Love Letters from Largs: Brodie and Celestina (Highlander Clan Grant Series Book 3) by Keira Montclair Read Free Book Online Page A

take advantage of the situation. He followed Baron Lunde and Ivarsson until they disappeared down the dark path leading into the gardens. His one and only opportunity had just arrived, and he would not miss it. He meandered his way to Celestina’s side as subtly as he could. He stopped directly in front of her. “Your pardon, my lady, I wish to introduce myself. I am Brodie Grant of Dulnain Valley.” He nodded to her and then to the priest at her side.
    While he spoke, he couldn’t help but notice how upset she was. She was fighting to cover the turmoil raging inside with a façade of serenity. He guessed she was trained at this deception, but he saw through it. He saw the fine tremble of her upper lip, the clench of her arm on the priest, and the rigidity of her posture. When he caught her gaze, he detected a brief softening in her countenance, a sense of relief almost. “Father, I wish a brief moment with the lady.”
    The priest grinned. “Aye, my son, you may have a word with the lady, but only in my presence. I am Father Padraig of the Celtic Church, and this is Celestina Lunde, betrothed to Fredrik Ivarsson. I am often in attendance with the baron and his people. Say what you wish.”
    “I accept your terms, Father. May we step into a more private area?”
    They moved to an area near the staircase. Brodie fidgeted, uncertain what to say now that he’d managed to gain an audience with her.
    Friar Pa draig nodded for him to begin, but Brodie’s words caught in his throat. She was even more beautiful tonight. Her porcelain skin begged for his caress, her rosy lips were soft and slightly plump. Lost in her loveliness, he coughed to bring his mind back on course. Acting like a love sick lad would not get him anywhere. “My lady, after watching you almost jump to your death earlier today, I must ask if you are in a better state now. I am concerned about your well-being.”
    The priest made a small choking sound and turned to await Celestina’s answer.
    Celestina folded her hands demurely in front of her and spoke on cue without any emotion. “You must be mistaken, my lord. I would never do such a thing.” She cleared her throat and kept her gaze over his shoulder, attempting to ignore him. The trembling visible in her hands told another story. “I request that you not make such ridiculous accusations in front of Father Padraig.”
    Brodie realized he should have thought of that. Attempting suicide was against the rules of the church. He had made a big error in judgment. He knew they could be seen, but he could not stop himself. He reached for her gloved hands and wrapped his hands around hers. The shiver that coursed through her body in response to his touch traveled up his arm.
    He touched a finger to her chin to force her to look at him. “Are you sure? Are you no’ to be married soon? Should you no’ be basking in glory and celebration? Because even if you were no’ bent on ending your life earlier, I have nae seen a more crestfallen lass.” He regretted that he had to pull his hand from her face, but he had no choice—the priest was likely to stop him at any moment. He thought about brushing his thumb across the soft skin of her cheek, but he knew it would never be allowed. He wanted to feel her, not just look at her. Still, he wanted to drink in her essence, to know everything about her.
    The sadness in her blue eyes wrenched his heart. “I will be married in less than a sennight. I am very happy with my engagement.” Her eyes misted as she spoke.
    “Pardon my rudeness, my lady, but you do no’ seem pleased with this arrangement. Can you no’ refuse his suit and find another? There must be many Scottish lads who would marry you. I must say he is no’ a kind looking man. Is this what you wish for your future?”
    “ My lord, I have no say in my marriage. Surely you realize most females do not choose their husbands. I do as I am bid by my father and my king. This is a political marriage, as well