Love in the Time of a Highland Laird (A Laird for All Time Book 3) by Angeline Fortin (whitelam books .TXT) 📗

There was no need to mention Maeve’s so-far harmless threats. “It’s just that your family dynamic is so odd. You’re all related but it’s like living in a house filled with strangers. And I get I haven’t been here long but you and your brothers don’t seem to be overly upset by your father’s absence.”

“Is there a question in there?”

She shook her head in exasperation. “You know what I mean. I get that he was imprudent and even reckless in this whole Culloden thing, but most people tend to really care for their parents. I thought you did as well, when you left the dungeon”—and left me there—“in such a rush that day. What gives?”

He mouthed those last two words silently but a few moments later, finally replied, “Our father is a difficult man. All he cares for is appearances. He married the daughter of a duke for that reason alone… though I do like tae think he came tae care for her as she was a kind, bonny lady. Watch your step here. He had his sons for the same reason. One to inherit, one for the military, one for the church. Just as it should be. That perfection was marred by Oran’s arrival. I believe Father resented him for it.

“When Hugh’s parents died, Father took his nephew into his home. Just as he should. Played the perfect guardian for the admiration it gained him at court. Nae many men hae the chance tae hae stewardship o’er a duke, ye see.”

If she didn’t, he was painting a pretty thorough picture.

“E’en this bluidy war,” he continued. “Father dinnae support the cause itself. He did it tae look good, tae gain favor because he was certain the prince had the support tae secure the throne. He recalled Hugh and me from France tae show his command o’er us. Bugger it, he probably charged intae the thick of it for the same reason. He dinnae care for anything but himself. Everything he did was for show.”

From the wounded note in Keir’s voice, it sounded like Cairn was also able to put on a pretty decent show of caring for his sons, in front of others at least. How it must have hurt and confused them when they were small boys if that affection didn’t carry over to their personal relationship.

She knew all too well how that felt.

“I’m sorry.” She squeezed his arm comfortingly.

He shrugged nonchalantly but covered her hand with his. “Dinnae be. There’s no greater foolishness than living one’s entire life based on how others perceive it. ‘Tis difficult to like a person who does so. Or respect them. But he is my father and I would see him safely home.”

“Of course, you will.”

They walked up the wide staircase two flights, then three in silence. But as they began up the next, another question popped into her head. “And then what?”

“With Father back here and the conflict wi’ England in ashes, I can return tae France. Continue my studies, my experiments…”

“Chase all the pretty French girls?” she added, only half-kidding.

He shook his head. “I should ne’er hae let him…” He frowned down at her. “I only just realized what ye said. Do ye still… Ah, ye’re bamming me.” He choked back a chuckle. “Och, ye’re an audacious lass, tae be sure. I’ve ne’er meet another like ye in all my days. Are all the lassies in the future like ye?”

She’d never been called audacious in her entire life. But he’d made the confrontations she once avoided into an exercise of wits, an invigorating, heart-pounding experience. Their repartee did make her feel bolder, braver. More brazen than she ever would have dared.

Still, she shook her head in response. “I’m not daring at all compared to most women in my time. In fact, I’ve always been painfully shy.” Especially around handsome men. She thought it but didn’t add it.

“Shy? Och, lass, I find that hard tae believe. Ye’re anything but. In fact, I’ve found ye singularly expressive in yer opinions. Especially when ye deliver such resounding set downs.”

“No, it’s true. I’m socially dysfunctional,” she insisted. “You’d call it being a wallflower, I suppose. Honestly, I was fast on my way to becoming a regular cat lady.”

He opened the door at the top of the tower and waved for her to precede him. “Cat lady?” he asked as she passed.

“A term for a reclusive spinster who lives alone and has no one but her many cats for company.”

“Ah, your Mr. Darcy,” he said, joining her on the roof of the turret. “I recall you mentioning him. Do ye think someone will take care of him in yer absence?”

“I hope so.”

Shaking off the wave of sadness threatening to overcome her, Al paced around the perimeter of the tower along the thigh high parapet. She peered up at the sky, seeing more stars than she’d ever imagined existed.

“Look at all the stars! I never seen the sky so full before. You can actually see the Milky Way. It’s so beautiful!”

“Nae as bonny as ye.”

She cast a grimace over her shoulder but said nothing.

“Ye dinnae believe me?” he asked, moving closer. “Hae I nae made myself clear on this matter?”

With a shrug, she shied away as he neared. Slowly though, since she didn’t want him to think he affected her in any way. Or that she was afraid of him. “I’m uncomfortable with men complimenting me.”

“How can ye nae be? Surely dozens of men hae thrown themselves at yer feet in admiration?”

Swallowing a laugh, she shook her head. “Not as many as you might think. Most think I’m too chubby.”

Scoffing at that, he strolled nearer, altering course as she continued to move. “Ye’ve all the lush curves any man could desire. If I may be so bold as tae make such an observation.”

“You are very bold.”

He grinned, his wicked smile flashing in the moonlight. He came closer still, until she had to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. He was so