Page 74 of The Lyon and the Unicorn
Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of Murdo. She glanced at Duncan, then her color, which was delightfully pink from the fresh air, deepened into a blush.
“Master Murdo,” the ghillie said. “We’ve been on the mountain.”
“So I see,” Murdo said.
Clara’s smile disappeared and discomfort filled her eyes.
Or was it guilt?
“Duncan’s been showing me how to chop wood,” she said.
“I see no wood.”
“It was for his cottage. The view up there is wonderful. It looks straight up to the mountain.”
“I know,” Murdo replied. “I’ve lived here all my life. Ye must have made an impression on Duncan to be invited into his cottage. He doesn’t relish guests—especially women.”
“Mrs. McTavish isn’t a guest,” Duncan said. “She’s yer wife.”
“Aye,” Murdo said, lowering his voice to a growl. “Mywife.”
Clara folded her arms. “Why don’t you ask a direct question, husband?”
“Such as?” he said.
Her eyes darkened. “Do you want to know if I’m fucking your gamekeeper?”
Devil’s ballocks!Murdo’s gut twisted at the reminder of how savage she was.
“Sweet heaven, lass!” Duncan said. “Why would ye say such a thing?”
Clara tilted her head to one side. “I’m more concerned about what my husband has to say. Tell me, Murdo, are you accusing me of whoring?”
“Is that not what yer mother—” he began, then he caught a blur of motion before she slapped him across the cheek.
He staggered back, and she raised her arm again, but the ghillie caught it.
“No, lass,” he said. “Ye shouldn’t strike yer husband.”
Her eyes flashed with defiance, but the undercurrent of sorrow in them needled at Murdo’s conscience. How could he have said such a despicable thing?
I’m not my da.
“Forgive me, lass,” he said. “I’ve no wish to hurt ye. I know ye’ve not broken faith with yer vows. Ye’re too honest for that.”
“Oh,amI?” she goaded him.
“Ye’re the most natural creature in the world—unconstrained by the niceties of Society.”
“A savage,” she said. “That’s what you call me, isn’t it?”
“It’s why I…” He hesitated, unwilling to reveal his heart.
Why I fell in love with ye.
“Why you married me?” she said. “I thought it was for my dowry. You came to the Lyon’s Den seeking a rich bride, no matter how much of a harlot she was.”
She flinched as he took her hand.
