Kate Robbins - The Highland Chiefs Series by Bound to the Highlander Page A

honourable, convinced he’d continue the estate’s success well into the next several generations. They would swear fealty to him as liege lord, believing the merger of the two clans would bring wealth, prosperity, and protection. A larger estate was not an ideal target for roaming clans who raided more and more these days.
    They were all wrong. The clan could achieve all those things without James MacIntosh at the helm.
    She had a great deal of love and respect for the people who worked and lived at Chattan Castle, but she could not concur with the excitement around her at the impending arrival of their future chief. The women were another irritating lot and admired the physical side of him. Gushed, more like. Everywhere she turned, the maids whispered about his body, his face and his gorgeous eyes. She had just about had enough when one of the kitchen staff mentioned his firm buttocks. Her reaction was swift and direct—she roared her disapproval and forbade anyone to discuss such an inappropriate topic. Even if there was at least a shred of truth to the last part.
    Desperate for distraction, she immersed herself in celebration preparations by ensuring her guests had the utmost in comfort and hospitality when they arrived. She oversaw meal planning, flower arrangements, garlands hangings, fresh linens for the guest bedrooms, and table settings. Everything must be perfect. She fell heavy into her bed on the night before her betrothal ceremony in eager anticipation of a solid night sleep.
    Gwen rapped on her chamber door early the next morning. The night, like the one before, was filled with tormenting dreams of her intended. In some, he locked her into a small, windowless room, his maniacal laughter filling her ears. In others, he loomed over her for a moment before bending toward her naked body. His smouldering kisses left a trail of molten heat in their wake. Her difficulty was determining which was more disturbing.
    “Rise and shine, sleeping beauty. Today is the day your dreams come true. My lady? My lady?”
    Aileana’s head was buried under three pillows and her quilts were all askew.
    “Go away,” she muttered.
    “Did you not sleep well? Dreaming about a certain gentleman who will be here in a few short hours perhaps?”
    Aileana erupted from the pillows.
    “Aye I did, thanks to you! I hadn’t given the MacIntosh’s looks a second thought until you the put idea in my head.”
    Gwen paled and dropped her gaze to her feet. “I’m sorry if I’m to blame for your sleepless night, my lady and when you’re expecting guests. It was thoughtless of me and I apologize. I understand if you wish someone el se to attend you this morning.”
    Was Gwen teasing again? She often enjoyed the maid’s playful nature, but there was no humour in it today. Still, it wasn’t her fault Aileana’s world had turned on its ear.
    “Shall I call for Colleen?” Gwen asked.
    Aileana sighed.
    “My dearest Gwen, ’tis I who should apologize to you. I don’t know what has put me in such a foul mood this morning. Yet, as you say, we have guests arriving soon and we shall not allow them to witness any tirades on my part, shall we? I wish you alone to attend me as usual.” Acting like a spoiled child would not make her day go any easier. She must face this head on. “I’ve decided to wear the crimson gown today. What do you think?”
    Gwen let out a huge breath and smiled. “I think it’s perfect.”
    Perhaps focusing on her attire would still her fluttering belly. Her gown had just arrived from Edinburgh. It was made of crimson velvet with gold thread and ribbon woven in a knotted design framing the edges. Gwen insisted its square neckline enhanced Aileana’s figure. Long, draping sleeves hung almost to the floor revealing her full-sleeved silk chemise angled at her wrists. Similar ribbons were weaved into her plaited hair.
    Just before the eleventh hour, Gwen clasped her hands together and declared, “Oh, you are perfect! Do