Page 43 of Deception and Desire
“Who likes strawberries?” asked Mrs. Douglas, breaking the awkward moment.
Chapter Twelve
A Precipitous Insight
Both men pinnedtheir gaze on the older woman.
“I have some clotted cream to go with them. An old customer has a large hothouse on his estate,” she explained. “He sends me special orders on occasion.”
“These were for May Day but came late, so Grandmama thought she’d save them for our dinner today,” added Fenella.
The bell tinkled again and the lighthearted mood returned. Plates were cleared and bowls of strawberries, clotted cream, and warm scones were set before them. Once again, Lachlan served Fenella. She saw him silently scan the number of berries and add four to their dishes and her grandmother’s. He passed the fruit to Colin who did the same, emptying the bowl.
The clotted cream was dolloped on the berries and the scones. For a time, there was only the sound of spoons clinking against china and quiet moans that proved the end of the meal to be delectable.
“I’ve no’ had such a good meal since I arrived in Glasgow,” said Colin, wiping his mouth and leaning back in his chair. “I thank ye for the invitation.”
“I’m happy to have ye both. Shall we retire to the parlor? I’ll have tea sent in or pour something stronger if the men prefer it.” She rose and placed her napkin on her plate.
The men quickly stood, and Lachlan moved back her chair. They followed her across the hall.
“Mrs. Douglas, would ye be so kind as to play for us?” asked Colin. “I miss the family gatherings and the music. My cousin has a fine baritone to accompany ye.”
“Only if ye promise to attempt the pipes later,” added Lachlan.
“I’d love to hear a ballad.” Rose smiled up at the dark Scot next to her. “I’m known to have a fair voice and happy to take a turn.”
Fenella noted the pleased look on her grandmother’s face as she settled at the pianoforte. What a lovely afternoon this had been so far. Lachlan took his place by the bench and looked through the basket of music.
“What about Maggie Lauder?” he asked.
“I don’t believe I’ve heard of it,” said Fenella. “Is it a love song?”
“No’ really, it’s a sprightly tune, often used in reels. It will liven us up a bit, I think.” Her grandmother looked over the music, her fingers soon flying over the keys. Lachlan began the lyrics with a grin.
Who wouldna be in love
Wi’ bonnie Maggie Lauder?
A piper met her gone to Fife,
And spier’d what was they called her
Right scornfully she answered him
Begone ye hallenshakerl
Jog on yer gate, ye bladderskate
My name is Maggie Lauder.
Colin began clapping and Fenella and Rose both joined in as the song began another verse. Her foot tapped to the infectious beat, and her stomach tumbled along with it each time she caught Lachlan’s gaze. She wasn’t sure if it was his deep resonant voice or the smile in his eyes as he sang.
They applauded and Lachlan took a bow when it was over. “Colin, it’s yer turn,” he said to his cousin.
Colin rose and moved to the corner and picked up the bagpipes. Adjusting the drone and testing the chanter with several blows, he looked at Rose. “I also play the whistle. If Mrs. Douglas would accompany me, I’d enjoy hearing ye sing.”
“If we can settle on one I know,” she agreed.
