Kilts and Daggers Read Online Free Page B

sat. “Please, why don’t you join me?”
    He failed to notice her mocking tone and folded his arms on the table. “I see your sister is feeling much better this morn.”
    â€œYes. I truly can’t thank you enough for seeing to her last eve. Your kindness was most welcome.”
    Fagan’s face reddened before he quickly changed the subject. “I donna want to trouble Ruairi and Ravenna since they are recently wed, but we need to do something about Katherine and Torquil.”
    She lifted a brow. “ We? ”
    â€œAye. The lass follows him relentlessly, and he’s verra annoyed by it.”
    â€œMister Murray, they’re children, and I think they’re simply getting to know one another. I understand this may be difficult for you to believe, but Kat’s never done anything like this before. I think she’s just not used to having someone around who’s near her own age, a boy, and everything here is so new to her. She’s left England, lives in a castle, and has people around her with whom she’s not familiar, but I do understand your concern. What did Torquil say to her? I assumed his words were none too kind.”
    Fagan paused. “Ye assumed right. He told Katherine to stop, and then he told her to go home. I assure ye the lad will nae be speaking that way again to the lass, but can ye—”
    â€œYes, of course. I’ll talk to Kat.” Grace shook her head and spoke in a dry tone. “Frankly, I don’t know what’s wrong with her and Elizabeth lately.”
    â€œElizabeth?”
    When Grace realized her words were spoken faster than she could stay them, she looked down at her oatmeal. “It’s nothing. I spoke before—”
    He lowered his voice. “Ye had nay trouble telling me your sister wasnae a governess, but ye have an issue talking to me about what’s wrong with Elizabeth?”
    â€œMister Murray, I don’t feel at ease discussing these subjects with you.”
    â€œThen call me Fagan. Mister Murray was my father’s name anyway.”
    Grace looked around and then softened her voice. “Now is that truly appropriate?”
    â€œI told ye before. Ye’re a long way from England, lass. Lest ye forget, ye’re in the Highlands now. We do things differently here.”
    She lifted a brow. “How could I forget?”
    â€œRuairi said ye’ll be staying with us for a few weeks. More to the point, I already call Ruairi’s wife Ravenna.” He turned up his smile a notch. “Ye and I are practically like family. Ye will call me Fagan, and I will call ye Grace, or I could always call ye bhana-phrionnsa . I’ll be kind enough to give ye a choice.”
    â€œRavenna may permit you to call her by her Christian name, but I certainly do not, Mister Murray. Although you do make me laugh, I’m afraid you and I are far from family.”
    * * *
    When Grace’s eyes smoldered, Fagan knew he shouldn’t get too close to the flame for fear of getting burned. There was still enough time to take his leave. Otherwise, he’d be verbally sparring with a lass in the middle of the great hall. Ruairi would no doubt have his head for causing mischief with his kin so soon after the wedding.
    Fagan slapped both hands on the table and casually stood. Instinctively, he took another step back in case the lass suddenly had a strong urge to reach across the table and throttle him—or worse. Nevertheless, once she heard what he was about to say, the table wouldn’t provide enough space between them.
    â€œVerra well then. I think bhana-phrionnsa suits ye quite nicely.” When Grace’s cheeks turned scarlet, Fagan smiled. “Donna say I didnae warn ye. Remember I did give ye a choice.” He winked at her and then turned on his heel.
    â€œWait!”
    He had a hard time trying to mask his smile. He turned around slowly and lifted a brow. “Aye?”
    Grace