The Fraser Bride by Lois Greiman Read Free Book Online

why his restless feet had then taken him in the direction of the infirmary. After all, he wasn’t attracted—
    Well, mayhap he was somewhat attracted, but only because his wick was a hopeless hound. His head wasn’t the least bit intrigued. He should have stayed away. Shouldn’t have touched her. Shouldn’t have talked to her. Shouldn’t have questioned her honesty. After all, what did he care if she lied? What did he care that she had the voice of a queen, the eyes of a wanton, and the hands of a wee, frightened lass? What did he care that he could not tell which she truly was? He had no intention of getting involved with her. He didn’t like her, wasn’t interested in her, didn’t plan to—
    “Mary!”
    “Mary!”
    The dual gasps startled him out of his reverie, and he jerked his head up just in time to see her curtsy in the doorway.
    “My apologies, my lairds. My lady,” she said. “I’ve no wish to disturb you, but a servant said I might find you here.”
    “Mary,” Lachlan said, stepping toward her, “you should be abed.”
    “Aye,” Gilmour agreed, and pressing past his brother, reached for the girl’s hand where it rested on the door jamb. “Come, I’ll escort you back to the infirmary.”
    “I must not.” Her voice was soft yet firm, but when she pulled her hand against her skirt, it was with unbridled haste. She was fully dressed in the indigo gown they’d found her in. It had been washed and repaired and made her appear only marginally more sturdy than the nightgown had. “Though I thank you for all your help and hospitality, I fear I cannot stay any—”
    “Cannot stay!” Gilmour cried.
    “What?” Lachlan chimed in.
    “I must return to my home.”
    “Surely you cannot—”
    “Not so—”
    “My sons—” Flanna sent them each a withering glance. “Shall we let the lass speak, or shall we bind and gag her before carting her off to abide in the infirmary forever?”
    Lachlan cleared his throat. Gilmour grinned sheepishly.
    “Come in, Mary of Levenlair,” Roderic said.
    Ramsay filled his starving lungs with air as she glided across the floor. Not a glance did she spare him, as if last night had never been.
    Flanna smiled at her. “There are many things I could ask you, young Mary,” she said. “What brought you here. Where you were bound. Who troubled you. But mostly I wonder, however did you escape Elspeth’s watchful eye?”
    “I am quite well and have no need—” she began but Flanna interrupted her.
    “So you sneaked away.”
    From his place beside the door, Ramsay saw the girl’s face color. Like a harmless lambkin, she looked— all soft and pale and helpless.
    “I believe your Elspeth thought me asleep, my lady,” she admitted quietly.
    “Ahh, I see. And why did you feel such a need to hurry from your bed?”
    “I must return to my homeland immediately.” She paused for a moment. ” ‘Tis my old nurse. Her health is not good. Still, she insisted I travel to my cousin’s during her travail, but I did not plan to be gone so long, and now with the further delay … I must return home today.”
    “Today!” ‘Twas Lachlan who could no longer remain silent. “Surely not.”
    “I’ve no wish to seem ungrateful for all you’ve done, and no wish to ask for more, but …” She paused. “You haven’t by chance found a white palfrey running loose, have you?”
    “Lass,” Gilmour said, “truly, you cannot take on such a grueling journey at this time. If you are so concerned about your nurse, we could certainly send Lachlan to see to her health.”
    Ramsay rose. “So it is a white steed I should be searching for?” he asked.
    “Aye.” She turned toward him. “A bonny mare with an unruly mane and a crimson saddle pad. There’s been no word of her, then?” Her voice was cool, her chin raised at an indifferent angle, but her hands … once again they seemed to be at odds with her words, for they gripped her mended skirt with tenacious