A laird to Remember: Brides of Scotland

by Andresen, Tammy

  Daisy narrowed her eyes at her sister. “And you’re too bossy. I never told you who you should court or not court. Why don’t you let me make my own decisions?”

  Her sister sniffed but Daisy was spared her reply when a knock came at the door.

  Rose turned to answer it, and Colin came into the room followed by the very Scot they’d been discussing. Laird Abbott.

  His presence seemed to take all the air from the room and she tried to catch her breath. “What did the doctor say?” he asked, looking not to her but to Rose.

  She pulled herself up straighter, not wanting to be ignored then winced when her shoulder pulled in pain.

  “Bad bruising. She’s to stay in bed for a few days,” Rose replied. “Which is exceedingly difficult for her.”

  Colin chuckled. “For me too.” Then he crossed over the bed and leaned down, inspecting her arm. “I can see bruises coming out from the neck of your night rail. Did the doctor leave laudanum for the night?”

  “He did,” Rose answered. “Though Daisy may not take it. She doesn’t like her reaction to it.”

  “I have strange dreams.” She tried to discreetly peak around Colin, wanting to see Laird Abbott again. Funny, she’d been trying to look around him an hour earlier.

  “I don’t like the stuff either,” Blake said, coming to stand next to Colin. “I’m glad to hear yer injuries aren’t too serious and I’d like to apologize in front of yer family fer causing them. If there’s anything I can do…”

  She gave a nod as she shifted on the bed. Just looking at the man made her uncomfortable. “Thank you for the apology.” She looked at his hands, her insides growing soft as she studied them. Large, she remembered the way they’d felt holding her body, cradling her head. They’d been surprisingly gentle for being so big and strong. Heat flushed her cheeks. “I should likely get some rest.”

  He nodded, taking a step back. “And we should finally begin our discussions.” He gave a stiff bow to Daisy. “I hope ye have a smooth recovery.” He turned and walked back out the door.

  Uncomfortable as he made her, she thrummed with disappointment as she watched him go.

  * * *

  Blake sat with his fists clenched, listening to the ceaseless prattle of men intent upon proving their own importance. He’d never been the best in these types of situations. His skin itched for action. He wanted the conversation to cease and, in this case, he wished to sign contracts and begin moving product.

  His impatience was one of the many reasons his father had never thought he’d make a good laird. If he were honest, though, he was even more distracted than usual. A little blonde covered in mud kept invading his thoughts. He’d like to see her again.

  Instead, he listened to Lord Price tell yet another story about one of his wildly successful endeavors. “Then the Duke of Maddox commended my tactical mind. So believe me, gentleman, I am asset you want to have.”

  A rumble started deep in his throat, moving up into his mouth. “Lord Price, remind me what role you play in this endeavor again?” The man was an insufferable know-it-all. Blake didn’t think the lord had any purpose and his stories were an attempt to secure a spot when he actually brought no value to the transactions.

  Price blustered, his chest puffing up, “My home village will be the landing point of his ships and your wool.”

  Finally. A straight answer. “Ah. That was far more useful than yer story about the duke.”

  Colin covered his mouth, clearly hiding a smile. “My cousin-in-law will be here shortly. My guess is he’ll wish to inspect yer wool before he agrees to anything. I have to warn ye, he’s very picky.”

  “The wagon with the samples should have arrived already.” He stood, needing to stretch his legs. “Perhaps I should go check on its arrival.”

  Colin nodded, standing as well. “Good idea. I’ll come with ye. I could use a bit of a stretch.”

  “Me too,” Price called, standing. “Men of our physical stamina need exercise and fresh air.”

  Blake nearly bit his tongue to keep from challenging the man to a contest. Any contest. “All right then. McCreevy?”

  The other man shook his head. “No thank ye, lads. I’m a wee bit older than ye and would enjoy a quiet smoke. Ye all ken my part in this deal. I’ll provide the horses and wagons ye need to get yer product from yer lands to the coast.” Then he settled back in his chair and pulled out his pipe.

  Blake smiled, wishing he could have a bit of time alone. He could confess, at least to himself, that he’d spend it reliving the moments he’d held Daisy in his arms. Undressed her. Hell, he’d even skimmed the back of his knuckles down her outer thighs. His body tightened just thinking about it.

  “So tell me,” Price called from just behind Blake as they made their way out the door. “How did the Morningstar women end up in Scotland?”

  Blake twisted his neck and it gave a menacing crack. Somehow, he didn’t want Price discussing Daisy.

  Colin cleared his throat. “When their father passed—”

  “Heard about that. It was days after I met them. The man didn’t look well even then.”

  Blake frowned, inclined to believe Price made that last bit up to paint himself as an expert.

  “Yes, well, a distant cousin took over the title. He tossed the girls out.”

  Price gave a dramatic sigh. “I’d heard that bit too. Shame.”

  Blake stopped in his tracks, Price running into his back. He didn’t move as the other man bounced off him. “Ye ken they were out on the streets?” He turned to look at the insufferable man.

  Price shrugged, his cheeks growing red. “I’d only met them once. None of my business, really.”

  Blake turned back and kept walking, rolling his shoulders to try and relax them. Price rubbed him the wrong way.

  Colin continued. “They met my cousin, Fiona, and, being the lovely busybody that she is, she convinced me to transport them to Scotland. Of course, we didn’t ken that Rose had inherited all of this….” He waved his hand toward the entry as it came into view.

  “You’re quite lucky,” Price replied. “If I had known…” He didn’t finish, but Blake’s teeth ground together. What an absolute git.

  “Lily married a laird, from the land adjoining ours, and Daisy continues to explore her options. Which are many.” Colin chuckled. “Several lairds have tried to win her favor, but none have succeeded.”

  Blake understood why. She exuded with the sort of energy and fire that could set a man to blaze.

  Price rubbed his hands together, the scratching noise echoing in the large space. “She was a beauty the first time I met her. I’m sure she still is. It was difficult to tell with all the mud.” He chuckled as though he’d made a hilarious joke. No one joined him. “But I look forward to seeing her again. I remember her being an excellent dancer, and the way she molded to my—”

  Blake stopped again and once again the man ran into his back. He had no use for whatever Price was about to say. “She’s a lady,” he muttered. “Mind yer tongue.”

  Colin’s brows went up, but he said nothing as he opened the wide double doors that led out to the drive.

  Blake was glad to see the conversation end. Now he could picture the woman who haunted this day.

  Chapter Five

  Daisy lay in bed listening for any movement in the darkness. Rose had kept a watchful eye all afternoon and evening so she’d been unable to get out of bed.

  Hearing nothing, Daisy slowly pulled herself up to sitting and then swung her feet over the edge. She didn’t give a whit what the doctor said as she’d grown stiff just lying in bed and needed to move. With everyone in the house finally asleep, she could take a bit of a stretch.

  Pressing her ear to the door, silence was the only sound she heard and so she reached for the knob, slowly unlatching the door and swinging the large wooden panel in. Peeking her head out, she looked left and then right. Seeing nothing, she stepped her first toe out of the room.

  “What a
re ye doing?” a deep voice rumbled from the floor.

  Daisy covered her mouth to keep a scream from erupting. She’d recognize that deep brogue anywhere. It was Laird Abbott. She could see his shadowy figure sitting on the floor, his torso propped casually against the wall. She quickly dropped her hand again. “What am I doing? What in God’s name are you doing outside my door? If I yell and Colin comes, he will shoot you.”

  He gave the softest chuckle. “No need fer violence. I was honestly just worried about ye, lass. If ye cried out in the night, I—” He stopped. “But clearly yer fine if yer up and out of bed.”

  She stepped a little further into the hall. While it was highly unusual for him to be on the floor outside her door, he’d helped her remove several items of clothing today and had remained a perfect gentleman. Well, she supposed perfect gentlemen didn’t take down a woman’s drawers, but it had been in the name of aiding her. “I can’t sleep and I’m stiff as a board from all my time in bed. I need to move and—”

  “Didn’t take the laudanum?” He slowly pushed himself up to standing, stretching his back. “While I don’t like the stuff either, some sleep might help ye recover faster.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “You sound like Rose.”

  He stepped closer and she could make out his features. A small smile played at his lips. “Maybe Rose is right.”

  Daisy clucked her tongue. “Never say that in front of her. She is as bossy as a sister can be.”

  “Fair enough.” He held out his elbow to her. “I’ve had a bossy relative. They’re no fun at all.”

  Daisy hesitated, taking a step back rather than threading her arm through his. First, Rose wasn’t here to chaperone. Second, it was the middle of the night. And third, she barely knew this man. “Perhaps you’re right. I should go back to bed.”

  He straightened a bit. “Ye likely should. But if ye’ll permit me, I’ll walk ye up and down this hall first and then you can reconsider yer medicine.”

  Daisy cocked her head, assessing him. Despite the highly inappropriate arrangement, she didn’t feel at all afraid. Rather, she was eager for the chance to talk with this man again without being covered in mud. “You swear you’ll be a gentleman?”

  “On my father’s grave.” He held up a hand as though making a solemn vow. “And I also would like to add that I don’t normally lurk outside ladies’ doors. I am…” He stopped, his brow furrowing, “Responsible for yer injuries and I’d like to aid in yer recovery.”

  She nodded, slipping a hand into his elbow. “Thank you. And after tonight you can cease feeling responsible. I expect to make a full recovery.”

  He nodded then. “I’ll still feel responsible, but I appreciate the words.” They started down the hall, moving slowly. “If ye need me fer any sort of help, just say so.”

  She looked up at his profile, marveling at just how handsome he was. She didn’t feel the way she had about Lord Price or those other lairds Rose had accused her of falling in and out of love with. When she looked at Laird Abbott, she not only felt hectic inside but also…safe. “Perhaps tomorrow you could offer to take me on a short walk. Rose will never let me go on my own.”

  He stopped walking and looked down at her. “Ask and ye shall receive.” Then he turned and started them back down the hall. “Now tell me some more about your past. Why did yer cousin force you out?”

  She swallowed…hard. She wasn’t sure she wanted to tell this story.

  * * *

  Blake sensed her hesitation. Her head dropped and her hand tightened in his arm. He’d noticed it earlier with Price but the need to protect her rose up in him again. He wanted to pull her close and tuck her against his body as though he could keep her safe from whatever past hurt had occurred.

  “He didn’t ask us to leave right away. In fact, he wanted to marry Rose.”

  Blake closed his eyes, his body tensing. “What happened?”

  “He grew impatient. One night I entered the library. I suppose I make a habit of wandering after midnight. Anyhow, I found him attacking my sister.”

  Daisy stopped walking, her other hand wrapping about his biceps as though she needed him to hold her up. He’d like to wrap his other arm about her. Instead, he asked, “What did ye do?”

  Slowly she looked up at him. “I used the chamber pot to knock him out,” she answered, a slow smile splitting her lips. “It was full.”

  A choking laugh burst from his lips. She was as feisty as he’d suspected. Which he liked. And he lamented. “Good fer ye.”

  She shrugged. “I wasn’t so sure for a while, but it’s worked out for my sisters in the end.”

  “And ye?” They’d reached her door again and, rather than stop, he started toward the other end of the hall.

  Her fingers danced along his arm. “I’m still waiting to see what my future holds.”

  Without meaning to, he reached up to gently brush her cheek. “It’s coming.”

  “Not nearly fast enough.” She shook her head. “I’ve watched both my sisters marry and here I am, still living in my sister’s house. I thought I’d be the first to marry and now I’m the last.”

  His chest tugged as he stared down at her. Yes, she was spirited but she was also honest and forthright. He liked that about her more than he cared to admit. “There’s nothing wrong with being the last. And if yer rushing, yer more liable to make a mistake and choose the wrong path.”

  She looked up at him then, moonlight from the window at the end of the hall bathing her creamy skin in its milky glow. He stopped, a tingling need to touch more of her making his muscles tight.

  “That’s good advice. And don’t tell Rose this either, but words I sometimes need to hear.”

  His mouth had gone dry. He remembered his time with Ailish. Yes, the two women had some traits in common, but never in the year they’d known each other had he had such honest conversation as he had twice now with Daisy. “We all do. Me most of all. My father was forever telling me I needed more control. That I should stop and think my actions through.”

  Her brows drew together as she cocked her chin to the side. “That’s so odd. Every time I see you, you are the picture of steadfast leadership.”

  Her words pleased him and his chest rumbled with satisfaction. He found himself drawing her closer. “That’s kind of ye to say.”

  “I’m not being kind,” she said. “Thank you for helping me today even if it was your horse that bumped me.”

  Her chest pressed against his arm and he could feel her curves. Blood pooled in his manhood at the softness of her flesh. “Ye’re welcome.” Then he did something he knew he shouldn’t. In fact his brain screamed in protest but his lips seemed to have taken on a life of their own. Leaning down, he softly brushed his mouth against hers. Her full lips parted and she gasped in surprise, but she didn’t pull away. Taking that as a sign he could continue, he brushed his mouth against hers again and this time, she pressed back, giving him a small kiss that lit him on fire. He cupped her cheek with the palm of his hand, deepening his kiss.

  She smelled of soap and rain, and a hint of something earthy that made his chest ache with a rumbling need. Her chin tipped back further to open more fully to him and masculine pride made him growl with satisfaction as he reached for her waist, fitting her body against his. She held his biceps as he pressed his lips to hers again, longer and slower, his thumb stroking her chin. Despite the passion coursing through him, he wanted to woo her with this touch. He wasn’t certain why, but it was important she feel cherished, not just wanted.

  Perhaps it was her story, or her injury, or just the fact that despite the fire that lived in her belly, she was open and vulnerable. But he needed her to know she was safe in his arms. Never in his life had that been important but today, here, now, cherishing her was the most essential thing of all.

  Chapter Six

  Daisy could hardly breath. She’d never been kissed and she sincerely wondered why.

  It wasn’t just that the press of his mouth m
ade her insides hot and hectic, or that the feel of his arm wrapped about her made her feel safe. His hand on her chin, the light stroke of his thumb…. All of his attention, every nuanced gesture, made her feel special. Adored.

  She squeezed his arms, feeling the hard bands of muscle underneath. Her breath caught even as she moved closer to him. She’d like to touch more of him. Explore his chest, his neck, his stomach, but she kept her arms still and just delighted in the press of his mouth to hers over and over.

  When he lifted his head, she nearly sighed in regret, wishing they could stay like this all night.

  “I promised to be a gentleman,” he whispered as his thumb continued massaging little circles along her jaw.

  She licked her lips, feeling the moisture that had collected there from their kiss. “I don’t think I want to complain.”

  He smiled then. “I’m going tae take ye back tae yer room now. But I’ll see you in the morning?”

  She quirked a brow. “Back to my room? I shall never sleep now.”

  That made him laugh, a low, deep sound that danced along her skin. “Me either but I shouldn’t have been here at all. I am trying, in my wiser years, to make good decisions and I think this one, to leave ye before we do more than kiss, is a good one.”

  More than kiss? She took a half step back, realizing that she wasn’t prepared for any of that. “I—”

  He smiled, still holding her, his thumb still stroking her chin. “Don’t be afraid. I didn’t mean that tae sound like I would ever do ye harm.” He leaned down then but instead of kissing her, he lightly rubbed the tip of his nose to hers. Any fear she’d had vanished, and she relaxed into his embrace again.

  “I’m not afraid. I mean, I’m not afraid of you. I suppose I’ve avoided any deep connection with a suitor. I just never realized, after what I saw, that I was a bit nervous about being alone with a man like this.”

  He stopped rubbing her nose, pulling back just a bit. His thumb swiped across her mouth, just a light touch, as his fingers flexed against her cheek. “I’m glad ye told me what happened and about yer fear. I can see that yer a strong woman and I ken that ye’ll get past it.”