Heart Melter by Sophia Knightly Page B

Maggie said. "He was verra close to her. Ian is just as passionate as Fiona was when it comes to his home."
    "Glenhaven is in his blood," Natasha said. “I didn’t come to realize how much until it was too late.”
    “It’s never too late,” Maggie said with conviction.
    “We’ll see,” Natasha said, remembering what Ranald had said about Danielle.
    Natasha followed Maggie into the master bedroom and watched her approach the tapestry-covered north wall. A vivid memory of the first time she'd laid eyes on the medieval tapestry of courtly love above the massive bed came rushing back to her. The memory so vibrant she could almost smell Ian’s clean, evergreen scent, feel his warm skin on her, taste the desire in his ravenous kisses. The laird of Glenhaven’s compelling presence filled the room, even if he was miles away. 
    "I had the hidden chamber prepared since I know it’s your favorite. Do you want to sleep there?" Maggie’s motherly voice held a hint of hesitation as she watched her.
    “Sure. Ian isn’t here, so it’s fine,” Natasha said, tamping the shiver of excitement at staying so close to his master quarters.
    Maggie pushed aside the colorful Flemish tapestry. "Verra well, then."
    Underneath the tapestry was a hidden pocket door that Maggie slid into the wall. They walked through a dark corridor leading to a bolted door. Maggie unlocked the ancient wooden door and led Natasha inside the secret, little-used room.
     
     

 

Chapter Five
     
    Maggie turned the lights on when they entered the cozy alcove. A four-poster bed, covered in a luxurious cream silk duvet, was in the center of the room, flanked by two dark mahogany carved tables topped by brass candle lamps. A rich sky blue, mint green and rose Belgian tapestry of flora and fauna hung on a burnished brass rod above the bed. Maggie briskly fluffed up the bed pillows and turned down the duvet.
    "You may place your things in here." Maggie unlocked the intricately carved mahogany armoire and handed the key to Natasha. It was a massive piece of furniture, large enough to store her suitcases.
    “Thank you. Everything is lovely. I feel right at home.” Natasha slipped the key in her pants’ pocket and stood still, marveling at all the homey touches in the beautifully decorated room. She had always loved the secret chamber and how it felt like a serene cocoon. Quiet and incredibly peaceful, it was the perfect place to sing. She could sing as high as she wanted or belt a tune as loud as she wished without disturbing anyone.
    "Ian had a bathroom installed in this chamber last year, complete with a shower and bathtub. There's running hot water too," Ranald said proudly as he put the bags down beside the bed.
    “A warm soak in the tub would be heavenly. Thank you for the beautiful flowers," she said, indicating the crystal vase brimming with freshly cut crimson poppies on an antique vanity in front of the bed. “And for the ride over.”
    “You’re welcome. Maggie has been in a tizzy ever since your phone call,” Ranald said. “Wait till you see the sweater she knit for Evita.”
    Maggie waved him off with a scolding look. “Och, Mr. Duncan, now you spoiled it. It was supposed to be a surprise!” She turned to Natasha. “You must have a wee bit of jet lag, lovey. Rest now. Tea is at four and dinner at seven. If you’d rather sleep than have tea, that’s fine."
    Natasha smiled. “I wouldn’t dream of missing your tea.”
    “Good.” Maggie took Evita out of the kennel and cuddled her to her bosom. “The wee one and I are going to get acquainted now. See you in a bit.” She gave Natasha a jaunty wave and shooed Ranald out before her.
    When they left, Natasha bathed in rose-scented water and washed her hair before donning a soft chenille robe. She lit the candles beside the bed and wallowed in the luxury of the candle-lit glow. Filled with wonder, she gazed at the fireplace. Tonight she'd sleep blissfully in a toasty room and leave her New