Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 56
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Highland Heather Part 56

"I fear I am overcome with--emotion, my lord."

He drew her firmly into his arms. She stiffened at his touch. The queen's command merely added to her misery. How could she be expected to dance in front of all these people when her whole life had just been forever altered?

"Please, my lord. I feel faint."

His mouth hardened into a grim, tight line. Damn Windham for leaving him no room for explanation. And damn the fates that had forced this awkward situation.

Against her temple he whispered, "You will dance with me. And you will observe protocol. You may not leave until the queen has excused herself from our company. Then, and only then, will we speak of this.

When we are alone in our rooms. "

Alone. Her heart nearly stopped. Through gritted teeth she muttered, ' "Aye. I will play your game, Morgan Grey. Until we are alone."

He pressed his lips to her temple. Instantly she felt the flame.

"And then what, my lady?"

The hand at her waist tightened perceptibly. Her breasts were flattened against his chest. Even in her anger she felt her body react to him. How was it that this man's touch could move her?

All eyes in the crowd were upon them. And though she cursed the desire that surfaced, she could not deny it. With each movement she was achingly aware of the thighs that brushed hers, of the strong, sure hand that guided her.

"When we are finally alone, I will show you how a Scot fights."

He smiled down at her, a rogue's smile that could melt any woman's heart, including hers.

"And I, my lady, will show you how an Englishman loves."

When the queen had taken her leave, the women fluttered about, their voices a chorus of chattering birds.

"Did you see how Morgan devoured the Scotswoman with his eyes?"

"Aye. And did you see the way they whispered while they danced?"

"Is it a love match?" someone asked Madeline.

"How can it be otherwise, cherie? Are they not a handsome couple?"

"Is she very wealthy?"

"I have heard she commands an entire Scots army."

"What titles will she acquire upon marrying Morgan Grey?"

"He has received many honors from a grateful queen. His wife will be a titled English lady."

"There are fabulous jewels in the Grey estate. Will he lavish them upon his wife? Or will he save them for future mistresses?"

"What of his London house? Will the lady see it before the marriage?"

As Brenna stood beside Morgan and bid good-night to their guests, she heard comments. Her head was buzzing with words of congratulations and whispered innuendos.

Wealth. Jewels. Mistresses. Did no one care that all this had been forced upon her against her will?

Richard saw the look on her face and caught her hands, drawing her down for his kiss.

"I have always wanted a sister," he murmured, hoping to ease some of her pain.

"I cannot think of a better addition to our family than a wife for Morgan who can cook like an angel and wield a knife like Satan himself."

His words caused her to smile in spite of herself.

"Rest now, lass. And when you wish to talk, I will be here to listen."

"Thank you, Richard."

As a servant wheeled his chair through the doorway, Adrianna's gaze followed them.

When all their guests had taken their leave, Brenna placed her hand on Morgan's arm and walked stiffly beside him up the stairs. By the time they reached the sitting chamber, Brenna's heart was thundering in her chest. So many questions. So many things about this man that she did not know. And yet they were to be wed. Wed. God in heaven. How had her mother felt when she had been betrothed at ten and five? And Meredith.

When had she known, truly known, that she loved Brice, her Highland barbarian? Oh, if only she could seek their council. If only she had spent more time learning the ways of men and women.

In the sitting chamber a fire had been started on the grate. Candles added a soft glow. A decanter of wine and two crystal goblets rested on a silver tray on a low table.

Brenna's room was in darkness. No fire had been laid on the hearth.

From the open doorway she stared around her sleeping chamber. The bed linens had been removed, as had her clothing.

"I do not understand." She turned.

Morgan pointed to his sleeping chamber.

"The servants have placed your things in my room, my lady."

Moving toward the fire, Brenna clutched her arms around herself and shivered. Seeing it, Morgan filled the two goblets and crossed the room to her.

"This will warm you."

She accepted the goblet and drank, grateful for anything that would ease the chill that seemed to have seeped through to her soul.

"I regret," Morgan said, staring at the flames, "that you were forced to endure that--public display, my lady. If I could have, I would have prepared you for the ordeal. But there was no time."

When she said nothing he continued. "As for the shocking news of my previous marriage, it is common knowledge among the London gossips. Of course, you are not privy to such things, and so you did not know."

Brenna turned to look at him. His gaze was locked on the flames that danced in the fireplace. His mouth was a thin, tight line of anger.

"I.

was but a score when we were wed. In less than a year she was in the grave. "