Page 53 of My Brave Highlander

"You're welcome." Dirk's deep voice was comforting, yet formal. She wondered what he hid beneath that layer of controlled reserve. "Was the chamber to your liking?" he asked.

"Aye. I must thank you and your family for finding room for us."

"Good eve, Lady Isobel," Rebbie said with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Very well. And you?"

"Marvelous now that I have the privilege of sitting by the loveliest personage present."

Her face heated at such a compliment from the earl. "You are too kind, m'laird."

Jessie rushed in at the last moment and took a vacant seat down the table. Isobel was disappointed to not be able to talk with her during the meal. But Dirk's sister was acting as lady of the castle and directing the servants.

After one of the elder clan members said grace, food was served.

When Dirk noticed the large piece of venison on Isobel's trencher he thought he should offer to cut it for her since her hand was injured. But then Rebbie spoke.

"Let me help you with that, Lady Isobel." Rebbie proceeded to cut her meat into bite-sized chunks.

Dirk's gut knotted, but he had no idea why he should mind Rebbie helping her. What difference did it make? And yet, he felt he'd missed out on something important.

"I thank you, m'laird," she murmured.

"'Tis my pleasure."

Dirk flicked a glare over Isobel's head toward his friend, but Rebbie was busy eating. Forcing his attention back to his own trencher, Dirk took a bite. He felt imbecilic, both for not acting more quickly and for being annoyed. It didn't matter. Isobel was betrothed to another man and would soon be leaving. He'd best not grow too used to her being around. Yet he couldn't deny he relished being in her presence. His body hummed with repressed excitement.

Ever solicitous, Rebbie poured her more wine. "You grew up in Dornie, did you not?" he asked.

"Aye. At Teasairg Castle."

"I have never been to that area."

"'Tis lovely, with the three lochs."

Dirk listened to the exchange going on beside him, feeling like he was eavesdropping on a private conversation. He ground his teeth, then forced himself to take another bite of food. He wasn't hungry and his stomach ached. What the hell was wrong with him?

Rebbie murmured words that Dirk was unable to make out and Isobel giggled.

Dirk's teeth slid together again and he felt like growling. He cleared his throat and took a sip of spiced wine.

"Is everything all right?" Isobel asked, leaning close to his shoulder.

"Hmm? Aye." He caught himself noticing how seductively dark her eyes were in the candlelight. And how her lips were a tempting blush-red color. Damnation, man, get yourself under control.

"You've barely eaten a few bites," she said. Her concern for him sent a warm feeling to the pit of his stomach.

"I'm not hungry," he said a bit more gruffly than he'd meant to.

"He's in one of his moods. Pay him no mind," Rebbie said.

Dirk glared at his friend.

Rebbie's dark brows shot skyward. "What? You ken 'tis true. You get in dark moods sometimes."

Dirk grunted when he wanted to tell Rebbie to mind his own business. "My mood is fine, I thank you," he muttered in a dry tone.

Isobel sent him a fleeting smile then turned back to her venison. He was glad to see she was eating heartily.