Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 26
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Highland Heather Part 26

"Madeline has told me about you, my lady." He released Brenna's hand and continued to smile as he entwined his fingers with his wife's.

Charles and Madeline made a handsome couple. And a happy one. That thought caused an ache around Brenna's heart. Whatever match the queen made for her, she would never truly be happy.

"We look forward to having you visit our home when you are comfortably settled in England."

Morgan glanced at Brenna in time to see the look of consternation that suddenly crossed her face. Like the queen, these good people were taking for granted that she would settle and become a wife to an Englishman. The thought sickened her. And though she made a valiant effort, she could not hide it.

As he watched her, Morgan felt his respect for this Scotswoman growing.

She was handling a difficult situation with great control.

As more people came forward to greet the queen, Charles and Madeline moved aside. Madeline touched Brenna's hand as she passed.

"There will be little time to visit tonight. But soon, if Morgan will permit it, I will arrange a tea, cherie. There are many here who are eager to get to know you."

Morgan's permission indeed, Brenna wanted to cry out. But before she could comment, another couple was presented to her. And another, until the names and faces seemed to blend together into a jumbled blur.

A man strode forward alone and greeted the queen, then turned expectantly, awaiting an introduction to the beauty beside Morgan.

"Ah, Lord Windham." The queen became animated in the company of this man.

"You have not yet met our Scotswoman. Morgan, will you handle the introductions?"

"Brenna MacAlpin, may I present Lord Windham, aide to the queen." Was it her imagination, Brenna wondered, or was there a trace of tension in Morgan's voice?

"Lord Windham." She looked up into gray opaque eyes the color of the sky before a storm. His clothes were perfectly tailored to his long legs and slender form. The scarlet of his tunic would have been suitable for royalty. He was the most splendidly dressed man in the room.

"My lady." His eyes raked her before he bent to brush a kiss to her hand. As his lips touched her skin she instinctively cringed.

When he straightened, he continued holding her hand until she pulled it free.

"The queen tells me you are Morgan Grey's spoils of war."

Brenna itched to slap his arrogant face. Instead she lifted her head a fraction and straightened her spine.

"I am no one's spoils of war, my lord."

"Are you not?" He smiled, and Brenna thought it the most evil smile she had ever seen.

"You mean you came to England to seek a husband willingly?" His smile grew.

"Are there so few satisfying men in your homeland that you would abandon them for one such as Morgan Grey?"

When Brenna remained silent he spoke loud enough for the entire assembly to hear.

"I was told that the queen intended to make a match for you. But if, as you say, you are not here against your will, perhaps you will go to a man's bed most willingly?"

"Enough, Windham." Morgan's voice was low, intended for Lord Windham's ears alone. But though he spoke softly, there was a thread of steel in his tone.

"The lady should expect better treatment at the hands of an English gentleman."

"And how would you know how a gentleman behaves? The entire realm knows about you and the men who serve under you, Morgan Grey. You are all savages who are only happy when you are spilling an enemy's blood on the field of battle."

"At least I am not a nobleman whose only task in life is despoiling helpless maidens."

The two men faced each other for long moments. It was the queen who broke the silence.

"Two stallions should never be allowed in the same pasture," she said dryly.

There was an extended silence.

The queen touched his arm.

"Have you brought no lady with you. Lord Windham?"

"Nay, Majesty. There were so many beauties in the kingdom hoping to enjoy your hospitality. And I am but one mere man."

The queen threw back her head and laughed at his joke.

"From the gossip at court, I would say you have the stamina of ten men, my lord."

He shared a smile with her.

"One cannot believe all the court gossip, Majesty."

"If even half of it be true, Lord Windham, your social life leaves little time for other duties."

"One must take pleasure where one finds it." Lord Windham cast a speculative glance at the woman beside the queen.

"And perhaps a man's duty can also become his pleasure."

Brenna saw the way Morgan tensed. But before he could speak, Alden smoothly interrupted. "The line of subjects eager to bask in your beauty grows restless, Majesty."

Lord Windham shot him an icy look before stalking away.

"Beware, my friend," Alden commented as Morgan's adversary threaded his way among the guests.

"One day Windham may grow weary of your barbs and lift his sword against you."

"Only if I show him my back. He is too cowardly to face me in a fair fight."

"Then be warned. A coward is the worst kind of enemy. He never does what is expected."

"Do not waste a moment's worry over me. It is the queen who needs our concern."

The queen's butler announced that the banquet was awaiting her majesty.

With a knowing smile the queen looked over the assembly, studying the beautifully dressed men and women who formed the inner circle of her court. These were the wealthy, titled nobles with whom she could be at ease. All of them looked up expectantly, eager to see who would be singled out as her escort for the meal.