Page 16 of Deception and Desire
Lachlan laughed as he lowered himself on one of the mismatched chairs facing the rickety desk. “I see ye two lovebirds havena changed in the last few months. Placing wagers again?”
Ian nodded. “I canna pass up a good bet. I said Grandda would send our youngest brother, and Colin insisted ye would see the trip as an escape and come yerself. Seems he kens my brothers better than I do.”
“He just kens people better. Ye always think the best of a mon, and Colin isna so naïve.” He waited for Ian to argue, but his brother had returned his attention to the accounts. “I can understand that replacing the supervisor might be difficult, but ye canna find a bookkeeper?”
“As ye said, Colin is a better judge of character. The two I considered, he didna appreciate. One already had a reputation, and the other had shifty eyes.”
“I trust the source who informed me of the first man’s character. And the other couldna look at either of us directly. Ye canna hire a mon who willna meet yer eye! In truth, I dinna miss Pelling. Something about him rubbed me wrong,” Colin admitted.
“Now ye tell me?” Ian glared at him.
“I wasna here when ye hired him,andye never asked my opinion.” Their cousin grunted and rested against the wall again. “What about the Franklin fellow? When is he coming?”
“This afternoon. Will ye be around?” asked Ian. “I can buy ye that drink afterward.”
“Aye, I’ll be here.” He held out his hand to Lachlan. “I assume ye’ll be part of the evening’s festivities?”
“Of course. I’ll outlast the old married man.” Lachlan stood and shook Colin’s hand, ignoring the snort from his brother. “I’ll give ye both the news from home then.”
He settled back in his chair with a smirk as Ian pushed the ledger away. “Let’s pray for a miracle and hope this Franklin is the mon we’re looking for. I hate seeing ye in such fits.”
“On a brighter subject, how is my Lissie?” asked Ian. He was smiling now, the irritation gone from his face. “Did she send me any news?”
“If ye’re asking what I think ye’re asking, no. She’d want to tell ye something like that herself, ye dunderhead.” He leaned forward. “Along that subject, I have a proposition for ye.”
Ian’s eyes sparked with interest. “I’m listening.”
“As ye ken, I’m no’ happy as Grandda’s replacement. I preferred to give the last numbskull a good skelping rather than pander to his vanity. We both ken Brodie is better suited to deal with the clansmen and their pettiness.” He shook his head as Ian chuckled. “What if I took yer place here for a month or so? Ye could go home to yer bonnie wife, I could oversee the business, and Brodie could take my place as the chief’s second.”
“Hmm. I could see Lissie and work on that first great-grandchild. Brodie can tout his skills, and ye can hide here in Glasgow?” He grinned. “Good plan,ifwe had a supervisor.”
“If we find anyone of interest, Colin and I will set a date for an interview when ye return. It’s no’ like good men have been beating down yer door.” Lachlan held up a hand. “I ken, it’s no’ yer fault. I’m happy to take over the responsibilities for now.”
“Let’s say a prayer we find someone soon. I didna mind making the short excursions every other month, but I’m a wee homesick to be truthful, being stuck here so long.”
“I dinna blame ye. Ye’re no’ used to being away from Lissie. It’s been hard on both of ye.”
“Aye,” he agreed, the grin disappearing. “No offense to my brothers, but she’s my best friend. Has been since she punched me in the eye when we were seven. I miss talking to her every day.”
Ian and Lissie had been betrothed from the cradle as part of a peace agreement between the Craigg and MacNaughton clans. Their grandfather, Calum, had married Peigi Craigg to end a hundred-year feud, and in exchange, the Craiggs had sworn fealty to the MacNaughtons. To maintain the peace, the next MacNaughton male would be pledged to a female Craigg. Since Calum and Peigi only had daughters, one of the grandsons, Ian, had been betrothed to Lissie Craigg.
They grew up together, knowing they would one day be married, never questioning the decision. Lachlan had always been envious of the pair. Lissie could finish a sentence for Ian, and Ian knew what Lissie was thinking with only a look. Lachlan wanted that kind of bond, someday, but with an added passion underlying the friendship.
“It’s settled then. Ye and Colin can educate me on the present politics of Glasgow before ye go. I’ve heard men are getting a wee louder in their concerns.”
“Aye, but that’s a longer conversation, best had over a bumper of ale and a dram of whiskey.”
“Here’s the special order. It’s a fine plaid with intricate work. Who’s it for?” asked Lachlan as he stood and stretched.
“A Lowland laird from Dumfriesshire wants it for his son in America. Afraid the lad will forget his roots, so he wants to send him a reminder of his clan.”
“Sounds like something Grandda would do.” He handed over the package. “I’ll get settled at the house and take a wee nap. Prepare myself for a night on the town with the likes of ye and Colin.”
Lachlan noticed the sun had taken its leave as he exited the mill. A fine mist settled on the back of his neck. He hurried down the steps and thought of the soft mattress waiting for him at the townhouse. The Thistle Inn might be known for its food, but its beds were infamous for the sparse stuffing. Though, any bedding was better than his plaid and the hard ground.
Reaching the street, he squinted through the drizzle in time to see a dark form dashing toward him, head down against the light rain.
Smack!The woman collided with Lachlan. He spread his feet to maintain his balance as the slate-colored gown and pelisse crumpled before him. Without thought, he swept her up before she hit the wet ground.
