that raven's hair and those eyes…”

Memory of similar words spoken to him by her upon their first meeting stole over Marcus.

“They must be your mother's eyes.” She smiled at Kiernan.

Marcus snapped back to the present.

Cameron joined them, his raised brow testament that he had overheard the comment. Marcus looked from his son to Elise. It hadn't occurred to him she might speak of Jenna. He had never spoken to her of his wife, and she had no idea of Kiernan's sensitivity concerning his mother.

Kiernan angled his head. “You are correct, madam. I did, indeed, inherit those traits from my mother.”

“I see,” Elise nodded. “But there's more.” A corner of her mouth twitched upwards. “She imparted something of herself to you. A piece of her soul, perhaps.” Kiernan looked genuinely shaken and Elise's smile turned gentle. “It is heartening that you carry her with you.”

He looked hopelessly at his father but was doomed to find no solace there, for Marcus was as surprised as he.

“Well, now, Kiernan,” Cameron's deep voice broke in, “what do you think of your father's future bride?” He gave Kiernan a crack on the back and winked at Elise.

Marcus noted the blush that crept up her cheek and wondered at a woman who could be so bold one moment, then so reticent the next.

* * *

The following day, Father Whyte arrived. Winnie announced the priest's arrival. Had it been Marcus, Elise would have taken the sgian dubh from the wall in the great hall and put it through his heart. That would be a more merciful end than the one he would suffer if his foolishness got them married.

Father Whyte asked if all were well with the wedding arrangements. “A week is a short time to prepare a wedding feast.”

“A week?” Elise replied, then remembered Marcus saying the wedding would take place soon. He hadn't said how soon.

What if you did go through with the marriage, a quiet voice asked?

Then Price would go free, and Amelia and Steven wouldn't have recompense. But how many more would suffer as a result of Price? She had lost the two most important people in her life. Now she would lose Marcus. All because of her stepfather. But it wasn't so simple. If Marcus—or worse, someone else—discovered the truth, he would pay dearly.

In the end, Elise had seen to Father Whyte's comfort in the small abbey located on the southeast edge of Brahan Seer. Guilt piled higher at the realization that he was enthusiastic about the marriage. Why couldn't he have been one of those pinched-nose priests who believe rank shouldn't mix?

That night when Elise appeared in the great hall and started toward the kitchen, Marcus intercepted her and seated her beside him at the table.

“Winnie is expecting me.” She tried to rise.

Marcus laid a firm hand on her shoulder. “Nae. She is not.”

Elise glanced at the kitchen door.

“'Tis the way of things,” he said. “You will have duties enough after we wed.”