The Highlander's Bride Trouble by Mary Wine Read Free Book Online

at Abigail. “Ye need spend more time worrying about
     yer own sins! Ye are a gossip, and ye spend too much time thinking about what others
     are doing, when ye should be securing yerself a husband. A fortune has been spent
     on yer trips to court, and what do we have to show for it? Suitors who cannae sit
     through a single supper with me?” He chuckled and pulled on a gray tuft of his beard.
     “I am such a fearsome sight, after all. I will have me secretary sort through the
     offers I have for ye tomorrow, since it seems Laird MacLeod has eyes for another.
     I admit, I had hoped he was here to offer for ye.”
    Saer didn’t even try to hide his disgust at the mere idea of having Abigail for wife.
     Behind him, his captain’s expression was tight and disapproving. He even leaned slightly
     away from her.
    Abigail’s mouth hung open for a moment. She was fuming, but she closed her mouth and
     took a deep breath before speaking.
    “I will find a better match at court,” Abigail insisted in a tone that was far more
     respectful, even if one look in her eyes confirmed it was only a sham. “Please, Father,
     I beg ye to let me know what sort of man I’ll wed. Proposals written on paper are
     so cold.”
    The earl drummed his fingers on the table. “What of this scandal that had ye sent
     home to me? The king was most displeased. The Ross do nae need the king’s wrath. He
     sent ye home for me to deal with. Make no mistake, Daughter, I’ll keep me house in
     order, even as old as I am.”
    “It was a misunderstanding only.” Abigail aimed wide eyes at her sire. “I swear it
     upon me sweet mother’s memory.”
    The earl instantly changed his demeanor. His gaze became soft as he became lost in
     his recollections. “Yer mother was a spring blossom. She never said an unkind word.
     Never. Her heart was so tender, I could deny her nothing.”
    “Ye promised her I might choose me own husband.”
    Her father grunted before lifting his hand for his goblet. “Only so long as the man
     is a good match, Daughter! Marriage is a business.”
    “Of course, Father, which is why I must return to court. With the king nearing the
     age of his majority, everyone is there to make sure they are seen.”
    The earl gripped his goblet and peered at his daughter over its silver rim. “Aye,
     that’s sensible enough.”
    Abigail watched him take a long drink, and the corners of her mouth twitched. The
     earl wasn’t content, and continued to drink until he’d drained his goblet.
    “That’s how to enjoy supper!” he declared, turning his goblet over to show one and
     all it was empty. The moment he handed it back to his cup boy, the lad was rushing
     back to the cupboard to refill it. The earl kept his hand out, his fingers opening
     and closing restlessly as he waited for the goblet to be returned.
    “Ye are falling behind, Laird MacLeod.”
    Saer leaned on his elbow so he might make eye contact with the earl. “Yer daughter
     is correct on one account. I was raised on simple fare and find it to me taste. I
     have no affection for French wine, but yer cook is talented.”
    The earl frowned then returned to eating. “It’s sad I am to hear that, but I suppose
     it shall leave ye clearheaded enough to nae allow me daughter too much rein tonight.
     She is spoilt, I confess. I should have remarried and provided her a mother. It’s
     me failing.”
    Abigail was turning red, but she didn’t argue. She smirked again when her father took
     his goblet and drank long and deep. Within an hour, he’d be senseless.
    Nareen had watched it all before. The earl was not a bad man, but he still mourned
     his dead wife. Another goblet of wine, and he would begin telling stories of their
     years together. Pinned to his shoulder was a gold-framed miniature painting of her.
     He’d pass out right in his chair with that painting cradled in his hands. His men
     would carry him to his chamber, leaving Abigail to her own devices.
    It was not