The Scottish Witch by Cathy Maxwell Read Free Book Online Page A

speaking clearly right now.”
    “But I can’t speak to her . And then she chose Maclean over me. I tried to warn her but ended discussing the weather instead, and I had a hard time doing that.”
    “She made a poor choice. Being shot in a duel by an angry husband is not an honorable death.”
    “Yes, the Portuguese are not as reserved about adultery as we British are,” Monty agreed. “The worst is that he had resigned his commission.” One of the dogs put his paws on the table to catch his master’s attention. “Down, Jasper,” Monty said, pushing him away and then offering a crust of bread.
    “So the family has nothing?” Harry shifted in his chair. “Well, it is the rare man who can afford three families.”
    “I don’t know if Ariana is aware of what a scoundrel her husband was. They say the reason Ariana moved her family to Scotland was because it is less expensive to live here. I love her, Chattan. I love her completely and honestly and secretively. I want to change that. I want her to know. I could do so much to help her family, if she would let me.”
    “Then speak to her,” Harry advised.
    Monty raised tortured eyes to Harry’s and said, “No. I’m afraid to even call on her.”
    “Why? What are you waiting for?” Harry demanded. “She needs a man to support her and you are one of the best. You have position, you have fortune, and she has your heart. What woman could resist such a man? None that I know. Call on her tomorrow. Make a declaration. Neither of you is growing any younger.”
    Monty gripped the edge of the table. “I can’t face her alone. When I think about it, I’m petrified. I can’t talk, I can’t think, I can’t move.” He raised a pleading gaze to Harry. “But I could face her at the dance if you would speak for me.”
    “Oh no,” Harry said. He held up a hand warding the suggestion away.
    “You must. ”
    “I must not ,” Harry replied. “I have done this before, Monty. I’ve had friends ask me to speak to their ladyloves for them and it has never ended well.”
    “But I’m not just any friend.”
    “That you aren’t,” Harry agreed, “which is all the more reason I should decline. I like you, Monty. Maclean’s widow will like you as well, in fact more so. Be yourself, be kind, be attentive, and she will be yours.”
    “I’m tongue-tied around her,” Monty lamented. “You don’t have to do much. Just go to the dance with me. Be there for support.”
    “Monty, I can’t stay here that long—”
    “It’s in four days—”
    “My brother is dying . I can’t stay. My quest is for an end to this curse. Once I’ve found what I’m looking for, I’ll return to Glenfinnan and go to however many dances you wish and talk to any number of women. But right now, I can’t, sir, and I beg of you to understand.”
    The general’s back stiffened. He would not meet Harry’s eye as he said, “Have it your way then. I shall wait. I’ve waited decades already.”
    The pronouncement ended dinner. Harry’s appetite had left him. He did not like disappointing an old friend. Then again, he didn’t understand all this nonsense over a woman. He rose from the table. “I value our friendship,” he said. “I have always respected you when under your command. I apologize, Monty, but my brother’s life is a higher priority.” ’
    “Of course it is,” Monty said. “I understand. I’m just—” He broke off as if words failed him. He attempted to smile. It was a pathetic thing.
    “Do you know your Shakespeare, Monty? ‘Love is merely a madness, and I tell you, deserves as well a dark house and a whip as madmen do,’ ” Harry quoted.
    “Yes, she makes me mad. But it is my own fear that disturbs me. I would rather face French cannon than make a fool of myself in front of her.”
    “You can’t make a fool of yourself in front of a good woman,” Harry said. “They are the kindest of creatures and amazingly forgiving.”
    “She’s all I’ve ever