Maiden of Inverness by Arnette Lamb Read Free Book Online

guarded the thought. They were conversing civilly; it was a start. “How badly do you wish to return to England?”
    Her force of will was palpable. “Enough to continue bartering with you until God stands as witness to this futile exchange.”
    Formidable. There was that word again. The too apt description of her inner strength made him rethink his strategy. Were he to strike a bargain with her, he ran the risk of losing and having to honor it. “You plan to await the Second Coming.”
    She set her jaw. “Yes, and the Third Coming.”
    In the face of her implacable determination, he aborted his original plan. The irony of his predicament gripped him, and after years spent preparing to welcome her home, he must now compel. She had said the people were doomed to disappointment. A woefully poor description; they would be crushed, for he had gone to drastic measures to make a place for her in the hearts and lives of the people of Elginshire.
    The brisk April wind fluttered her cloak, and the damp air made ringlets of the wisps of hair that framed her face. The climate suited her well.
    â€œâ€Šâ€™Twould appear,” she trilled, “that we have, as you say, the supreme joy of facing our first quandary.”
    He added witty to her list of attributes. “Have you everything you need?”
    â€œHow gracious of you to inquire after my needs. Before I answer, you should tell me how long you intend to keep me.”
    He couldn’t help but growl, “Leave off, Meridene.”
    She blinked in feigned confusion and pulled off her gloves. “Oh, but I’ll gladly leave you to your life, should you leave me to mine.”
    Damn Cutberth Macgillivray for his cruel treatment of her. Damn her father for turning her against all Scots. Damn Revas Macduff for living up to her low expectations. “You take pleasure in being stubborn.”
    A grin played about her pretty mouth. “You are too quick for me, Revas. I’m but a country girl.”
    He laughed. “And I’m chancellor of England.”
    She laughed, too, and he wanted to embrace her.
    â€œWhen will we arrive?” she asked.
    â€œIn a few days—as the weather allows.”
    â€œGood. That should give me ample time.”
    He grew still and cautious. “Time to what?”
    She reached up and laid her hands against his cheeks. Her palms were icy cold, yet her eyes shone with warmth. He could fall into that alluring gaze and follow where she led.
    â€œâ€Šâ€™Twill give me time,” she whispered, “to plan your downfall.”
    With that she left him there, the breeze ruffling his hair, her words rattling his composure.
    *  *  *
    Two days later, the ship docked at dawn at the seaport of Elgin’s End. Meridene dawdled in her cabin, busying her hands with folding and refolding the fine garments Revas had provided. Her eye was drawn to a rose-colored surcoat embroidered with golden thistles at the hem and neck. The garment fitted her perfectly, as did the contrasting bliaud of dark red linen. Even the shoes, gloves, and underclothing had been fashioned precisely for her.
    Ana must have supplied him with the particulars.
    Feeling betrayed, Meridene slammed the lid on the trunk, walked to the bulkhead, and peered through the small opening. An endless, churning sea filled her vision.
    Since they’d sailed past Aberdeen, she’d grown apprehensive, as if a drum in her chest were beating out a rhythm of foreboding. For the hundredth time she wondered how she could free herself from Revas Macduff. The promise of an eight-year-old girl shouldn’t hold sway, not when she’d been ill and confused and coerced into pledging her troth. The law should free her from any obligation. If not, the church must surely annul the unconsummated marriage.
    Unconsummated. Therein lay her escape. She had stayed alone in this cabin during the voyage and searched for a means of thwarting