Kilgannon by Kathleen Givens Read Free Book Online Page B

unperturbed, said that Alex's brother James and his sister Katrine were dead and that Malcolm lived at Kilgannon as well.
    "Is he here in London with you?" I asked, but never got an answer, for Alex approached us then, his smile wide.
    "Yer aunt would have a word with ye, Mary," Alex said as he drew to my side. I gave Louisa a nervous glance, and Alex laughed. "I've assured her I have only the most honorable intentions. We are dining here in two days, Angus and I, with ye and yer Robert Campbell." He nodded at my startled expression. "We ken each other. I must deal with Argyll, and Robert is often there as well." Alex grinned at me and gestured to Louisa. "Now, go and talk to yer aunt, lass, and then come back to me if ye would. I wish to be with ye today, not all yer kinsmen, and we've not had a moment."
    I nodded and went to Louisa, who met me with a smile and a wave of her hand. "I will not fight the tide, Mary. You may see the man if you will. Did you know that Robert has returned?"
    "No, I've not heard from him," I said, glancing back at Alex.
    "Nor I, but he arrived last night. I sent him a note this morning. I'm not sure how pleased he'll be with you." "I am not bound to him, Louisa. If I were engaged to Robert, Alex would not be here this morning."
    "I understand, but Robert may not approve." She looked at the men, who were laughing about something. "Alex MacGannon is a man who knows what he wants, and right now that seems to be you. Be careful, my Mary. We know who Robert is, but in many ways Alex is an unknown. Don't be taken in by his looks and charm."
    "I'm not a fool, Louisa," I said. "And Alex is not an unknown. He is your cousin by marriage."
    "You will find, my dear, that in Scotland everyone is related." She sighed. "Go talk with him, Mary. I can see you wish to. But for heaven's sake use your head."
    Will and Angus joined Louisa as she walked away, and Matthew trailed along behind them. For just a moment I stood and watched Alex. The green canopy of the trees framed him against the white of the house. His gaze was somewhere in the distance and I savored the chance to study him unnoticed. Was I just swept away by the magnificence of the man? To be sure, few women would not be. He was a man who would cause many feminine hearts to race, but what of the man underneath? Somehow he didn't seem a stranger, and yet Louisa was right—that's what he was. I decided to be more considering, but then he looked at me, smiling a smile that lit his face, and I walked to meet him without any further thought.
    We strolled in the gardens for the better part of an hour, and at Louisa's insistence they stayed for luncheon on the terrace.
    Betty joined us for the meal, all traces of her headache gone. It was cool and fragrant in the shade and we chatted easily, even Louisa laughing often. I was seated between Alex and Matthew, and somehow it seemed natural to look across the table and share a smile with my aunt as we shared a meal with the MacGannons. Angus had effortlessly drawn her into a protracted discussion of the Lowlands versus the Highlands. Alex's cousin had the manners of a gentleman as he courteously assured Louisa that the Lowlands were no match for his home. But most of my attention was on Alex. He had been relaxed and lively, but now he watched the others talk, then leaned toward me, his voice quiet.
    "Seems as though we've done this before, does it not, Mary? Seems strange to think a week ago I'd never seen ye."
    "Three days ago I'd never seen you."
    "Oh, aye, that's true. I was invisible at the Duchess's party."
    "I truly did not see you, Alex. I would have remembered."
    "Aye?"
    "Yes. You are quite noticeable."
    "Aye, well, so are ye, lass. I was watching all the pretty girls and there ye were, on the other side of the group." Our eyes met and he smiled. 'The most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. Ye were laughing and hugging the others, and I thought it was verra nice to see a beautiful woman who liked people, so I