Borderland Beauty

Borderland Beauty by Samantha Holt Read Free Book Online Page B

Book: Borderland Beauty by Samantha Holt Read Free Book Online
Authors: Samantha Holt
Tags: Romance, Historical Romance, Love Story, Scotland, Scottish Borders, Borders, Lowlanders
harm to be more romantic, Lucy. Just be open to possibilities, that is all I ask.”
    “I am staying, am I not?”
    Her mother stepped over and enfolded her into her arms. Lucy bristled initially but eventually relaxed into her mother’s hold and patted affectionately at her back.
    “I’m only doing this for you, Mother,” Lucy mumbled against her shoulder.
    “I know, dear. Will you do me one last favour?”
    Lucy stiffened. “What?”
    She drew back and grinned. “Appease your father. He is ready to take Dominic’s head off.”
     

     
    Chapter Four
    Spotting the gentle swing of Lucy's fair hair, Dominic hurried after her as she walked behind her parents towards the stables. He paused for a moment to watch the outline of her hips underneath her mantle. Even under the thick wool, her generous hips were visible. Ack, what was he doing? He should be proving himself a better man.
    For the first time since his brother’s marriage, he wished Jake was here, but he had left in the early hours, hurrying back to be with his wife for Christmas. For all his surly manners, Jake had managed to win over Isabel. Dominic snorted. As if he wanted relationship advice from his big brother.
    Shaking his head, he caught up to Lucy. He didn't miss the stiffening of her shoulders as he came to her side but she refused to acknowledge his presence, keeping her gaze fixed on her mount as the stable hand brought it forward.
    Dominic motioned impatiently to the young lad and he scurried off to get his master’s mount. Dominic didn’t want to give Lucy the chance to ride off without him. She avoided him at the morning meal, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to miss this opportunity.
    “Good morrow,” he greeted her when it was clear she was intent on ignoring him.
    “Good morrow, my lord,” she replied stiffly, not even turning to face him.
    “Merry Christmas.”
    “And to you.”
    “May I escort you to church, lass?"
    Her chin jutted out for a moment before relaxing and a thin smile stretched across her face. “As you will, my lord.”
    Holding out a hand, she kept her gaze from him and Dominic bit back a laugh. What a stubborn lassie. Instead of simply allowing her hand to sit on his, he grasped it, tucking her slender fingers in through his. She jolted her head towards him, her eyes wide. It pleased him to see the rush of colour that flushed across her chest. His touch affected her, just as hers did him.
    She climbed into the saddle with ease and Dominic took the opportunity to press her small foot into her stirrups. She visibly flinched and he wondered briefly if he was going to get a kick in the mouth but he relied on her obvious dislike of drawing attention. If it hadn’t been for her, he didn’t doubt that Montgomery would have called him out for a duel last night.
    The lad hastened towards him with his black destrier and Dominic mounted quickly, noting the way Lucy’s eyes followed his movement.
    “Come then," she said coolly, turning from him and starting towards the gatehouse. Her horse picked up pace abruptly before she hauled it to a quick stop and he almost missed the sudden grin that flickered across her face as he urged his horse after her.
    They trudged carefully down the steep hill and wove into the narrow streets. A heavier dusting of snow had fallen during the night and the roofs of the cottages matched their whitewashed walls, but the paths were still passable. Peasants strolled along the streets, hampering their progress, but Dominic was grateful for the delay. It could only mean more time alone in Lucy’s company.
    The church sat near the edge of the village and though Thornewall Keep had its own chapel, Dominic always went to the church for mass and celebrations. He could keep a close eye on the mood of the village that way, and it usually meant he could head off problems before they started.
    Lucy’s parents travelled behind them and her father flicked the occasional disproving look at them but Dominic

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