The weather is certainly unpredictable here,isn't it?"
"It's always unpredictable when the MacLeans are involved."
She turned to look at him. "You've heard the rumors of the curse?"
"I've heard them and believe them." He moved beside her. "Don't you?"
The pocket she needed to reach was on his other side, blast it. "Do you think one of the MacLeans might be angry now?"
He looked over her head to the gathering clouds, a frown settling between his eyes. "Yes," he said quietly. "One of them is growing more furious by the moment."
A fresh wind now tossed the treetops about, the grass rippled like an angry ocean, and the clouds filled the entire sky.
I've asked Sophia to stay for the night, and she has agreed."
Stay? In the same house he was staying in? It had been pure hell trying to sleep before, but now, knowing she was there, under the same roof, her lush body-"No." The word was torn from him.
Fiona's gaze narrowed. "Dougal, this is my house-"
"And mine," Jack added flatly.
Dougal sent him a cutting glare.
Fiona sniffed. "If I wish Miss MacFarlane to stay,she'll stay."
Sophia lifted her chin. "I'm sorry you're averse to my visit, but I've already accepted your sister's kind invitation.
Dougal's jaw clenched. If she stayed, he might not be able to let her go. Damn it all,this was not fair!
Outside, the gray sky began to darken again, a rumble of thunder sounding in the distance.
Sophia glanced out the window, her face paling yet more.
"Not again," Jack muttered. "We're going to float away."
"Dougal," his sister snapped, "watch your temper!"
"I am," he said through gritted teeth.
How am I to get back to my room dressed like this?"
He grinned at her, his teeth flashing whitely in the dim light from the fire. "You'll leave a trail of water."
"Which the servants will report to your sister.
Perhaps you met my mother-she and I look very similar. She and my father traveled quite a bit before I was born."
"That's possible,I suppose," he said, as if not enitrely convinced.
"Sir Reginald." Dougal broke in on their conversation, entirely against common etiquette. "Perhaps you mistake Miss MacFarlane with a dream." He let his gaze linger over her in a similar fashion. "I often do."
Sophia's face burned. Fiona choked on her wine, and Jack patted her back, glaring at Dougal. The judge let out a snort of laughter, while Mrs. Kent sent dagger glances at Sophia, and Miss Stanton, oblivious to it all, asked for the salt.
I invited Miss MacFarlane because I could see that there was something between the two of you."
"Something that I longed to avoid."
Fiona eyed him a moment, obviously fascinated. "Would you explain what you mean?"
"No."
She pursed her lips. "What if I promise to name my next child after you?"
Dougal lifted his brows. "Won't Jack dislike that?"
A smile quivered on her lips. "Yes. Which is why I though it a wonderful inducement for you."
"I don't believe you'd do that."
"Well,I would," Fiona said firmly.
I find you too charming by half."
"And I find you too annoying by far. If you do not release me, I cannot be held responsible for your well-being."
He chuckled at that. "A fiery little bundle,aren't you? I'll wager you like-"
She brought her foot down hard on his instep.
He yelped and released her, his face contorted in pain.
Sophia stepped past him, but he grabbed her arm and yanked her back toward him. "You tease!" he gasped.
She used her forward motion to shove him back against the settee.
One moment, he was standing before her; the next, he was lying upside down on the rug behind the setee, his legs in the air.
Sophia gathered her skirts and ran for the door. She was only steps away when it flew open and Dougal stood in the opening.
He was dressed in his riding clothes, and she couldn't help but compare his elegance with Sir Reginald's flashy attire, with his exaggerated riding coat and gaudy gold-tassled boots-which were sill waving in the air.
Aye,Ware is your grandfather, though a more worthless arse I couldn't name.
Karen HawkinsYou told me he was dead."
Red said through his teeth, "There was no point,for there's no meaner, more petty man in all of God's England."
"At least I'm not a wastrel," the old man snapped.
Red started toward the old man, but Sophia stepped between them. "Red, don't."
He looked as if he might burst into flames, then snapped, "I came to get you, Sophie.Have Mary bring your things, and let's go.
Blast it! Where is that letter?"
Sophia pulled it from her pocket. "I have it here."
Sir Reginald's voice lifted with amazament. "You took that from me? When we were-"
"Yes," she said, her color high. "I thought you'd sold my jewelry and that the envelope contained the payment. I wanted proof,so I took it."
"By kissing me?"
Outside, lightning cracked.
"You kissed him?" Dougal demanded.
"Only once."
"Actually, it was twice," Sir Reginald said softly.
Dougal punched him, sending the dandy flying into the wall, where he slid to the floor.
"B'God, that's a nice one!" Red cried. "MacLean, I'd like to see you in a real mill."
"Aye," the earl agreed. "He's got a good solid left."
"What do you know about boxing? Red asked rudely.
"I've seen every large match for the last-"
Thunder crashed as lightning sent shards of light flashing into the great hall.
"That's enough," Dougal said firmly, noting Sophia's pale face.
He dropped to one knee before her. "Sophia MacFarlane, though I've been every sort of fool there is, and though I've stolen from you and lied to you, as you've stolen from me and lied to me, will you please marry me? To keep me out of trouble, if nothing else."
She gave a hiccup of a laugh, her eyes moist with tears. "Only if you, Dougal MacLean, will have me. After all I did to save MacFarlane House, I now realize that without people in it, the people I love, it's nothing more than an empty building. My home is with you, inside your heart."
Dougal swept Sophia into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. Then, laughing, he set her back on her feet. "Come, my love, let's find my sister. She spent a good part of the afternoon telling me what a fool I was.I have to show her that she was wrong."
"And you need my help to do that?"
"It would be a great boon if you'd cling to my arm and look absurdly happy."
Sophia chuckled. "I think I can manage that."
It was a noisy, contentious group that moved down the hall, as the earl and Red continued to snipe at each other, and Sir Reginald felt he needed to explain his improper embrace with Sophia even though everyone attempted to dissaude him.
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