Page 10 of A Merry MacNaughton
Calum leaned againstthe oak panels of the fireplace, arriving in the dining room ahead of his brothers. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust them. He did. As long as he was in the same room to supervise their every move. His mother arrived and kissed him on the cheek.
“It’s so nice to have visitors this time of year, isna it?” she asked in a light tone. “Once the snows begin, most folks avoid traveling. Let us pray it is worth their effort.”
“Aye. Da’s attitude has surprised me. I thought getting him to listen would take a great deal more coaxing.”
“Yer father is no’ an unreasonable man. He listens to yer words more than ye realize. It’s a new generation of Craiggs, and he isna one to hold a father’s sins against the sons.” She turned as Angus joined them. “Hello, my love.”
“Mo chridhe.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “Ye look ever so lovely tonight. I do believe ye get bonnier with each year.” His arm slid around her waist as her cheeks turned pink with pleasure.
“Ye must be up to something with those fine words. I’ll figure out what ye’re after before the night is through.” She reached up and pushed a lock of hair from his forehead. He leaned down, whispered something in her ear, and she gave a husky laugh.
They were the reason Calum had not married yet. He saw no reason to rush into a union unless it would be as happy as his parents’. His father’s affection had only grown over the years. His mother adored this stubborn and often gruff old Scot. Angus would do anything for this woman—lay down his life, give up his wealth, jeopardize his honor—as long as he could be with her and keep her safe. In return, Ailish gave him her unconditional love, softened his rough edges, and was the only human being on earth who could make him admit he was wrong.
This is what he wanted when he chose a wife. A friend, a companion, and a lover. A woman who knew her own strengths and weaknesses and didn’t pretend to be something she was not. A woman who would see his own faults, understand his misgivings, and offer him comfort and support despite his imperfections. A woman who could stir his blood and bring out the best in him. His parents had set high standards for their sons when it came to matrimony. Calum would wait as long as he must to find that woman. He would settle for no less and doubted his siblings would either. In the meantime, there were plenty of willing lasses to keep him occupied.
Voices from the hall announced the rest of the party. He heard Finley mumble something, followed by a silvery laugh that sent his pulse hammering. Peigi entered the room on his brother’s arm with Hamish and her father behind them.
Ailish went to meet her guests and took Peigi’s hands. “Ye look fetching and refreshed. I hope the room is agreeable.”
“Aye, I must admit I’m no’ used to such finery. I feel like a duchess for a day.” Peigi smoothed her deep orange wool dress, looking wistfully at Ailish’s deep green silk skirts with dark flaxen stripes.
Calum’s heart softened when she looked at his mother with a genuine smile, no sign of envy in her eyes or tone. “Ye are stunning, Madam. That color turns yer eyes to molten gold.”
“And may I say, ye are no less lovely, Miss Peigi.” Calum bowed and enjoyed the blush that crept into her cheeks. Offering his arm, he added, “Would ye do me the honor of sitting next to me?”
She only nodded and placed her fingers on his forearm. A jolt shot through his arm to his belly and then lower. The reaction surprised him, for it was only a touch. Looking up, he caught his mother’s narrowed gaze upon them both. He gave her a wink and turned her thoughts. “What is on the table tonight, dear Mother?”
“I’m afraid nothing exciting. Mutton pie, some roasted venison, boiled turnips and tatties,” replied Ailish. “However, I did convince Enid to bake an almond cake in honor of our guests and my sons’ homecoming.”
“That alone might make this trip worth making,” exclaimed Malachi. “I canna remember the last time we were treated to such a fine sweet.”
Angus took his place at the head of the long table, flanked by his wife and their guest of honor. Calum sat between his mother and Peigi and gave a warning glare to both his brothers facing them. This young woman was quiet, almost shy, and his instinct was to protect her, even from his own kin. He still hadn’t seen the overbearing, independent nature Malachi had mentioned.
*
Peigi placed herhands in her lap to hide her nervousness. For a brief moment, when her fingers lay on Calum’s arm, she had been at ease. It was strange how his closeness both unsettled her and made her feel safe. The talk turned to the colonies and war and the price of tobacco. Her father’s animated tone told her how much he enjoyed speaking about something other than the downfall of the Craiggs. It also gave her the opportunity to study the rest of the family.
They were a handsome clan to be sure. Their interaction revealed a close family bond and camaraderie that came from deep affection. They laughed and teased each other, touched one another with a familiarity indicating that intimacy was no stranger between them. Oh, how she longed for this kind of closeness with a family of her own someday. What would it be like to enjoy the company of loved ones without worrying about food for the next winter or which neighbor needs tending first? Not to fear that knock at the door reporting a little one has a fever or a father fell dead from apoplexy. To have the ability to pay a physician or purchase one basic necessity without giving up another.
The English earl’s wan face came into mind, but she pushed thoughts of him away and studied the handsome MacNaughtons. The siblings all had their father’s intense blue eyes, but only Calum had inherited his mother’s dark hair. He was easily the most handsome of the brothers with his large muscular frame, easy grace, and breathtaking smile.
The young female who had answered the door on their arrival served a steaming golden soup in deep Delft Blue plates. Peigi closed her eyes as she sipped the savory broth and chewed on the small bits of leeks, carrots, and kale. Oh, how the spices played havoc on her tongue. It brought back memories of her childhood, of her mother instructing the cook on a new recipe.
“Madam, this is the best broth I’ve ever tasted.” Malachi nodded to Ailish. “If this is any indication of the rest of the meal, it will take all my resolve to avoid the sin of gluttony.”
“Ye can thank Hamish and Finley for replenishing my stock of herbs and spices. They made a stop in Edinburgh and made some purchases for me.” She smiled at her sons. “We are so thankful to have them home again, if only for a short time.”
Wine was served just before the mutton pie arrived. A golden-brown crust covered great chunks of meat with turnips and potatoes. Peigi’s mouth watered in anticipation. It had been so long. In the summer, fish was abundant, but hunting on the earl’s land was forbidden so venison and smaller game were limited. In the past, livestock had been butchered and salted or smoked for the winter, but now the Craiggs had only a few goats and cows kept for milking. It had been at least two years since she’d tasted mutton or beef. Her father let out a moan with his first bite then turned bright red. Peigi tried unsuccessfully to stifle a snicker.
Calum bent his head toward her and whispered, “Ye’re a woman after my heart if ye are as easily pleased as yer father.”
His warm breath feathered her temple and the wings in her stomach flapped wildly. The wine and good food had gone to her head, and she took a bite of the pie, chewing slowly. “Mmmm, ’tis heavenly.” She licked her lips and stole a glance from under her lashes. His eyes darkened to indigo. Her heart raced and she tried to still it with her hand. The barest smile turned up the corners of his full lips, but it was those pools of the darkest blue that kept her mesmerized. She couldn’t have looked away if her skirts had been on fire. Which is exactly how she felt right now. On fire.
“So Malachi, why dinna ye tell us yer version of how ye met our brother?” Finley broke the spell and her pulse slowed when Calum turned his attention to her father. “To hear his version, he merely assisted Black Angus in pulling ye from the loch.”
“Nay,” said Malachi. “A braver man I’ve yet to meet. I dinna ken if I’d have ventured out onto the ice to save another. Though, I will admit the hound was impressive. As I’ve said, I owe my life to this man and plan to settle that debt before I leave.”
Hamish grinned and ignored Calum when he tried to interrupt. “And may I ask what ye have brought to repay him?”
