Read The Bride for Free Online Page B

said you'd be napping and we'd be able to sneak right inside and take our mounts out for another quick run," Mary confessed.
     
    "For heaven's sake, Mary, you needn't be telling him that."
     
    "Well, you did say—"
     
    "Shame on you, Jamie," Beak scolded. "I never nap and you shouldn't be sneaking around anywheres." He gave her a ridiculous grin. "It ain't ladylike."
     
    "Yes, you do nap," Jamie told him. She found his smile contagious. "You're in a fit mood today, aren't you?"
     
    "That I am," Beak admitted. He tried to hide his eagerness, for he certainly didn't want Jamie to suspect he was up to mischief. Beak wondered if the lairds were still lingering over Wildfire. Though the warrior Kincaid couldn't see Lady Jamie, Beak knew that her voice, so soft and husky, would certainly capture his attention.
     
    "And what are the pair of you up to this fine afternoon, I'm wondering to meself?" Beak inquired.
     
    "We wanted to go riding," Mary said. She gave Beak a puzzled look. "We just told you that. Are you feeling ill, Beak? Jamie, he looks flushed to me."
     
    Jamie immediately reached up and touched Beak's forehead with the back of her hand. "He doesn't have fever," she told her sister.
     
    "Quit your fretting over me," Beak said. "I'm fit as ever."
     
    "Then you'll let us go riding for another hour or two?" Mary asked.
     
    "You'll be walking and that's that," Beak announced. He folded his arms across his chest to show he meant what he'd said.
     
    "Why can't we ride?" Mary asked.
     
    "Because I've just bedded down the ladies," Beak said. "Your horses have been fed, pampered, and lulled to sleep."
     
    Beak had only just finished giving that lie when he remembered the two great stallions feeding in the stalls adjacent to the front doors. He worried Jamie or Mary might take notice. The sisters usually came flying through the stables, though, and there was a good chance he could get them back outside before they took a real look around them.
     
    "You should be getting ready for your company," Beak blurted out. He grabbed hold of Mary's right arm and Jamie's left and started dragging the two of them toward the entrance.
     
    "Mary has convinced me not to worry about our unwanted guests on such a fine afternoon," Jamie explained. "Do quit tugging on my arm, Beak."
     
    "We have three full days of freedom," Mary interjected. "Jamie still has plenty of time to get the household ready."
     
    "You could try lending a hand, missy," Beak said. "It would do you good."
     
    "Don't start nagging her, Beak. Mary would help if I asked her assistance."
     
    Beak didn't look as if he believed that remark.
     
    "Speaking of asking," Mary interjected, "there's something I want to ask you, Beak."
     
    "Mary, don't bother Beak with questions now."
     
    "I certainly am going to bother Beak," Mary told her sister. "I value his advice as much as you do. Besides, I want to know if you've told me the truth."
     
    "What a sinful thing to say," Jamie replied. Her smile told Beak she really wasn't the least offended.
     
    "Jamie told me all about these horrible Scots, Beak. I'm thinking of running away. What think you of that bold plan?"
     
    Beak tried not to smile; Lady Mary looked so sincere. "It would depend on where you'd be running to, I suppose."
     
    "Oh, well, I hadn't actually thought of a true destination yet…"
     
    "I'm wondering why you'd want to run away, Mary," Beak said. "What sorry tales has your sister filled your head with? Do you think they're true or false?"
     
    "Now, Beak, why would you think I'd lie to my sister?" Jamie asked, trying not to laugh.
     
    "Because I know how your mind works, Jamie," Beak answered. "You've been at it again, haven't you? What stories have you teased your poor sister with today? I can see you got her quivering with fear. And I happen to know you don't know spit about the Scots."
     
    "I know they've got the brains of sheep," Jamie answered. She winked at Beak when Mary wasn't noticing,