Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“You win.” James beamed.

“We’re no’ there yet.” She slapped her horse’s rear and cantered into the courtyard a mere horse-head in front of him. Giggling, she pulled her mount to a stop and handed the reins to a lad as he rushed out from the stables.

James bounded from his mount, caught her around the waist and swung her down beside him. “’Tis been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a race quite so much. Let’s get inside and out of this rain.”

A gust plastered her soggy red velvet skirts against her legs as he steered her toward the tavern’s front doors. She patted her wet head, having lost her broad-brimmed hat somewhere back near the river.

The doors opened as they approached and a crinkly-eyed man wearing breeches and a loose plaid over his shoulders waved them in. “Come inside. The wife has mutton stew cooking.”

“My thanks.” James shook his head and sent drops flying. “The rest of our party follows.”

A flush-faced woman with long strands of gray hair trickling free of her bun eased past the man and wiped her hands on the brown apron tied around her ample waist. A stricken look crossed her face as she gazed at Annie. “Oh, my lady. Ye’re soaked right through. Come and I’ll find ye something dry and warm to wear afore ye eat.”

“Thank you. That would be greatly appreciated.” She followed the woman inside and up the side stairs leading to the top landing. Doors led off either side of the corridor. She walked past a young maid of perhaps ten and three sweeping the floorboards near the end of the hallway.

“This is my best chamber and ’tis all yours for as long as ye need it. It overlooks the forest.” The woman opened the last door and ambled across to a trunk beside a large bed. She pulled out a drying cloth and a clean sark. “Turn around, and I’ll help ye unlace your gown. I’m Maud.”

“Thank you, Maud. I’m Annie MacLeod. The storm hit so suddenly and I wasnae expecting to arrive here as I did.” She unbuttoned her wet riding jacket and with nowhere to put it, set it carefully on the floor.

“Aye, we’ve had more rain of late and the burn usually overflows its banks when a storm like this passes through.”

“My aunt and the rest of our party were right behind us.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for them.”

“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

Maud tugged her last lacing free, came around in front and helped her shimmy the long clingy velvet and lace-edged sleeves down her arms.

With her gown in a puddle at her feet, she shivered.

Maud wrapped her in the drying cloth and rubbed her chilled flesh. “We’ll have ye warm in no time. Was that ye husband below?”

“Nay, ’twas—” Heat flushed her cheeks. Goodness. She was alone, albeit by chance. “Maud, I need to ask a favor. I’m cousin to the Chief of MacLeod, and I need a chaperone until my aunt arrives. Do you know of anyone who might aid me?”

“Aye, my daughter should be suitable.” She opened the door and called out to the girl with the broom. “Milly, fetch the blue gown from the trunk in my chamber and matching slippers. Hurry, lass. Ye’ve an important job to do.” Maud returned and held out the dry sark.

Annie lifted her arms and sighed as the white linen fluttered over her head and swamped her in a layer of warmth. The girl with long brown hair and doe-like eyes dashed inside and passed her mother a gown.

“Milly, meet Mistress MacLeod. Ye’re to be her maid while she’s with us. Whatever she asks, ye are to do.”

She dipped her head.

Annie smiled at the lass. “Nice to meet you, Milly. Could you help me with those slippers?”

“Aye, my lady.” She knelt and eased them onto her feet while Maud laced Annie’s gown.

“That’s so much better. My thanks to you both.”

“Ye’re welcome. Take a seat and I’ll tidy your hair.” Maud picked up a brush from the side table. “Milly, take Mistress MacLeod’s clothing downstairs. I’ll wash the garments after I’ve served the midday meal and then return and dry them afore this fire. Bring a mop, and some peat for the fire too.”

“Aye, Mother.” The girl scooped up the wet clothes and hurried out the door.

“She’s a bright lass that one, and has quite the baker’s hand.” Maud smiled proudly as she separated each section of Annie’s hair. Mindful of the tangles, she took care as she brushed out the wet length.

Before long, Milly returned and set to work building the fire. She lit and stoked it into life. Heat pulsed into the room and warmed Annie through. If only her aunt were here enjoying this warmth with her. Elizabeth was an accomplished rider and adored the outdoors as she did. She should be here soon. Worry gnawed at her.

“All done and dry.” Maud set the brush down and eyed her daughter. “Ye’re to remain with Mistress MacLeod while she’s here. No running off to attend to other tasks unless she asks it of ye.”