It’s the rude devil from the road! I never thought I would see him again. What is he doing here?
Her thoughts were jumping over each other as she forced down a swallow, looking him over. He had changed quite a bit, looking more formal, but there was still a wildness about him that his outfit and slicked-back hair could not tame. The wildness in his eyes raked over her body in a way that made her cheeks warm, and she wrapped her arms around her waist defensively and glared at him defiantly.
He made her feel strange, but she wouldn’t give him the pleasure of seeing her cower. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking like a respectable member of society, unlike earlier. She glanced to see who he was standing with and balked at the sight of Laird William. Once again, her jaw dropped in surprise, seeing the men stood so close together.
William looked every bit of an angel, standing regally beside the rude devil. She could imagine how many women would swoon over him. Her heart should have been thudding for him, but she was more affected by the man beside him. She frowned and turned away, not liking her reactions.
As she spun around, she found herself face to face with another incredibly handsome man. Her eyes widened, and she stepped back.
“Oh my goodness, I am so sorry,” she cried.
The man before her had stunning blue eyes and the most charming smile she had ever seen. He seemed to have no qualms using them disarmingly as he grinned at her and took her fingers in his hand, bowing slightly to place a kiss against her knuckles.
“I beg ye, gracious miss, there is nay need for an apology. It was me fault as I had been approachin’ ye even though ye had nae noticed me. Lain Darrow; pleased to make yer acquaintance Miss…”
Jane found herself grinning as he straightened and let go of her hand. She gave him a curtsy, matching his flourish.
“Miss Jane Baxendale. The pleasure is mine, Mister Darrow,” she responded.
He beamed, obviously happy with her response as he moved to stand beside her and stare into the crowd.
“Allow me to welcome ye to the Mackenzie feast, and ye look stunnin’, if I say so meself,” Lain said, getting two glasses of wine and handing her one.
She politely smiled as she received the glass, taking only a small sip having already downed one glass.
“Thank you, Mister Darrow. You look quite fetching yourself,” she complimented.
His eyes lit up, and he took a mock bow, smoothing his hair back and giving her a flirty look, making her brows raise
“Oh, ye think so?” he preened.
Caught off guard, she laughed in surprise, needing to hold her palm to her lips to compose herself. For the first time since she arrived, she felt somewhat relaxed. Although he had taken her by surprise with how laid back he was, Lain Darrow seemed very friendly and open. His eyes were kind, and he gave her a sincere smile as she tried to pull herself together.
“You’re quite the charmer, Mister Darrow,” she said, still chuckling as she took a sip of wine.
He smiled, leaning back against the wall.
“Aye, I am, ye have nay idea how many ladies are missin’ me company now,” he joked.
She laughed softly and looked at the crowd around them. It was true; she found many glares directed at her from the women. Her brows raised, and she brought the glass to her lips again
“A lot, it seems,” she said, and Lain nodded. “Why then did you come over to me?”
He glanced down at her, his expression more serious, although he was still smiling.
“Ye were lookin’ uncomfortable,” he admitted, downing the rest of his wine in one go. “I felt ye needed a friendly face.”
A tentative smile lifted her lips, and she took another sip of wine. If what he said was true, then he might be the first friend she would make in the Highlands. She eyed him silently, wondering if she should genuinely let her guard down around him since he was still a stranger and might be against her, although he did not look to be villainous.
“Thank you.”
Lain was still looking out into the crowd, and his smile fell suddenly.
“Dinnae thank me yet; I think I may have brought ye trouble,” he said, making her frown in confusion.
She followed his gaze and found a pretty woman heading for them. She glanced at Lain, wondering why he was so apprehensive, and he gave her a nervous look. The woman reached them and immediately sidled up to Lain, grabbing one of his arms and hugging it to her chest.
“Lain! Ye look dashin’ as always,” she said, looking up and giving him a dazzling smile. He laughed nervously.
“As dae ye, Suisan,” he answered, looking slightly uncomfortable as the woman turned her gaze to Jane.
“Who is this?” Suisan asked, glaring at Jane so dirtily that she flinched. Lain let out another nervous laugh, putting himself between the two women. Jane raised her brows, her jaw twitching with irritation. Was the woman rude because she thought she was interested in Lain? She was trying to reconcile herself with the fact that she needed to marry the Laird. If it came to Lain, she was not contesting. She raised her jaw to glare haughtily at Suisan regardless.
“How about I dae the introductions,” Lain said hurriedly, “Miss Baxendale, meet Miss Suisan Ivanglow.”
Suisan chuckled, placing her hand on Lain’s chest and eyeing Jane with poison in her gaze.
“An English one? Well, this is surprisin’, Lain. When did yer tastes drop this low? To think ye’d invite an English lass here,” she spat.
Lain looked like he wanted to escape the situation as quickly as he could. Jane’s blood began to boil at the insult. It seemed a lot of Highlanders did not particularly like English people. She had never heard the term English used like something to be ashamed of before, but in just one day, she had met two people who seemed to hate her just for that fact.
The image of the rude stranger with the wild hair staring defiantly at her came to her mind again, causing her belly to clench. She cleared her throat quietly and swallowed, feeling as though he could see her reaction even though he was some distance away.
“I didnae invite Miss Baxendale, Suisan. I only met her here. That was very rude of ye!” Lain scolded, removing himself from Suisan with a frown on his face. His words brought Jane back to the present, and she glanced at Suisan. The woman did not look remorseful in the least and continued to glare haughtily at Jane.
“Oh, if ye are nae one of his conquests, what are ye doin’ here?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Jane frowned, aware that not every highlander would welcome her with open arms.
This might be harder than I thought. Would it even be wise to let people know that I am to be married to William? That might cause even bigger problems for me.
“I am Laird William’s guest,” she said vaguely, leaving out the details of their relationship. Suisan’s eyes narrowed, but Jane did not let her expression change, staring back at her frostily. Unable to say anything else, Suisan snorted and walked away.
Jane let out a tired sigh and searched the crowd for William, only to find him looking at her. She gave him a shaky smile, and concern flooded his features as he walked towards her.
“Ye didnae mention that ye ken William! He’s one of me best friends,” Lain said beside her with excitement in his voice.
William reached her, placing a tentative hand on her elbow and searching her face with concern etched in his furrowed brows.
"Are ye alright, Miss Baxendale? I apologize for nae being there to receive ye to the feast; it looks like ye just had a rather unpleasant confrontation."
Jane smiled politely and touched his arm to quell his concern.
"I am fine, Laird William. I only got here a while ago, and Mr. Darrow has been very kind," she told him, leaving out the issue of the woman, Suisan.
William glanced at Suisan, who was already laughing and drinking with a group. He frowned slightly, but as Jane had not said anything, he let it go, turning to Lain instead.
"Lain, ye are charmin' as alw
ays, I see. Thank ye for helpin' me guest." William placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, and Lain grinned, throwing an arm over William. It seemed they were close.
"Ah, me friend, ye already ken that I can handle such matters for ye any day, especially when yer guest is as lovely as this one," he teased, wiggling his brows at Jane in a silly manner and causing her to snort with laughter before she could compose herself.
A small smile lifted the corner of William's lips as he looked between them, and his eyes shone with mirth. It seemed he was easygoing despite his seriousness, and he did not seem to mind the fact that she was friendly with Lain.
"Well, I would have to steal Miss Baxendale for a moment, Lain, if ye dinnae mind," he politely requested, holding out his elbow to Jane.
"Nay, nay, please, dae carry on," Lain agreed with a wave of his hand, leaving them and going off to mingle with the crowd.
William turned to her, grinning as they began to walk together.
"Ye look as bonnie as a flower, Miss Baxendale. I'm glad ye could attend me feast," he began. She returned his smile.
"Please feel free to call me Jane, Laird William, and thank you."
"Ye may simply call me William. Well, we are to be married.”
His eyes became serious, although he was still smiling softly, and he patted her hand, stopping their walk.
"Miss Baxendale," he said before correcting himself, "Jane, I ken ye only just got here, but I trust ye have noticed that nae everyone accepts ye with open arms."
Her eyes widened at his bluntness, and she lowered her gaze to keep her thoughts from him.
I mustn't show my anger
William sighed and raised her chin with one finger so she would meet his eyes.
"Ye dinnae have to pretend that it doesnae bother ye. I understand that it must be frustrating, and I apologize for me people and the rudeness ye have faced," he added with a grimace. "I wish I could tell ye that it will nae happen again, but I cannae promise ye this."
He sounded apologetic, and Jane averted her gaze. She could find no fault with him; at least he was honest and direct.
"I understand. I did not tell the woman I met just now of our relationship as I figured that it would simply cause more trouble," she told him.
William sighed, taking her arm and beginning to walk again.
"That was very insightful, and I am glad ye did that. It is indeed more trouble than it's worth at the moment to let people ken of the nature of our relationship. Dae ye mind nae lettin' it become public yet? Until it is almost time for us to be married. Me clan is in turbulent times, and I need things to be more stable before I get married," he pleaded.
A secret betrothal. She had never considered it before, and it certainly was not what her father had in mind since he wanted the wedding to occur as soon as possible. However, she understood William. She could keep their betrothal to herself if it meant she could escape unnecessary attention from those who didn’t like her because she was English.
"I understand, William. You're right; it's best to keep this to ourselves for a while," she agreed.
William looked relieved and grasped her hand in his with gratitude.
"Thank ye, Jane. I am fortunate that ye are so understandin'. Me clan is havin' trouble with the neighborin' clan Grant. I cannae have me own people in an uproar."
Jane could see that despite his youth, he was quite the responsible Laird, and that he was currently dealing with a lot of problems. She knew nothing of Highlander politics, but it was clear that he was under a lot of stress.
She squeezed his fingers reassuringly.
"Don't worry about me Laird William, the last thing I will do is make things difficult for you.".
He beamed at her, seeming genuinely happy.
"I am truly lucky. Ye are a wonderful person, Jane," he complimented.
It was a simple compliment without a single iota of flirtation, but he was so sincere that she blushed. A smile lifted her lips. She might never have a romantic relationship with him, but at least they could be good friends. It was not the marriage she hoped for as a young girl, but it was better than most.
She gave him a genuine grin, now perfectly comfortable with her arm locked in his.
This is not so bad, he is a lovely man, and quite handsome. I can be happy here.
As they walked, her earlier doubts melted away, and her resolve strengthened.
"Ah, Jane, let me introduce ye to me best friend," William said.
Jane turned, and her smile fell as her thoughts exploded into chaos. His dark eyes bore into her as though they were deathly spikes, which could impale her, yet all she could think was that up close, he was even more handsome.
"Meet Mr. Alastair Bain, my best friend and right-hand man," William said with a flourish, totally oblivious to the frost between the two.
"Alastair, meet Miss Jane Baxendale," he finished.
The man called Alastair continued to glare at her.
"We've met," he groaned angrily.
Chapter Four
Alastair had been watching the English woman from the moment he’d set eyes on her standing with Lain. He had been incensed for some reason. She looked simply stunning, and he detested the part of him that couldn’t help but be attracted to her. What were the odds that he would meet her again? And at the feast no less. She hadn’t left his mind since their first encounter, and now he was forced to see her again.
Seeing her with William made him twice as angry as he had been after he spotted her with Lain. Maybe it was because Lain was usually flirtatious and would go after anything in a skirt, but he had not been as affected even when he saw her with him. He knew it would never amount to anything. William was more serious, and so it was worrisome to see them close together.
Has this English witch entranced William as well? Why is she with him, and why dae I feel so bothered. Am I merely jealous?
He rejected the thought violently. Why should he be jealous? It was not like he wanted to talk to her himself. His denial only served to make him even angrier, and he clenched his fists at his sides. Her eyes sparkled like the finest emeralds, now that he was close enough to admire them. They shone with intelligence and a fiery passion, such that he almost wished they weren’t looking at him with such disdain.
“Yes, we have indeed met.” She looked at him over her nose. “I see that you aren’t any less rude in a formal setting.”
He smarted at her words while William turned from one to the other with a puzzled expression.
“Ye have met before? Where?” he innocently asked before it dawned on him. “Oh, nay, Alastair, dinnae tell me it was she who saved ye earlier today.”
Alastair averted his eyes to avoid William’s scolding gaze and noticed that Lain was approaching. He rubbed his hand over his face and groaned.
This couldnae get any worse
Lain threw an arm over his shoulders even as William began to rebuke him.
“Ye dinnae look the slightest bit remorseful!” he said.
Lain looked questioningly between them. “I saw ye three over here, and I thought I should come to join in, but it seems I missed something.”
William shrugged the arm off his shoulders as he began to recount the matter to Lain.
“Miss Baxendale here saved this dobber from a formidable group of bandits, and instead of him thanking her, he insulted them. Even now, he still does nothin’ but glare at her.”
Alastair stared at his friends with a deadpan expression, even as Lain clucked his tongue and shook his head.
“Where are yer manners, Alastair? And to such a pretty lady too. This is why ye have nay luck with women.” It was all Alastair could do not to knock him over the head.
“Ye two act like she was a saint in this matter. She didnae take it like some helpless princess; me pride still stings from the harsh words she said to me in response,” he retorted.
At his words, the three turned their gazes to Jane, who remained silent and watched their exchange. She a
ppeared rather amused, and he suddenly felt vulnerable, letting a stranger observe his dealings with his friends.
“Pah, if Jane said anythin’ to ye, ye deserved it.” Lain laughed, nudging the English woman’s arm with his elbow as though they had been friends forever. Alastair narrowed his eyes; his friend looked way too amused by the situation.
“Traitor,” he muttered, and his friend guffawed heartily.
“Ye ken Alastair isn’t very keen on Miss Baxendale’s people, William. Ye cannae say ye are surprised by his behavior,” Lain blurted.
Highlander’s Veiled Bride: Scottish Medieval Highlander Romance (Highland Seductresses Book 2) Page 27
