Rogue's Challenge by Jo Barrett Read Free Book Online

face was a sight to see, one that warmed Ian deep inside.
    With a tear glistening at the edge of his eye, Colin snatched the things from his ears and hastened to the head of the bed. He took Amelia's tear-stained face in his large hands and pressed a most gentle kiss to her lips.
    Ne'er in his life had Ian e'er been jealous of his friend, not in truth, not until now. This overwhelming love before him was a wonder. It was a miracle, a gift, one he would never know, for he was not only a fourth son, but a bastard son.
    His heart lay heavy on his chest as he watched his friends’ loving display. He could not be happier for them, but it could not dissuade the emptiness surrounding his soul, for no woman of gentle breeding would ever want a bastard for a husband.
    A sniffle to his right caught his ear. “Let us leave them to their privacy,” Elspeth said with a faint clearing of the throat, and escorted Ian and Jenny from the room.
    "Ian, you mind the lass while I tell Douglas of the news.” Elspeth bustled off down the hall toward the Laird's chambers before he could protest.
    "Would you care for a tour of the castle, Mistress Maxwell?” he asked awkwardly. “Or perhaps I can escort you to your chamber?"
    "Um, a tour would be nice. Although I won't be able to see much of anything."
    He let out a long harsh sigh, but decided to leave the old argument alone this time, and slipped her hand onto his arm. As they wandered the halls, little was said between them, other than Ian's comments about the rooms.
    Upon entering the solar, he introduced her to Douglas, Colin's father and the Laird of the clan, who sat with a very large smile on his face beside Elspeth in front of the fireplace.
    "Would ye believe I'm about tae become a grandfather? Of twins, no less?” the old man said with hearty laugh. “I thank ye for coming tae Amelia, lass."
    "I'm glad to be here,” Jenny said softly. She felt Ian's gaze with that statement. Slowly, she turned toward him. “Thank you for bringing me. I am glad I came. Even without my glasses."
    Ian bowed and escorted her to a chair. “I will do my best to find what you need, mistress.” He sat near her on a sturdy bench.
    "What does the lass need?” Douglas asked.
    "Her spectacles, dear,” Elspeth said. “They were lost on her journey."
    "Ah. Edinburgh. ‘Tis the place to find such things. Or mayhap as far as London."
    "Agreed. I shall leave at first light, and if not successful, I shall venture on until I am,” Ian said.
    Jenny shook her head at him. “You'd have to bring back dozens in hopes that one might assist me. No, the odds are slim to none at best that you would succeed. As I stated earlier,” she said. Why couldn't he see that it was useless? It served no purpose other than to raise false hopes? Would it kill him to agree with her just once?
    "I have faced worse odds, believe me,” he said.
    "I'm sure you have, but this is a fool's errand."
    "I am determined in this, mistress,” he said, his voice tight.
    "You won't find any,” she said through clenched teeth.
    "I am sure that I will."
    "And I am sure that you're a—"
    "Children,” Elspeth interrupted.
    The Laird chuckled brightly. “This U—S breeds spirited lassies, eh Ellie?"
    Elspeth laughed softly. “Aye, that it does, love."
    Jenny ground her teeth, knowing full well she would regret it later. The headache and the damage to her teeth weren't worth it, but this pious man beside her brought out her temper with full force whenever he spoke. It was so unlike her. She normally avoided confrontation, loathed it, but ever since she'd met Tuck nothing was the same. She'd changed, but was it for the better?
    "Why not take the lass with ye, Ian lad? My Ellie says Amelia isna due for a while. Seems there would be enough time fer ye tae fetch her the things and be back in time."
    "'Tis not necessary. I assure you."
    Jenny's head swam. Go on another adventure? Did she dare? Although it would be fruitless as far as finding any