Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 44
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Highland Heather Part 44

"I prepared it a new way, my lord. Do you disapprove?"

"Nay. It is the best you've ever made, Mistress Leems."

The housekeeper cast a shy glance at Brenna.

"The Lady Brenna told me how her family prepared venison in Scotland. I thought I would try it."

Morgan glanced at the woman beside him, then continued eating.

"Even the bread tastes different. Better," Richard added, taking a mouthful.

"The Lady Brenna showed the cooks how to make scones and clotted cream."

Richard reached for several more before dismissing the servant.

"What is this?" Richard asked.

"Brandied pudding." Mistress Leems watched as he savored the new treat.

"Do you like it, my lord?"

"Very tasty." When he had eaten every bite, he called the servant over for more.

"Why have you never made this before, Mistress Leems?"

The housekeeper stifled a smile.

"I had not the recipe, my lord, until the Lady Brenna told me about it."

"You had a hand in this as well, lass?" Richard turned to Brenna.

"Aye.

"Twas my father's favorite."

"I can see why." Richard filled his plate, then watched as Morgan helped himself to more.

"Lass," Richard said between bites, "is there anything you cannot do well?"

She could not contain the smile that split her lips and touched her eyes.

"I am pleased that you enjoyed your meal, Richard."

"What about you, Morgan?" Richard stared across the table at his brother.

"You seem to have put away an inordinate amount of food."

"Aye." Morgan turned to the woman beside him.

"I do not remember when I have enjoyed a meal more."

A warm glow enveloped Brenna as she left the refectory. Beside her Morgan pushed his brother's chair. She could not fathom why she had begun to care what this Englishman thought. But if she would be honest with herself, she had to admit that she'd been holding her breath throughout the meal in hopes that he would not be angry at the changes she had suggested.

Morgan paused outside the door to the library.

"Do you wish to retire to your room?"

"I am not at all weary, my lord."

"Then perhaps you will stay with us a while."

"Thank you." She followed them inside the cheery, book- filled room.

A servant entered bearing a tray containing a decanter and goblets.

Brenna paused beside a chess set and ran her fingers along the ornately carved pieces.

"Do you play, my lady?"

"My father was an avid player. It was a rare treat when one of my sisters or I managed to beat his strategy."

"Then I challenge you," Richard said. With a laugh Brenna took a seat across from him and made the first move. Within minutes they were caught up in the game.

Across the room Morgan poured himself a goblet of wine and studied the woman whose dark hair glowed in the light of the fire. She frowned over the chess piece in her hand, then made her move. Richard burst into gales of laughter at her mistake and snatched up her piece. After a moment's hesitation, she joined him in laughter until the two of them were wiping tears of laughter from their eyes.

"You take advantage of the fact that I have not played this game in many years."

"It is like holding a sword, lass. You never forget."

"Aye. It will come back to me. And when it does, I will best you."

"Of that I have no doubt. Your move, lass." Brenna bent over the board and studied the pieces, then made another move. This time Richard's brow arched as he shot her a look of admiration.

"I see that it is all coming back to you, lass."

"Aye." She watched as he made his move, then countered.

After only four more moves, Richard realized that they were hopelessly deadlocked. With a little bow he grinned.

"Are you certain you have not played this game in years, lass?"

"Well, I may have played a few times with my sisters."

"Ah. And you simply forgot to mention that fact." She shrugged, avoiding his eyes.

"I may have forgotten." Richard threw back his head and roared.

"You are devious, lass. Like a soldier on a battlefield. You deliberately caused me to relax my guard so you could learn my strategy."