FLAME ACROSS THE HIGHLANDS by Katherine Vickery

strangely gentle, despite his passion. The hard length of him pressed against her soft form had given her firsthand proof that he was also virile. At least in the marriage bed she would not find her mate repugnant.  But out of it?  That was a thought to cause worry, for she most definitely would not be dominated.   She'd heard the English treated their women like simpletons, nothing better than brood mares.  Hopefully, the Campbells did not emulate their allies completely, for Brianna was used to speaking her mind when the need arose.               
    "Ye're going to scorch yer eyes sister dear, if ye dunna stop staring that way?"  Glenna's soft, melodious chuckles accompanied the statement.  "Aye, but h e is a fine sight to behold."
    Brianna flushed at Glenna's comment , for in truth had she known her sister had come up behind her, she  would never have been quite so open in her gawking.  Whirling around, she hastily sought an excuse.  "I was but having a look at the strange hose he was wearing. Ye know Father canna stand to hae his legs covered with cloth.  Nor can the others.  But I guess that's what happens when a mon keeps company with the English.  Ha!"  She curled her lips scornfully.
    "Looking at his hose were ye...?"  Glenna's giggle broke into full-fledged  laughter.  "Ah, shame on ye, Brianna, thinkin' I'd be believing that story........"
    "I....I was...looki ng at...."
    "The fine shape to his calves and thighs, I'd be thinkin'" Tilting her head to the side , she studied her sister.  "Ye like what ye see."
    "Nae!"  Brianna's soft mouth tightened , and she was slightly indignant in trying to explain herself.  "I was but studying him, wondering if he is Robbie Campbell."
    "He is !  I heard the men talking about it." She nodded towards the stables where a small group had gathered. "He's Duncan Campbell's  nephew and heir to be sure, they said.   The dark hair is proof enough of that.  Jamie says he's fought him on the battlefield.  They speak of him with respect even though they nearly met their death at his hands."
    "Our enemy!  I wonder how many MacQuaries he's sent to their gra ves?"  Brianna frowned darkly.
    "It doesna matter."  Glenna seemed determined to defend him.  "There was a war going on.  Campbell men met their deaths as well.  That's the way of battle, Brianna.  He might not be a saint, but he canna be said to be a devil either.  No more so than Father."
    "Hold yer tongue!"  Throwing Glenna a stern look of disapproval , she turned away.
    "It's true."  Placing a tentative hand on her sister's shoulder, Glenna's voice was gentle.  "But now there's a promise of peace and for that ye should be grateful."             
    "Aye, peace." Stoically she considered that fact and its implications.  She was an offering in this matter.  Quite a load on her slim shoulders.  "Perhaps then I should hae looked at this Campbell laddie in  more detail.  We've ne'er seen one up close ye know.   And as to his legs, they seem a bit bowed to me.  Perhaps he spends a bit too much time on his horse."
    "I think he's a fine looking laddie and so do you."
    Brianna sputtered in protest, then , throwing up her hands, gave up all pretense.  She could not be anything but honest with Glenna.  Since they were children they could read each other's minds.  "Och, I suppose he is pleasant to the eye, but he is far too aware of it."
    "Were my heart not already taken by Alastair , I'd be changing my mind about marrying the Campbell."  Coming closer, Glenna threw her arms around Brianna's neck.  "Ah, when I heard that's who he was I felt all flushed with happiness for ye.  I'd feared Robbie Campbell might hae a wart on his nose or be as unsightly as the MacLeod heir is said to be.  I feared at first that he was the tiny mon, accompanying him,  but he is bonnie.  Robbie Campbell is as fine a looking man as there is. More importantly, ye're taken wi' him.  Don't tell me