Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Lecia Cornwall Read Free Book Online Page A

Lord Merridew had not yet arrived, no doubt delayed by the weather himself. How could she explain that Alanna was missing on her wedding day, especially after Megan had eloped to avoid marrying his lordship only a few short months earlier? The poor man would begin to suspect that Devorguilla’s daughters weren’t grateful to be marrying an English marquess. Devorguilla clenched her fist. She would not let that happen. Alanna must be found.
    She watched as her sister-­in-­law, Lady Eleanor Fraser, pressed a dram of whisky into the gamekeeper’s hand. “Come get yourself warm by the fire, Jamie, and tell us what you know.”
    â€œNo one saw her after noon yesterday, my lady,” Jamie said, shaking his head. “Jeannie said she saw Lady Alanna out in the orchard, dressed in that red cloak of hers, walking among the trees. That was before the snow began.” Devorguilla saw the worry in the man’s keen eyes as he shook his head. “There’s no sign of her now. The storm has covered any tracks she might have left. We’ve had a lot of snow, and there’s another storm coming.” He rubbed his elbow. “This one will be worse than yesterday’s—­I can feel it in my bones.”
    â€œGo out again,” Devorguilla insisted, ignoring the puddle the man was leaving on the floor as he thawed out. “She must be found. Did you check everywhere—­the lodge, the village inn, the old castle at Glen Dorian?” Was Alanna hiding somewhere, sulking?
    â€œSeveral times, my lady,” Jamie said. “We’ve got everyone in the village looking for the lass as well. We’re all worried about her.” He twisted his cap in his hand and looked at Eleanor.
    â€œGo and get some soup in the kitchen and warm yourself,” Eleanor said and sent him out.
    Devorguilla paced the carpet. “First Megan runs off and handfasts with Lord Rossington, and now—­” She felt a frisson of irritation replace concern in her breast. “It took me weeks to placate Lord Merridew, to show him that if he couldn’t have Megan, then Alanna would do just as well. And now this—­will all my daughters disappoint me?”
    Eleanor went to the window and scanned the orchard yet again before turning to face her sister-­in-­law. Devorguilla could see by her expression there was still no sign of Alanna, and her heart fell.
    â€œWell, since Merridew isn’t here, I have no doubt he has been delayed by the storm as well,” Eleanor said. “There’s still time to find Alanna before he arrives. I’m sure she’s safe. It’s the custom in the Highlands to offer welcome and shelter to travellers, and someone will have taken her in.” She met Devorguilla’s eyes. “Of course, this means there’s still time to invite Alec and Caroline to the wedding, weather allowing. Alec will eventually find out his sister is getting married, and he won’t be pleased that you left him off the guest list. If we delay the ceremony for a week or two, we can have a Christmas wedding. That, and it will give Merridew and Alanna a chance to get to know each other a little better.”
    Devorguilla frowned, twisted her fingers together under Eleanor’s scrutiny. “Alec is the Earl of Glenlorne now, and he has enough to do there without bothering with my affairs. Alanna is my concern.”
    â€œShe’s his sister, and he loves her. He wants what’s best for her as much as you do,” Eleanor said. “He’d want to be here, you know that. And he is her guardian.”
    Devorguilla raised her chin. “And I’m her mother! Lord Merridew is what’s best for Alanna. He’s titled and willing, and Alanna agreed to his proposal.”
    Eleanor folded her arms over her chest. “She agreed to your proposal. You’re afraid Alec will refuse to allow the match, aren’t you? He’ll ask