Rogue's Challenge by Jo Barrett Read Free Book Online Page A

glasses, she could experience so much more of the era. Even blind it would be impossible to miss the sounds and smells of Edinburgh. “I think it's a wonderful idea,” she said.
    "'Tis a terrible idea,” Ian said. “You will not go."
    "Why not?"
    "Because I said nay."
    "That's not a reason."
    "'Tis good enough for me."
    "Well, it isn't good enough for me."
    "Your opinion in this matter is of no import,” he said with a low growl.
    "My opinion is the only one that matters."
    "The opinion of a mule-headed woman is worthless!"
    "Mule-headed? You're the one who's mule-headed and my opinion is not worthless!"
    "For the love of God!” Douglas blustered. “If ‘tis what she needs tae aid in the birthing of my grandchildren then go she must!"
    Jenny jumped at the Laird's command, but regained her composure quickly. “And go I shall."
    "I can retrieve her spectacles more quickly if I go alone,” Ian said, his voice strained.
    Douglas sighed. “Aye, ye could travel faster alone, but ye need the lass tae do the choosin'."
    "Exactly,” Jenny said with a smirk in Ian's direction. “You need me.” She could feel the heat of his temper wafting off him in low undulating waves.
    "Wonderful! ‘Tis settled then,” Elspeth said.
    "What's settled?” Tuck asked shuffling in with Colin by her side.
    "You're supposed to be in bed,” Jenny said.
    "Waddling in here can't be bad."
    "Doctor's orders. Get her in bed,” Jenny ordered Colin.
    Tuck swatted at her husband's hands. “In a minute. I still don't know what's settled."
    "Ian and I are leaving for Edinburgh tomorrow to get me some new glasses."
    Ian shot to his feet. “We most certainly are not!"
    "Of course you are, dears,” Elspeth said. “Oh, you'll have such fun, lass. ‘Tis such a large city, oh the sights you'll see. Well, once you've found your spectacles."
    Jenny and Elspeth chattered back and forth, ignoring Ian's constant attempts to interrupt.
    A shrill whistle split the air and all eyes turned to Tuck now seated in a chair by the fire, her feet propped up on a stool. “How long does it take to get there?” she asked.
    "'Tis three days at least.” Three long days and nights, Ian thought. And all with this irritating woman constantly by his side. He would either kill her or, heaven help him, kiss her again.
    "Do you think you'll be back in time before I drop my load?” Amelia asked.
    Jenny shook her head. “Not if you don't stay in bed."
    Amelia grumbled, something obscene, Ian was certain, but could not hear it clearly.
    "Look, I'm ninety-eight point five percent sure I'll be back in time,” Jenny said. “If you stay in bed. And after all, I'm not going to be much help if I can't see what I'm doing."
    "True,” Amelia replied with sigh.
    "You cannot mean to say you agree with this?” Ian asked, praying Amelia would reconsider.
    "You'll keep her safe,” she said off hand.
    "Can you ride, lass?” Colin asked.
    "The woman is afraid of horses,” Ian said, a bit more smugly than he'd intended, but it was a fact she could not deny, and ‘twould surely win his argument.
    "Oh, well, um, yes. I'm afraid that's true. Not as much as I was before,” Jenny added quickly. “But I don't know how to ride."
    "There then, you see? ‘Tis lunacy for her to accompany me."
    "You'll just have to lead her horse,” Amelia said.
    "It will likely take longer than three days at that pace, but, aye, it can be done,” Colin said.
    "But—but—"
    "Is that still within my time frame, Jen?” Amelia asked, ignoring Ian's pathetically sputtered pleas.
    "It merely lowers the percentage to approximately ninety-five point nine percent."
    "This is insane,” Ian muttered.
    "Och, but the lass canna travel looking like that,” Elspeth said.
    "Good point. Your dress doesn't exactly fit,” Amelia said with a chuckle. “And your jeans will be too unusual."
    "Aye, the fuss those blasted trews made when you wore them, love,” Colin said with a wink to his bride.
    "Why do I feel as if I