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

as a financial one.”
    “Aye, but this is the land of the Scots. You can refuse to marry the man if you wish.”
    Her eyes searched his for a moment, and then she shook her head. “I must thank you for your kindness and your compassion, but there is nothing to be done.” She stood and straightened her skirts. “It will not bode well for me to be found in your company, my lord.” She glanced at the priest, warmth and sympathy visible in his eyes. “I think it is time for us to leave, Father Padraig, before my father returns from his meeting.”
    “She speaks the truth, my lord. Thank you for your concern, but she m ust return to her betrothed.”
    Brodie was powerless to move, but stood spellbound as the priest escorted her back amid the crowd in the great hall. At least, she had one true supporter in Father Padraig. He had never seen anyone as stunning as Celestina Lunde. His friend, Nicol, was right. He wanted her in so many ways, yet the situation seemed impossible.
    But she was more than that. Her bravery at dealing with a marriage bound for failure was impressive. Had she heard of the rumors about her betrothed? If so, she had to be one of the strongest lasses he had ever met not to run out that door at the prospect of her imminent marriage. At first, he pictured her as weak and in need of assistance. Now, he saw her situation entirely different. Strength and courage were the words that came to mind, not weakness.
    He would not give up and walk away from a lass in such turmoil. He vowed to make her his. But how? And why was he acting like a fool? He had just met this woman, and he was already thinking of marriage. The reason was simple; he could not stomach to see her on the arm of Fredrik Ivarsson. She belonged with him, and he would not give up until she was his wife.
    But would she have him? He was no earl, no baron, no laird. She had not expressed any overt interest in him other than the trembling at his touch. Was she the kind of lady who was attracted to jewels and wealth? If so, what did Brodie have to offer her?
    ***
    Celestina’s head spun in a dizzying response to Brodie Grant. She could still feel the heat of his touch on her chin as if he had branded her. How she wished it could be that simple.
    As soon as he’d approached them, her heart had sped up like never before. His presence was commanding, safe, protective, something with which she had little experience.
    Lord Ivarsson escorted Celestina to the opulent dining table, one of several in the large hall. As they stood waiting for their king to be seated on the dais before them, he leaned in to whisper in her ear. “This is a lovely room, but not as lovely as you, my dear.”
    Celestina did the only thing she could bear to do with the feeling of his hot breath on her ear. Refusing to acknowledge his closeness, she took the opportunity to survey her surroundings, hoping he would take the hint.
    Heavy , rich, red and gold brocade tapestries decorated the walls. The hearth was one of the largest she had ever seen. A tapestry of the former King of the Scots, Alexander’s father, hung over it. One oak table sat regally at the end of the hall on a raised dais, and was adorned with intricately carved silver goblets and plates. Three more wooden tables ran the length of the hall, parallel to each other. They were arranged so all could view the king, in case he needed their attention. Fresh rushes on the floor lent a sweet fragrance to the setting.
    Fredrik held her seat for her as she approached the table. He sat to her right and her father to her left, completely boxing her in between them. Laird Alexander Grant was sitting directly next to her father, and The Grant’s brother, was to his left. She was thankful the seating arrangement had her perfect knight a couple of seats down from her. Had she been required to sit near him, her heart would have broken for sure. No one sat opposite so their view of the king would not be hindered. She kept her gaze on