Page 21 of My Highland Love

“I think we need not worry any longer about Bonnie running after Tavis,” Marcus said.

Elise looked to find a lock of hair had fallen across his forehead, making him look very much like a large child himself. She resisted the urge to smooth the lock back into place.

Focusing instead on her potatoes, she said, “Why is that?”

“Because he won't be taking any more trips.”

“How can you be sure?”

“I told him not to.”

Elise sighed. The boy would probably obey without even a whimper. She hazarded a glance at Marcus. He was grinning.

Her heart unexpectedly constricted. How would she live without seeing that smile every day?

* * *

When Elise entered the kitchen the following afternoon, she frowned at finding the room empty. Winnie napped in the early afternoon and several of the younger women tended to their families' needs, but Jinny was usually present, starting preparations for the evening meal.

Jinny's voice abruptly sounded from the eating hall. “Please, milaird, let me go.”

“Come now,” a male voice boomed, “'tis only a friendly gesture.”

A round of riotous laughter followed this statement.

“Nae, laird,” Jinny pleaded, “I dinna' want you to be friendly.”

“You haven't given me a chance,” the male voice began as Elise retrieved a large cast-iron pan from the ten plate stove located against the wall near the hearth. She crept toward the door leading to the great hall and heard, “I can be verra friendly, given the proper incentive.”

From the kitchen door, she saw Jinny, held on a man's lap, twist in an effort to avoid his kiss.

Elise stepped through the doorway. “Enough!”

The command rang through the stone chamber, quieting the group.

The brute blinked. “Who might you be?”

“Let her go,” she ordered.

He shared an amused look with his comrades, then lifted Jinny from his lap and rose.

“Go along, Jinny,” Elise said.

The girl whirled and fled out the postern door. The brute strode to where Elise stood.

He clasped his arms over his large chest and cocked his head to the side. “Now what?”

“You released her. Satisfy yourself you've escaped intact.”

“I need a replacement.” He reached for her.

In one long movement, Elise swung the pan, bringing the cast iron pot across his shoulder. Metal met muscle with a loud crack, and the blow sent the sizeable man tumbling to the floor. He lay sprawled on the floor, blinking up at her.

Elise stared down at him. “Try such nonsense again, and the next one will be across that thick Scots head of yours.”

Howls of laughter filled the room from the brute's comrades. He pushed to his feet. “Seems you need a lesson, lassie.”

“Nae, Declan,” came Marcus's voice behind her.