A Highland Knight to Remember (Highland Dynasty Book 3) by Amy Jarecki Page B

“Aye,” she whispered.
    Sean could have picked her up and swung her in a circle. “Thank you.” Restraining his exuberance, he kissed her hand again rather than risk breaking her bones. “Now, would you like to show me how you stand?”
    Cringing, she leaned away. “Oh no, it would cause too much embarrassment.”
    That damned lump stretched over his heart again. “Why? Are you afraid I will laugh?”
    “Nay.” She looked down.
    He lifted her chin with the crook of his finger until her lovely green eyes met his. Ah yes, the irises were still circled with navy blue. He could lose himself in those eyes forever. “Then why?”
    “I am afraid you will never come back.” Her voice trembled.
    Without thought he slid his hands to her shoulders. “Ah, Miss Gyllis. Nothing could keep me away. Spending time with you is as natural as breathing.” He kissed the top of her head.
    “Honestly?” She focused her gaze on his chest.
    “Aye. I love you. Always have.” He heard the words bubble from his mouth before his mind realized what he’d said. Sean’s tongue went dry. He did love Gyllis. He’d just never admitted it to himself.
    Before she looked up, she gasped.
    When her gaze met his, her eyes were filled with life. They were as bright and clear as they’d been when he’d watched her dance at Beltane. “You’d best not be teasing a poor, crippled lass, Sir Sean MacDougall.”

Chapter Eleven
     
     
    The following morning, Sean sat in his solar with Murdach and Angus, but he looked directly at the factor. “Please explain how five crowns went missing from your figures.”
    Holding his palms out, Murdach appeared to be completely flummoxed. “Five crowns, m’laird? Are you certain?”
    Sean snatched the ledger and slapped in down in front of the fool. “Aye I’m bloody certain. I lost a good amount of sleep over it as well.”
    Murdach looked across the table at Angus. Blast it, Sean could have sworn the pair was in collusion.
    He shoved back his chair and paced in front of the hearth. “Ballocks! You are two of my most trusted men.”
    “We’ve done nothing to incite your ire, m’laird,” said Angus.
    Sean whipped around and slapped his palms on the table. “No? Why are both of you sending silent messages across the table at one another?”
    Angus sat back and shook his head. “We are doing no such thing.”
    “Then where are my five crowns? How long has this been going on? Must I call in others to replace you?” He’d already decided to ask Angus to retire when Fraser returned. Murdach as well—the man could scarcely see past his nose.
    “This was my fault. Do not blame Angus,” Murdach said. “I must have made a recording error. Please, if you must punish someone I am guilty as charged.”
    Sean threw up his hands. “How long were you my father’s factor?”
    “Near thirty years, m’laird.”
    “And how old are you now?”
    “Eight and fifty.”
    Sean resumed his pacing, this time gripping his hands behind his back. “You provided satisfactory service to my father for thirty years?”
    “Aye.”
    “And how often did he catch your errors?”
    “Rarely.” The man scratched his chin. “As a matter of fact, I do not believe he ever complained of errors or my loyalty.”
    Most likely because he couldn’t read a damn thing you scrawled on a sheet of parchment . Sean waved a hand in front of Murdach’s face. “How is your eyesight?”
    The factor grasped the lapels of his doublet, perspiration beading above his lip. “Not as good as it once was, but I still manage.”
    Sean sat in his chair and groaned. “I have decided ’tis time for you to retire.”
    “But sir—”
    Sean held up a hand. “I’ve made my decision. You will receive a pension and continue to live out your days in the cottage with your missus.”
    Murdach stared across the table at Angus, a frown pulling down his jowls. “As you wish, m’laird.”
    Sean regarded his henchman who should be seeking retirement as