Highland Scandal by Mageela Troche Read Free Book Online Page A

one person was happy. He rose to his feet as the last note died. He came forward and escorted her back to her seat.
    “Beautiful. I may have you sing every night.” He grabbed her hand.
    “Only if you join me,” she retorted.
    “Och, I do not think I can sing along side you.”
    “If you continue with these sweet words, my head shall swell. Pride is a sin.”
    “Then we must pick a worthy song.”
    “A ballad about a grand battle, perhaps?” She asked.
    “That sounds good.” He sat there, holding her hand as they listened to the harper.
    Two songs later, Caelen came over to her. “I must steal my sister.”
    Rowen went with him out of the hall until they stood under the star bright sky. “If you didn’t care for my singing, you could have told me another time.” She twisted her lips when he gave no reply. Brenna had lessened his stern demeanor so he generally enjoyed her moments of wit.
    “I have told Lachlan to stay away from you. You must do the same.”
    “I must do this or that. When can I do as I wish?”
    “Not now. You think as Nic Kenzie”—Caelen used her Gaelic surname—“you can do as you wish. You cannot. You have no other choice.”
    “You think I do not know that.”
    “Then why are you making eyes at him? I know you and he did not return right away from the hunt. I said nothing, but this must end.”
    “Do not fear I will wed Eacharn. Just leave me be.” She spun away. He yanked her back almost ripping her arm from her shoulder.
    “Nay.”
    “You get to spend your life with the one person you love. Yet I cannot even have this time with my own.”
    “I didn’t always love her. I married her because father wished for it as I wish for this.”
    “As a woman, my wishes mean nothing?”
    “Not as a woman. As the daughter of Laird MacKenzie and as my sister, you do not get that privilege. Your life is not your own as the clan women’s are. You have servants and fine clothing and do not have to work the fields, so in return you improve your clan.”
    “And Lachlan has nothing to improve the clan,” She said. Her voice shook with unshed tears.
    He jabbed a finger at her. “Lachlan is a good man. He is my foster brother. If it were possible, I would let you marry him. I would take you to the church myself. But we know that is not possible. Cease, Rowen, with this hopeful disillusion of yours. I wish you weren’t hurt by this. I don’t like it.”
    “But Lachlan could have something in the future?”
    He rested his hands on her shoulder and bent down so they were eye level. “Rowen, if you do something foolish, then it affects the whole clan. We will be at war. Can you live with it?”
    She shook her head, hoping it dried her pooling tears. “I will do as I must.”              
     
    * * * *
     
    Rowen stretched her back to ease the stiffness. The stool wasn’t very comfortable. Being taller than most women, Rowen had to bend over the kitchen worktable. She picked up a turnip and started digging out the inside pulp.
    “How many lanterns do you wish to make?” she asked Ailsa.
    “As many as I can. I want the hall to be filled with them for Samhain. Duncan enjoys them so.”
    Connor sat beside his mother. His tongue peeked out the side of his mouth. He focused every thought on carving the scariest neep he could. His little fingers gripped the knife as he cut into the turnip. His dark eyes shined brightly with excitement. He paused to take in his work and smiled before carving some more. She would have children one day, but they wouldn’t be Lachlan’s.
    As if she had fairy magic, Lachlan appeared. Connor twisted to look at him.
    “I have a come for a treat.” Lachlan wrapped Cook in his arms. Mistress Garvie laughed. Lachlan planted a loud kiss on her cheek.
    “I ha’e nothing fae ye.” She playfully slapped his arm.
    Lachlan nuzzled her neck.
    “Och, ye the devil. Verra weel, I ha’e something fae ye.”
    Lachlan released her and followed behind her. She