Page 19 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

“Shouldn’t you be watching her? You’d be able to do so without her knowing.”

“True.” Bryce swallowed, not wanting to tell the boy the real reason he didn’t want to watch over his wife himself. Instead he crossed his arms and went on attack. “Do ye question my decision?”

“Of course not,” the lad was quick to say. With a nod, he was off to follow Bryce’s orders, sparing Bryce from having to explain that the longer he was near his wife, the more intriguing she became.

He couldn’t allow her to undermine his protective walls. Especially if she turned out to be a spy.

He went to the cottage, thinking he might find something to prove his allegations. Instead he found it exactly as it had been the day he’d brought her there weeks ago.

Other than the dwindling food stores, it hadn’t changed a bit. The floor was clean. Everything neatly arranged. A book lay on the stand next to the bed. It was as if a ghost lived here.

He winced. He knew well enough about living with ghosts.

Chapter Seven

Dorie met Mari and Kenna in the kitchen the next morning. She felt much better, having slept most of the day before and the whole night in her husband’s bed. Bryce hadn’t returned, but she’d enjoyed the comfort of the large bed and the way it smelled of her husband.

In the kitchen, Mari introduced her to the other women who worked there and explained to them that she didn’t talk.

Dorie almost wished she had already spoken to Bryce and her new friends rather than let the deception go on so long. She hadn’t ever considered the idea of having someone to talk to when she’d first come here. By the time she had, she was too embarrassed to explain why she’d deceived them. They all seemed so kind and understanding. None of them acted like the kind of person who would use her words against her, to cause harm to another, or worse, death.

She prayed there would be no danger in communicating with the people in her new home. But she didn’t dare try. Not yet. Not until she was certain.

Also, it was best to remain silent so they didn’t know what a fraud she was. Keeping silent ensured she’d never be expected to tell her story…and confess her terrible sin.

An older woman named Millie welcomed Dorie to help with rolling dough. Millie was patient on the occasions when Dorie pushed too hard and needed to start over.

It wasn’t long before the talk in the kitchen turned from food to husbands. And what they did with their husbands at night in their beds… Dorie felt her face heat when they spoke of such things, though she couldn’t help but be curious.

She’d felt urges and tingles the few times Bryce had touched her. She’d never experienced such things before but wasn’t surprised. For the past nine years she’d been isolated in her room with no company but a maid and random unpleasant visits by her brother. Being touched was…nice.

She’d never been interested in the ways between men and women. Until now. According to these women, there were many, many ways in which a couple could be joined. Some seemed impossible, and she occasionally thought they were making up these tales to cause a reaction from her. She couldn’t fathom how some of their suggestions were even possible.

But as she listened to their advice and comments to one another, she understood they didn’t speak of such outlandish things for her benefit. Though she had to admit, she was benefitting from the education.

She remained silent except for the occasional gasp of shock. And her face must be as red as a setting sun. Surely a man would never put his lips…there.

When the conversation wound down, Millie directed a question to Kenna. “I couldn’t help but notice one of you has a shadow. What have you done this time, mistress?”

Dorie had also noticed the young man, Liam, following them to the kitchen. The laird’s wife was a bit rebellious, and Dorie agreed she would be the most likely cause for protection.

Kenna laughed off the accusation. “Nay, it’s not me who has Liam sitting outside the kitchen working on his carving. It would be Dorie this time.”

Dorie’s eyes went wide in surprise. She was being followed by a guard? Did that mean she was in more danger than she’d thought? She’d hoped the poisoning had been an accident, as Kenna suggested.

“Does Lachlan think she’s in more danger?” Mari asked. Dorie was grateful to the woman for asking the question Dorie most wanted answered. “I’ll be ready to help if needed.”

“Relax, sister. We don’t need you to grab up a fireplace poker yet. Bryce thinks she might be a spy and wants her watched.” Kenna rolled her eyes, showing what she thought of that idea.

The women all laughed, but Dorie was shocked by the fireplace poker comment. She’d heard whispers about Mari having killed her first husband. Apparently it was true!

Mari leaned over to pat her shoulder. “Not to worry. I only resort to murder when there’s no other option.”

Good to know, Dorie thought. Then her mind focused in on what Kenna had said.

Her mouth dropped open. Bryce thought she was a spy?

Kenna smiled with a hint of mischief. “Don’t fash. We can help you teach him a lesson.”