The Ghost by Greyson, Maeve (best motivational books to read .txt) 📕

Nostrils flaring, Magnus huffed out a frustrated snort. He stepped over to her until his arm rubbed against hers. With a nod toward the Sassenach, he said, “Allow me to introduce ye to an old friend and one of the few English I trust. Commander Edward John Cunningham, 2nd Earl of Crestshire. He fostered with the MacCoinnich Clan. We’re as good as brothers.” With a tilt of his head in her direction, he continued, “Lord Crestshire, I present to ye Brenna Maxwell, a most irritating woman of fire and fury, who has seized my heart.”

Lord Crestshire bowed. “It is my honor to meet a lady of such great power.”

The smile he gave her seemed genuine enough, so she granted him a polite nod. “The honor is mine, Lord Crestshire. Pray forgive me, but I’m sure ye understand my reaction.”

“I do indeed, madam.” The commander hooked his hands onto his lapels. “Unfortunately, many of my countrymen do not appreciate the Scots for the fine, proud people they are and treat them most reprehensibly.” He turned to Magnus. “Such is the reason for my visit to Tor Ruadh.” His jovial air disappeared, and he turned grim. “My time at Fort William is at an end, I’m afraid. I am to be replaced as Garrison Commander by Lieutenant Colonel Thaddeus Barricourt. A most foul-tempered, brainless man if ever there was one. He angered his elder brother, the Earl of Estringham, and an extended assignment at Fort William is to be his punishment—and the Highlands’ punishment, too, I fear. In fact, he has already arrived, stating he is ready to be apprised on the surroundings and management of the area’s savages.”

The man’s punishment was his assignment to Fort William? She couldn’t resist asking, “And why were ye sent to Fort William, m’lord?”

Lord Crestshire’s grin returned, and this time, it was Magnus turning aside to hide a smile. “I volunteered to come here, madam. It was my honor to serve in the Highlands, close to those I loved and respected since I was just a wee lad.”

Now, she felt a bit guilty about the question, especially since both men knew very well why she had asked it. “Again, I feel I must beg yer forgiveness. I fear my brazenness often borders on the rude.”

Crestshire shook his head. “Trust me, madam, after dealing with Barricourt, I find such openness as refreshing as the air of this glen.” He smiled at Magnus. “I am more than a little pleased for you, old friend.” After a chuckle, he continued, “I must admit, I am surprised you finally agreed to give up a life of solitude, but I am glad that you did. You deserve such happiness.”

Magnus clapped him on the shoulder. “Ye havena said what’s becoming of ye. Where will the king’s whims take ye next?”

“Barbados.” The fair-haired man’s self-assured look soured and appeared strained. “I am to be their new governor. My first duty is to quell the recent troubles surrounding the sugar plantations.” His good-humored air disappeared completely. “Hopefully, my new bride’s parents will convince her to join me before we are too many weeks into autumn, and treacherous weather makes travel at sea unthinkable.”

“Ye’ve married? Congratulations, man!” Magnus thumped him on the back. “May the gods bless ye with many healthy bairns.”

Crestshire shot a sideways glance at Brenna, one she didn’t quite understand, but gave her suspicions. She had learned early on how to read a person’s feelings by their actions rather than their words. Her ability to do such had been a means of survival. For whatever reason, Lord Crestshire did not enjoy wedded bliss.

“Does yer wife fear traveling by sea?” she asked, figuring that question innocent enough to give him an opening to share his burdens.

“Nay, madam. Nothing as simple as that.” He blew out a heavy sigh and stared at the ground. “Ours was an arranged marriage and not a well-suited one at that, I’m afraid.” Squaring his shoulders, he stood taller. “But we shall see. Time might change things.” His good humor back in place, he smiled at Magnus. “That is why I am more than a little proud to see you have found a woman willing to defy your orders so she might protect you. That, my dear man, is a sure sign of true and heartfelt love.”

“And maybe just a wee mite of stubbornness,” Brenna couldn’t resist adding. She could tell Magnus was still a little disgruntled she had disobeyed him.

“A wee mite?” he interjected, giving her a look that said all might be forgiven, but it would not be forgotten.

She slid her hand through his arm, then patted it. “I would attempt meekness in front of Lord Crestshire, but we would all know it for the lie it was.”

“That we would,” Magnus agreed.

Crestshire pulled a small silver watch from his waistcoat pocket and gave it a glance. “Duty calls,” he said as he returned to his saddle. Reluctance and a sad wistfulness shadowed his tone and his movements. “As much as I’m tempted to leave Fort William in disarray for Barricourt, I dare not for my well-being.” With a half-hearted shrug, he grinned. “I am already considered a sympathizer.” His smile became more willful and broadened even more. “And I am damn proud of that reputation.”

“May the gods protect ye and send ye happiness, my friend,” Magnus replied. “Ye may not be a Scot by blood, but ye are one at heart.” He lifted a hand in farewell. “A brother, forever.”

“A brother, forever,” Crestshire repeated, then gave a gallant nod to Brenna. “God bless you, madam. May you both be gifted with happiness and good health all your days.”

“And ye as well, m’lord,” she said, deciding that Lord Crestshire wasn’t so terrible after all, even if he was English. As he rode away, she sent up hope and a prayer that the man would find happiness.

“I sent ye to the keep,” Magnus repeated, his deep tone bristling with irritation.

“Aye. Ye mentioned that earlier.”