Highland Christmas Read Free Page B

over, placing a whisper-soft kiss on her lips. She trembled. Why had she allowed him that privilege? But she knew why. In spite of her fears...she desired him. When he was near she lost her senses. Meghan jerked back suddenly, as if bitten.
    “Forgive me, my lady. I forget my purpose here.”
    “Twas naught! Do nae concern yourself.”
    He smiled. Mayhap that peck was naught, but what I would do...ahh. But first things first. “I have come ta ye because I have a confession ta make if ye are ta trust me.”
    “Trust ye?” She was bewildered. “What does that matter? I trust ye the same as any other man I meet. Besides, ye will be gone soon.”
    Sighing, he shook his head. This was going to be difficult. “Nay, Meghan. I have been deceitful with ye about who I am and...my purpose here.”
    She backed up a step, alarm flashing through her. “What mean ye? Is “Connor” nae who ye be?”
    “Sit, my lady, and I will explain all.”

Chapter Four
    Meghan sat down hard as her opinions of this man joined all the rest and her secret dreams crashed to the pit of her stomach. I should have learned by now. All men are the same!
    Placing his hands behind his back so that he would not take her into his arms, he began.   “I am Connor MacGee, tis true enough, but my surname is Canmore. I am the Earl of Strathmore...cousin ta King William.”
    She gasped in shock! Why was this noble in he r home? She did not understand! Seeing her confusion he continued.
    “I have been on a search for a bride for more than a year now but did nae find anyone who would suit...until now. William spoke of meeting ye and thought we might be a good match. I tend ta agree with him.” He dropped to his knee beside her, taking her trembling work-worn hand in his. “I would be verra pleased if ye would consider sharing your life with me as my wife.”
    She certainly was trembling, but not with desire or anticipation but with rage! How dare he lie to her then expect her to fall gratefully at his feet! Withdrawing her hand, she pulled back and slapped him as hard as she could.
    “Get out!” she screamed. “Ye are just like all the rest! Get out of my house...get out of my life! I do nae need your proposal of pity so that ye may control me and beat me at your whim!”
    “I would never do such a thing!” he protested. “Ye should have learned that much about me in the few fortnights I have spent here!” But she could not see reason through the stabbing pain of betrayal striking her heart. She had begun to trust him, fool that she was.
    “Maither! Connor! I can nae find Mary!” Michael gasped for air as he skidded to a halt in front of them casting uncertain looks their way. He had heard them yelling at each other.
    "Did ye check all of her favorite hiding places?"
    "Aye! I have searched everywhere, Maither. I do nae ken where else ta look!"
    Connor knelt before him placing his hands on Michael's thin shoulders. Peering into his watery eyes, he queried, "Think hard, laddie. When did ye see her last?"
    He sniffled as he wiped his face with his sleeve. "It was nigh onto an hour ago when she came ta tell me that...that...Maither would nae have ye ta husband. She was verra upset about it."
    "Did she say anything...anything at all that might tell us where she's gone?"
    Michael thought about it for several moments then his face lit up. "She said she would find some mistletoe so Maither would have ta kiss ye under it! Then ye would be betrothed and she would have ta wed ye!"
    Connor grunted. "Saddle my horse, lad, I will be out shortly." His emerald eyes met hers. It was getting dark. He had to find her before the chill night set in...and the wolves came out. Meghan rushed to retrieve her cloak. "Ye can nae come with me, Meghan."
    "She is my daughter. I must go and find her! She needs me."
    "Nay! Ye will slow me down, lass, and speed is most urgent right now. F ind a warm blanket and point me in the direction ye think she may go ta find mistletoe."
    He was