Devils Highlander (Clan MacAlpin 1)
Marjorie gently pulled free, darting a sharp look at the maid. “What did you hear, exactly, Archie?”
“I heard you spoke with Paddy. That there was some distress by the docks. ” Pulling his shoulders back, he stood even more upright than he'd already been. “I, of course, came here straightaway. Fiona has told me everything. ” An alarming clattering noise came from the maid's direction. Marjorie cut her another glance. When had she and Archie had an opportunity to talk? The young woman flushed pink as a radish and proceeded to give her complete attention to dusting a set of glass bowls displayed along the hearth.
She'd been around since they'd both been girls and were of an age. That Fiona would spill secrets to Archie came as an intriguing surprise. As intriguing as that telling blush.
“What do you mean, everything?” She looked from the blond physician to her busty, blushing maid, and back again.
“Marjorie, dear Marjorie,” he scolded. “What were you thinking to go down to the docks like that?”
“'Tweren't thinking at all, more like,” the maid said under her breath.
“That will be all, Fiona. ” Marjorie gave her a meaningful look, and the young woman scampered from the room. She turned to face Archie with her chin held high. “It's not as though I was alone. ”
“Who is this man you went with?” he demanded. “Where is he?”
Yes, Cormac, where indeed? She glanced at the doorway. It'd do Cormac good to hear another so concerned with her. Unlike Archie, Cormac managed to be protective yet somehow dismissive at the same time.
“I'd meet the scoundrel who'd lead you into such peril. ”
“Be easy, Archie. ” If only Cormac felt such enthusiasm —
above and beyond his usual litany of grim
protestations. “Cormac fought in the wars. He knows what he's about. ”
“Why did you not ask me to help? While at Marischal College, I met many men in positions of great importance.
The bailie himself is a friend of my father's. ”
Marjorie spotted a shadow cross the doorway. She knew it. “Cormac will no longer allow my interference,” she told him, casting her voice loudly enough for their eavesdropper. “Perhaps you'dbe so kind as to bring me to the docks. ”
Archie looked instandy alarmed, and so she quickly amended, “To meet your many and varied important contacts, that is. ”
But still, neither word nor movement came from the hall. Gathering her nerves, Marjorie reached her hand out and allowed Archie to take it. “I know you'll keep me safe. ”
Behind the doorway, Cormac flinched.
He'd heard a man enter the house, heard Archie announced. And damned if he hadn't come straightaway to get an inkling of their conversation. Lurking like some spy, instead of entering with ease, interacting like any other man would. Scouting, spying… killing in the shadows. It seemed all he'd ever been good for.
“Aiding you, my precious Marjorie?” Archie proclaimed, gripping her hand in both of his. “Protecting you?
'Twould be my greatest honor. ”
He's more earnest than a vicar on Sunday. And the weasel was holding her hand like a greedy schoolboy. Cormac glowered. Archie the physician surgeon.
He'd die before letting such a man take Marjorie to the docks. He looked to be a weak bastard. There was not a strand out of place in his shining yellow hair. Cormac raked his hand through his own hair. When was the last time he'd had a good barbering? He shrugged it off. A real man paid more attention to the safety of his family than to his damned coiffure.
Marjorie pulled her hand away, and Cormac grinned.
She turned to the window, and he watched as Archie quickly smoothed and adjusted his waistcoat. The weak bastard would never be able to protect her.
“I would love to take you to the docks. ” Archie followed her like a besotted spaniel. “I've been waiting for you but to say the word. ”
I'll imagine you have.
“You must let me protect you,” Archie said. He moved closer to her.
Cormac bristled. Step back.