Page 16 of The Lass and the Laird

Unfortunately, Aiden would not be put off. "Are you forming a union with the McNeils?"

The man to her left looked at them with raised eyebrows. "Ah, yes, you arrived late. You missed my introduction. I am not Laird Gordon, but his second. I am Ian McRainey Gordon."

"As far as our laird, Declan Gordon, he has not decided on what he will do.” Ian leaned closer in order to keep from being overheard. "You never did voice your request, Aiden."

"I seek a husband for my sister." To her mortification, Aiden did not whisper, but spoke evenly. Thankfully, only a couple heads turned their way.

Elsbeth cleared her throat.

Ian McRainey's eyes met hers for a beat. "I will speak to the laird. I believe he is aware of your sister. Has made her acquaintance. He mentioned as much to me after seeing her at the town square."

"I've met him?" Meredith searched her mind attempting to remember who could have been the laird. The only men she remembered were Ian and her lover, who told her he lived at the edge of the woods. There was a younger man she'd noticed near a vendor's cart, but had discarded for his youth. She didn't remember the young boy being overly handsome, nor would think he was even old enough to lay with his stepmother. "I apologize, but I do not remember."

Ian frowned. "I cannot explain more to you. Declan should return shortly and, perhaps by then, things will clear up. Why don't you remain here for another two days, as my guest? You can keep Elsbeth company."

"I couldn't possibly."

Aiden, curse him, interceded. "Of course, my sister will remain. I will have her maid come and bring her changes of clothing."

He moved his leg anticipating her kick and she missed.

Ian must have informed Elsbeth because she overheard her question him, her voice slightly higher than normal, the woman replied to him. "Aye, of course, that would be lovely."

The McNeil lass leaned forward and looked to her. "Two women under the same roof. And we are both here for the same reason." She lifted a brow and looked to Ian McRainey who shifted in his seat.

Meredith smiled back, liking Elsbeth's spunk. "I am not sure what the men plan, but it could prove interesting, at least."

When Aiden took her arm in an attempt to quiet her, she ignored him. "Now Mr. McRainey, is there an interesting story you can tell us about your laird?"

Upon learning the man present was not the laird, Meredith found herself enjoying his company. He called Dugan over who in turn regaled them with stories of growing up with his cousins, the Gordons, and learning to hunt and fish alongside Declan Gordon, who seemed to have a penchant for getting into trouble.

The opportunity did not come for Meredith to learn why he was not present, nor was she able to glean anything other than the fact that Ian McRainey and the other men present both respected and admired the laird.

Aiden made to leave too soon and she tried one last time to convince him to take her home. As she expected, he'd already sent a guard to retrieve her belongings because at the doorway stood Lily with a bundle and a huge smile.

"’Tis a grand place is it not, milady?" Lily trailed behind her as the housekeeper and cook, Pat, showed her to the chambers.

"Indeed. Yet, I hope to not remain longer than necessary."

Chapter Eight

It had been a grand day. Declan arrived home late from hunting, dirty and happy. Both he and his guard had killed several pheasants and rabbits. They placed them in the kitchen and he ordered a bath.

Ian would be angry with him for not being present all day, but he needed the time away to think. Admittedly, he was not positive of his decision yet or how he felt regarding Meredith and Elsbeth.

Pat bustled forward and directed the lads to fill his tub behind a partition in the large kitchen. "I've brought clean clothes, Laird. Edan comes now to assist you."

"Thank you, Pat. Is there anything of importance I should know before I seek my bed?"

"Only that the Stuart lass is here. Mister Ian invited her to remain for a visit as she and her brother came to seek audience with you."

Declan almost jumped from the bath. "Is that so?"

"Aye, Laird. Her brother spoke loudly stating he sought a husband for her. The poor lass' face was bright red with mortification."

Moments later, he crept along the hall toward the room where Meredith slept. Upon opening it, the chamber door creaked loud enough to make him cringe. The interior was dark. She laid upon the center of the bed, sprawled out, fast asleep, the blankets kicked off. A quick search of the room told him her maid had either not come or was sleeping downstairs.

"Beauty?" He leaned over her and kissed her. "Awaken."