Resisting the Highlander: A Scottish Romance by Marian McBride Read Free Book Online

passing.
    It was not long after his visit that Bridget moved most of her belongings into the castle with the help of her father. Aidan had offered his assistance, but she’d refused, saying she had only a few possessions anyway. The Burns celebration supper was only a few days away, so she decided to move in for good when she came to dress for the party. A bit reluctant to leave her parents and sisters, she had decided to wait until the last possible moment. This way, she would see her parents again that same night at the supper and although they wouldn’t be living so very far apart, she knew this was the end of something precious and dear to her.
    A new phase in her life was beginning; it was time to relinquish the old.

FOUR

I n the early afternoon of a cold January day, Bridget entered Ty-Runach, where she was to face a new challenge. She carried a light portmanteau as she walked in and surveyed the goings on. The house looked as if it had seen a lot of activity during the past few days. Furniture was moved, rugs rolled back, and two long tables taken down from the storage garret sat empty, waiting for guests to arrive.
    As she started up the stairs, she heard the sound of chattering voices coming from the direction of the kitchen where Besse and her helpers were busy with preparations for the dinner. When she heard her own name mentioned, she stopped for a moment to listen.
    Mary Burnett’s voice was the loudest. “I think it’s a shame, Besse, bringing that girl here. What is he thinking of after all you have done for him?”
    Besse’s answer was inaudible, but Elizabeth MacPherson laughed. “He’s taking an awful chance having the lassie here with that Aidan MacLeod in the same house. Everybody knows his reputation with the ladies. The old man is making it very easy for him.”
    More muffled laughter and talk ensued, causing Bridget’s cheeks to burn. Then Mary’s voice came again, “If I were you, I’d see to it she doesn’t stay here too long.  There are ways you know.”
    “Oh, maybe it will not be so bad,” said Besse. “She seems a nice enough lassie.”
    “Well, suit yourself Besse, but here’s what I would do.”
    There was more low talking and much giggling. Angry at what they had said about her grandfather, Bridget ran upstairs, stamping her feet louder than was necessary to let them know they were not alone in the house.
    ––––––––
    T he talking stopped suddenly; it was replaced with dead silence and consternation on three faces. Elizabeth MacPherson’s eyes popped wide and she clapped her hand over her mouth.
    Besse whispered, “The lassie has come to get ready for the party. I wonder if she heard what we were saying?” She also wondered what Robert would say or do if Bridget should repeat anything to him she might have overheard. Robert MacDonald was a fair man but not one to tolerate talk like that about his favorite granddaughter or his right hand man.
    ––––––––
    U p in her room, Bridget burned with indignation, and now worried that she may have made a mistake in deciding to move in with Robert.
    “Silly old party,” she said to herself. “I wish now he had not asked me to be his hostess.”
    Then, she heard Robert call to her from the foot of the stairs, “Are ye here, lass?”
    The happy tone in his voice filled Bridget with a different kind of warmth. She knew right then she would do anything within her power to make him happy. All her had to was ask.
    She went to open her bedroom door and stood in the doorway as she yelled back, “Yes, Robert, I’m here. I came early so I can be ready in time to greet your guests with you.”
    She could hear his grin in his tone as he said, “That’s fine, lassie. “I’ll see you in a little while then,” and off he went to his bedroom, through the hallway from the dining area, humming happily to himself.
    Bridget heard Besse’s voice giving orders to her helpers. The ensuing rattle of dishes as they set