Page 9 of Married to the Highland Devil
4
A Fortnight Ago
Duncan greeted his friend with a handshake and a hug.
“How was your travel, Arran?” he asked as Arran jumped off his golden-haired mare and strode into the castle towards him. “Weeks in England, and you have come back looking paler than usual.”
“I spent most of my days inside the fancy manor of the Marquess I visited, Duncan. Do not blame the English sun.”
They both laughed and entered Duncan’s study. It felt good to have Arran back. The castle hardly felt like home whenever his friend was not around. They had first met when Duncan had been ten summers, and they had done everything together since.
“It is lovely to be back too, Duncan,” Arran said after Duncan handed him a glass of whiskey.
Duncan sipped first then Arran followed.
“I missed whiskey. English tea is the worst thing I have ever tasted.”
“Tastes like arse,” Duncan commented then they both burst into laughter again and sat.
“But there is one beautiful thing about England.”
“Hmm, what is that?”
“Their women.”
Duncan rolled his eyes and turned away from Arran.
“I found a bride with a dowry large enough to solve all yer clan’s problems. Rumors say she is bonnie… The daughter of a duke,” Arran continued.
“Why do ye nay marry her and then lend me her dowry?”
Arran shook his head with a laugh. “We both ken that is a terrible idea. The last time my family lent yers money, it did not end well. I willnae let the same issues arise in our friendship. Besides, I dinnae intend to wed anyone. I cannae live my life that way.”
“Our faithers were different,” Duncan said to him. “Ye and I are different too.”
“Aye, but ye should travel to England and see this bride for yerself. She will definitely be the best choice ye have made. I can feel it already.”
Duncan could not hold back his laugh at this point. “I cannae believe ye speak of marriage right now.”
“I am a changed man.”
The rest of the evening, Duncan thought of Arran’s suggestion.
It was true, his clan needed the dowry. His family needed him to, and he would do anything for them.
* * *
Present Day
Duncan was in the drawing room with Amelia again, and this time, she was enjoying a slice of plump cake while sitting with him.
“Tell me, My Laird, what is the most beautiful sight you have ever seen?”
You,Duncan wanted to say.
Last night, he had been so lost in looking at her, he had nearly forgotten how to breathe. He had had a restless night, and he had gone out for a walk to clear his head.
He hadn’t expected the lady to be this tempting. Duncan thought of her the entire night and that smile she had worn on her lips when he had told her of the Scottish myth.
