A Noble Deception (The Douglas Clan) Read Online Free Page B

so.”
    He regard ed Alex with a sidelong glance; a sense of guilt prickled at the back of his neck. Alex had been his friend since childhood. It was Lachlan who had brought him to Lord Erroll—when he’d sought a place in the earl’s guard, Alex had followed. It was Lachlan’s fault; Lachlan was the reason Alex faced the possibility of conflict with the king. He took a long draught of his ale to silence his conscience.
    “ I find that the more I think on it, the more eager I am to go. Lord Kildrummond is a hospitable man, and I am curious about the purpose of this summons.”
    Alex twisted his own goblet of ale in his hands, his head bent as he reflected on this turn of events. His golden hair was tied at the nape of his neck in a queue, but a lock at his forehead had fallen over his right eye.
    “I dinna recall meeting yer Kildrummond kinsmen,” Alex observed.
    “I dinna think ye have . My aunt, that is, my father’s youngest sister, were married off at a young age to the Earl of Kildrummond. ‘Twas my grandfather’s hope to revive his squandered wealth wi’ the union. As ye can see, that didna go so well for him.” He held his arms out, displaying himself to illustrate the point.
    “Y e poor soul,” Alex responded dryly. “Having to make yer way in the world like the rest of us. How do ye manage?”
    Grinning , Lachlan caught the eye of the serving wench that wended her way through the tables. Tipping his chin to her, he lifted his goblet and wiggled the stem back and forth between his fingertips.
    Though other customers also awaited a top-up to their goblets, the serving girl made straight for Lachlan. She was a buxom lass, with shimmering, copper-coloured hair, inviting grey eyes and a plump, pink mouth. It was a mouth whi ch Lachlan knew intimately.
    God’s bones, it was a mouth which intimate parts of his body knew intimately.
    She bent over the tabl e unnecessarily as she filled his goblet, presenting the pillowy mounds of her bosoms to him. Lachlan gazed at her unabashedly.
    Or perhaps it was Alex to whom she presented her bosoms. The two friends did not make sport of comparing their bedmates, but Lachlan did know that Alex had carnal knowledge of her, too. In fact, there were probably very few men in this tavern who hadn’t had a turn with the comely, copper-haired lass.
    “Ye dinna mind coming wi’ me, dy’e?” Lachlan asked when she’d gone. “If ye’d rather no’, I’ll bring MacAndrews in yer stead. ‘Tis no trouble.”
    “Nay, ‘tis fine. I wouldna mind some time away.”
    “I’m glad to hear it.” Lachlan downed his ale in one swallow and, stretching his arms above his head, peered across the room to the serving wench. “Well then, Alex, I’m off to bed.”
    Alex followed his gaze. “Ye go on, I’ll send her yer way when her work here’s done. I think she were after ye, anyway.”
    WARM IN HIS bed, the serving wench from the tavern asleep against his chest, Lachlan thought of the journey ahead. He had not seen his aunt in a very long time and would enjoy the reunion.
    Of her husband, Lord Kildrummond, he remembered little. He only recalled that he had a similar, regal appearance to Lord Albermarle. Both men , if he remembered correctly, were tall and broad, with commanding, handsome features and a firm but gentle countenance. Both men were greatly respected.
    Of the happenings at Kildrummond he remembered even less. His father had not taken him there often, neither as a boy nor in later years. The details were hazy, but Lachlan seemed to remember there had been a mistress. A very public mistress which caused Lady Glinis great shame. Indeed Lord Kildrummond had settled the woman into a hut close to Glendalough Castle so that he would have regular access to her.
    It was a wonder he didn’t just set her up in the castle proper, since he was so determined to flaunt her.
    The mistress, Lachlan knew, was the reason his aunt usually came to visit them, instead of the other way