Highlander's Fate: A Medieval Scottish Historical Highland Romance Book
Page 29
He sighed. "I think," he began, "only think so far, that I might be a laird or a person of means. I keep remembering things. I had a nanny and a horse. And I think I may have a wife. She's foreign, Spanish, and very beautiful, but I still don't know where I come from. And I might be just imagining all this. Mayhap I just need to believe it because I am scared not to."
He looked at her with such desperation that her heart went out to him. Like Shona, she had tried to put herself in Lachlan's position, and she too had failed.
"If this is true, ye need tae find oot, lad," she replied. "There may be people who rely on ye. Mayhap ye have children, young though ye are. Ye can stay here with us, get yer strength back, then go intae Inverness and find oot as much as ye can. If you are a laird, somebody will know ye."
"That's true," Lachlan murmured, "and I have a feeling that there are many more memories in here." He tapped his head. "Still to come out." He sat looking absently out of the window for a while, then went outside to help bring in the animals. Snow was coming, and it was going to be the beginning of a long, brutal winter.
Despite herself, Shona was desperately attracted to Lachlan. She dreamed about him at night, dreams where she lay folded in his arms, resting her head on his shoulder. He would kiss her and – her modesty would not allow her to go any further forward, even though Catriona, unlike most mothers, had prepared her daughter for her wedding night.
Shona was drawn towards him because although he was a big man, his size and strength had not protected him from this sudden twist of fate which was seemingly insurmountable. Part of her wanted to say that he was a ruthless scoundrel, but another part wanted not to judge him so harshly, after all, she had no idea how she would cope in his circumstances. It had been a moment of weakness, perhaps, and he had said sorry.
She was preparing the morning porridge, and he brought in the milk, then set the jug down on the table and left quietly. She looked out of the window and saw him yoking up the ox for plowing. She drew in her breath as she took in the rippling muscles on his arms and chest, and the ridged ones on his stomach. Underneath his linen working hose were the bulges of strong thigh muscles, and a strange tingling sensation she had never felt before came to her in a part of her body that was unused to such things. She wanted him in every way a woman should want a man, even though she really only had the haziest idea what that meant.
God help me, she thought as she gazed at him. Why am I feeling this way?
Catriona came up behind her and caught her gaze, which was now fixated on Lachlan's movements. She smiled. Her daughter was so mesmerized she hadn't even heard her mother coming up behind her.
"Fine figure of a man," she remarked casually, making Shona jump.
"If you say so, Ma," Shona replied airily, resuming what she was doing.
Thankfully, Lachlan moved away after that, but all morning thoughts of his lean muscled body came back to taunt her. She supposed this was what it was like to grow up, but why hadn't she felt it for the MacPhail sons, big, handsome and strong? Or big Murdo Robertson with his fiery red hair? He had a substantial house, acres of land and a herd of fine dairy cows, and he had asked to wed her more than once. He would be a fine catch for any maid, but she found his coarseness and foul manners repulsive. And he never washed! Rumor had it he was also cruel to his workers, so how much more would he be to his wife?
“Pearls before swine,” Catriona had said. To think of her girl going to a brute like that was something she would not tolerate.
But Lachlan? As far as Shona knew he had nothing. Nothing didn't worry her too much – she had very little herself, but she was surrounded by love. She didn't think that what she felt for him was love. It was something much more basic, much more earthy and real. You could sing songs about love, but not about this!
I hope you enjoyed this preview!
You can get the rest of the story from Amazon by following or visiting this link in your browser. Enjoy :)
http://www.alisaadams.com/b5b2p
About the Author
Alisa was born and raised in Austin, Texas and from early on identified her two passions, kids and writing.
Starting her career as a teacher, after a life-changing trip in Scottish Highlands, she decided to commit to her writing career.
Alisa LOVES to talk with her readers.
Connect with her via the link below and get a FREE book and a chance to win one of her books for free.
alisaadams.com/free
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Copyright Alisa Adams Publications © 2018
This book may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher.
Amazon: Alisa Adams
DISCLAIMER:
This book is a work of fiction. Some of the characters are real historical figures, but the others exist only in the imagination of the author. All events in this book are fictional and for entertainment purposes only.