Her Highlander's Promise Read Online Free PDF Page B

eighteen.” He clutched both her hands, bringing one to his lips. “Please, Laurel.” He kissed her palm, then placed it over his heart.
    “I will try, but canna promise,” she finally agreed.
    “I live in hope, m’lady, and count the minutes.” He bowed, then stepped aside when Angus and Isla arrived.
    “We must be on our way, Lady Laurel,” Angus said.
    Laurel nodded and accompanied her friends. When Blair moved forward to assist her into the carriage, Angus stepped between them.
    “That willna be necessary, laddie,” Angus grumbled. “I will see to the ladies and think it best you leave.”
    Once seated, Laurel glanced down at Blair and smiled. “It was lovely seeing you. I pray we meet again.”
    “Count on it, m’lady. You have my promise,” Blair replied with a grin. “Until then, I bid you farewell.”
    Isla waved as the carriage pulled away, then quickly turned to Laurel. “What a braw young man.” She lowered her voice. “Did you have a nice visit?”
    “Aye, he is verra handsome and we had a good chat.” Laurel peeked over her shoulder at the festival grounds. Blair had yet to move.
    “Did he ask to see you again? Did he kiss you?” Isla badgered. “Your cheeks were flushed when we arrived. And the way he was looking at you . . .” She pressed her hand to her chest and released a deep sigh. “You must tell me everything.”
    Laurel raised her finger to her lips, hoping to silence her friend. She was not ready to share what happened and did not want Angus to overhear. “It was nice to see him, but you are letting your imagination run wild. There is nothing between us.”
    “If you say so.” Isla grinned and leaned back against the seat.
    As with most journeys, the trip to the festival seemed to take forever, but the one home was over in the blink of an eye. As they entered through the raised portcullis, Laurel spotted Deirdre standing at the top of the castle steps. Her stomach twisted with dread at the thought of facing her cousin’s ire.
    Angus brought the carriage to a halt, helped the ladies down, then retrieved their purchases and approached his mistress. “If it pleases you, m’lady, I will take these to the cook before feeding and watering the horses.” He bowed before Deirdre, then shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he waited for her answer.
    “It doesna please me. You’re late,” she snapped. “I gave specific orders that you were to return by noon and that time has come and gone. What have you to say for yourself?”
    “It wasna Angus’ fault.” Laurel stepped around the carriage to confront Deirdre.
    “And who is to blame?” Deirdre’s brow creased and her face reddened as she studied Laurel’s appearance. “Look at you! What in the name of St. Stephen happened to your gown?” She reached over and tugged at the ripped fabric, making the tear even worse. “Not only are your clothes ruined, you look like you have been rolling around in the dirt with swine? Is this the way you conduct yourself when I graciously grant you time in the village? How dare you disgrace the clan name?”
    “I did nothing to be ashamed of or to disgrace the clan. I can explain if you would but give me the cha—”
    Deirdre threw both arms in the air in a fit of anger. “I dinna want to hear another word from you,” she hissed, then whipped around to confront Angus. “If I recall correctly, your orders were to escort the ladies to the festival, to supervise their every move, and return as soon as they completed their errands. Obviously, none of you are to be trusted.” She stomped toward the castle. “Mairi! Gordon!” She shouted for two of the servants before continuing her tirade. “I refuse to discuss this any further at this time. You will each be dealt with accordingly, once I’ve decided how.”
    “You called for us, m’lady?” Gordon asked.
    “Aye. I want you to help Angus with the horses, then see that he returns to his room and stays there. I will