The Maclean Groom by Kathleen Harrington Read Free Book Online Page A

could see was the top of the moth-eaten stocking cap, but he could have sworn the cheeky imp was grinning.
    Before she had a chance to straighten up, Maude Beaton, who’d been identified as the missing heiress’s former nursemaid, appeared in the doorway. She bobbed a curtsy the instant Rory glanced over. “Your pardon, milord,” she said meekly. “The lad is needed in the scullery.”
    â€œJoey has work to do in the stables,” he replied with afrown. “And don’t interrupt me again, woman, when I’m speaking with someone. No matter what the cause.”
    â€œI won’t, laird,” Maude promised. The tall, big-boned female looked at Joanna with solemn gray eyes, then turned and left, with Jock right behind her.
    â€œYou may go, lad,” Rory said.
    â€œThank you, milord,” she answered with a wide grin.
    â€œOh, and Joey,” Rory said as she moved toward the door, her returning confidence obvious in her boyish swagger.
    Joanna paused to look back.
    â€œIf you ever again answer my questions with such impudence, I’ll discipline you myself. And if I do, you’ll wish I’d let Fearchar strip the hide off your puny little bones, yank your ribs out of your chest, and beat your head into your shoulders with them.”
    The lass fled the chamber without a backward glance.
    Rory grinned as he shook his head in grudging admiration. The confounded girl had spunk. The thought of bedding such a lively sprite sent an unexpected surge of lust flooding through his veins. Damn, if he wasn’t starting to look forward to his wedding day.
    Â 
    Almost a dozen of her kinsmen were waiting for Joanna outside the library, listening for her cry for help, ready to rush to her assistance.
    â€œAre you all right?” Davie Ogilvy asked in a hushed voice as he shuffled out of the vestibule alongside her.
    â€œDid he hurt you?” Jacob whispered, his big blacksmith’s hands fisted menacingly.
    Safely wedged between her bailiff and the clan chaplain, Joanna strode down the south gallery that led to the chapel. “He didn’t lay a hand on me,” she said with a satisfied grin, “but I’d rather not have another private interview with the Sea Dragon for as long as I live.”
    Father Thomas placed his hand on Joanna’s shoulder, and they came to a stop. “I’m afraid this farce is going to turn deadly,” he said in a low voice, his dark eyes somber.
    â€œWhen we agreed to your plan, Lady Joanna,” Seumas added, stepping closer, “we thought the King’s Avenger would be gone the same day he arrived, riding for Mingarry Castle in search of you.”
    â€œDon’t give up so soon,” she answered confidently. “All we have to do is fool The MacLean until Ewen arrives to rescue us.”
    Seumas rubbed his whiskered jowls, his mouth compressed in a tight line. “You can’t keep up this deception much longer, milady,” he warned. “’Tis too dangerous.”
    â€œI can,” she insisted. “I know I can. Why, MacLean wasn’t a foot away from me and hadn’t the least notion I was a girl. He’s as easy to fool as the rest of those idiots.”
    Idoine squeezed closer to her mother. “If he does find out, he’ll probably hang you.”
    â€œLet him,” Joanna replied with a toss of her head. “Just as long as he doesn’t marry me first.”
    Some of her kinsmen chuckled at the bold remark, but most regarded their mistress soberly. At the moment, the choice between a hanging and a wedding seemed an all-too-distinct possibility.
    Pressing her hand to her ruddy cheek, Maude looked at Father Thomas with worried eyes. “Perhaps we should try to sneak my wee lamb out of the castle.”
    â€œThat might be a very good idea,” he agreed with a nod.
    Although every member of her household staff was loyal to Joanna, she hadn’t yet been fully