Page 10 of Addicted to His Highland Bride

Edwina, however, was still not entirely certain whatbedchamber talentsmeant. She had only a vague notion, but that was enough to make her fear what she was feeling.

“Are ye ordinarily so clumsy, or have I done somethin’ to make ye so?” He interrupted her wayward thoughts, wearing a somewhat sly expression as if he knew what feelings he could conjure in a woman. Moreover, the feelings that his touch might have conjured in her.

“Aye, ye keep runnin’ into me or makin’ me run from ye,” she replied breathlessly.

He laughed softly. “I did tell ye nae to run. If ye hadnae, who kens what might have happened. We might have—” he trailed off, and she found herself yearning to hear what he had to say. What might they have done if she had not stumbled away?

“Might have what?” she prompted, aware of his lingering touch. Did he intend to caress more of her calf, more of her leg, more of her skin? Her heart raced at the thought.

“I daenae ken.” He sighed. “We might have talked, we might have walked, I might have scolded ye back into the Castle before harm could befall ye. We might have done a great many things, but ye chose to think of me as a beast, so now it doesnae matter.”

His words disappointed her a little, diffusing the rush of excitement that had coursed through her momentarily. Of course,shewould not get to experience the charms of the infamous Laird Moore. She never got to have any fun.

“Can ye stand?” His hand still had not left her ankle.

She nodded. “I think so. Well, I could if ye’d let go of me.”

A sharp gasp halted her before Felix could release her ankle and she could attempt to get back on her feet. Shadows swarmed in the darkness behind Felix, bringing the patter of hurried footfalls. How she wished her eyes had not grown accustomed to the dark, for then she would not have seen the horrified faces that appeared from the gloom, nor the shocked stares that made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

I should’ve kenned ye’d see me slip away, Kenney,she cursed, for he was the very last person she wanted to see.

“Felix, what the devil are ye doin’?” an imposing, remarkably handsome man growled.

Felix’s head whipped back in alarm. “Och, Ryder, ye made me jump!”

“Aye, and ye should be jumpin’.” The man, who Edwina guessed to be Laird Millar, clicked his tongue. “Why are ye out here with a young lass, on yer own?”

Felix’s jaw clenched. “An accident, Ryder. She needed air. I was already out here. She got scared when I announced myself, and she tripped. I was tendin’ to her.”

It was the most that Edwina had heard him speak, yet the arrival of the four figures had robbed his voice of its magic.

“Daenae lie, ye bastard!” Kenney chimed in, shaking his fist at Felix. “Everyone and their maithers kens of yer reputation! Well, ye cannae escape without punishment this time, Laird Moore. Ye’ve been caught at last, and I willnae see ye ruin me cousin’s good name with yer wickedness!”

Edwina glowered at her cousin. “He was aidin’ me after I fell, ye oaf. What he just said is the truth, so daenae twist this into somethin’ it’s nae.” She took a breath, concentrating on Ryder. “I heard someone in the gardens, and when he spoke his name, I panicked and ran away for the very reason ye just stated—I shouldnae be alone with a man out here. There was an uneven rock somewhere around here, and I tripped over it.”

“Ye cannae fool us,” Kenney shouted, clearly trying to be as loud as possible. “He’s still holdin’ yer leg and yer skirts are up to yer knees. Daenae lie for his sake, Edwina. It’s plain for all to see that he planned to dishonor ye!”

Edwina clenched her hands into fists. “Would ye be quiet, Kenney!”

“I willnae be silent,” Kenney retorted. “Laird Moore must be held responsible for his vile actions. As yer cousin, it’s me duty to defend ye, and I would see justice served.”

Nay, ye’d see me wed to a powerful man who can be of use to ye, and ye’ve seen yer chance.Edwina held her tongue, though she longed to hurl that at Kenney.Thatwas the only obvious thing happening at that moment.

Another handsome man stepped in, for Castle Moore seemed to be filled with them. “What reputation are ye speakin’ of? Ye best be careful with yer tongue, Earl Beckingdale.”

“It wouldnae be polite to detail it in front of me cousin, Mr. Murray, but ye can ask anyone beyond yer wee realm here and they’ll tell ye,” Kenney replied.

Edwina sighed and, with some discomfort, got to her feet. “This is madness. Nay one needs to be worried or light any beacons. Let us all forget this and return indoors. If ye’ve a healer, have one sent—they’ll confirm what has been said already.”

“Ryder, I think they’re tellin’ the truth, and I think we ought to listen to the lady. Nay good can come from us standin’ here, discussin’ a nothin’ occurrence.” Support came in the form of a beautiful woman. Edwina did not recognize her face, but she recognized the elegant gown. This lady had to be one of Felix’s sisters.

Edwina exhaled. “Thank ye, M’Lady.”

“There is nay need to thank me,” the lady replied, offering her hand to Edwina. “Come with me, dear thing. I’ll take ye to the healer.”

Edwina prayed that meant it was over and her night of errors could finish without further trouble, but Kenney had other ideas.

“Me cousin is bein’ courageous in coverin’ Laird Moore’s wicked deeds!” he cried, his voice splintering the quiet of the gardens. “This cannae be allowed to rest. I will have satisfaction for me cousin, and if ye refuse to grant it, then I’ll be forced to duel with Laird Moore for her honor.”

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