Kissing the Countess Read Online Free PDF Page B

arms, and how pink the tip of her nose had become.
    "Miss MacConn, I insist that you get under that blanket. It is freezing in here," he said, pointing toward the plaid. He left the bench and lowered stiffly to the floor beside the glowing hearth. Taking up the spoon, he dipped it into the kettle.
    "Be careful, it's hot," she said, then crawled into the cocoon he had abandoned and drew the blanket to her chin. Her boots stuck out.
    "Tuck your feet in, do," he ordered. She smiled at his tone, and he smiled, too, feeling a bit surprised, for generally he had much greater reserve with strangers. But he felt strangely at ease in her company. He sipped from the spoon. "This is good. Like a brose, but not sweet."
    "I used oats, melted snow, and whisky," she said. "I hope you don't mind. I found your flask of whisky in the knapsack and mixed it with snow and some oats I had with me. I always carry dry oats in case of hunger when I walk out in the hills."
    "Luckily for us that you do. Whatever I have is yours, Miss MacConn." She had saved his life—he might have died had she not come along, compassionate and capable, just in time.
    He smiled, feeling an easy and unexpected affection, as if he had known her a long time. Odd for him, as he tended to be reserved and was not quick to fondness. But then, no one had ever saved his life before. He felt gratitude, he realized.
    "I have more oats in my pack, enough for tonight," she said. "We do not have much else to eat."
    He set down the spoon, not wanting more than his share. He offered her a taste but she shook her head.
    "I'm not hungry now, thank you. I fear we may have to stay here until daylight and will want food later." She looked at the door, swaying on worn hinges in the wind. Snow blew through chinks in the walls and a gap in the roof.
    "The storm will end soon, and then we can leave. The glen is not a long walk from here, is it?" he asked.
    She shifted, drew the plaid closer. "The track goes over the hills and down about three miles to the glen floor. 'Tis another mile to my father's house. The way is steep and can be treacherous in bad weather. You should not try such a walk just yet, with your head injury. Thankfully though, you have no broken bones." She blushed in the firelight as he glanced at her. "I had to examine you," she explained.
    Evan smiled. "Thank you for making sure," he said, to put her at ease. "I can make the descent if the weather clears, but it seems that we will have to spend the night here, Miss MacConn." He studied her for a moment. "It is awkward, I admit. My apologies."
    She shrugged a little. "What choice do we have? We'll manage. We have a fire, some food, and... a blanket." She frowned. "Perhaps your friend will come looking for you."
    "Fitz? A good fellow, but he tends to assume all is well and goes about his business. Besides, the storm will prevent anyone from searching for us. Your family will be concerned, I'm sure."
    "My father and brother will worry when I do not come home. My... eldest brother died under such circumstances, many years ago," she murmured. "He was climbing on Beinn Shee when he fell."
    "My God," he said softly. "I am so sorry."
    "My father took it very hard. We all did. Donald was the oldest of us—we were six children. My father was injured on the day of the search, and... well, he has never been the same. Turned sad and fierce that day and found solace in strict religion." She shrugged. "Aye, they will be concerned if I do not return from the hills—and will look for me soon as they can."
    "We will easily get down to the glen in the morning, before they even have a chance to come up. No one need be the wiser about our adventure here, if you wish," he offered impulsively. "We could appear there separately. A pact, shall we say?"
    She tilted her head, then gave a pensive nod.
    The wind howled, and sleety gusts rattled the walls. Catriona MacConn looked around anxiously. "This shieling hut has been here a long time. It was