Read Online Her Rebellious Heart: A Scottish Historical Romance by Marian McBride - Free Book Online Page A

big bed, suddenly aware of how nice it felt to stretch out without worrying about waking her sisters. She was the eldest child, so she had not slept in a bed alone since her sister Aileen came along when she was a young child. Bridget loved having her own room, but missed Aileen and Bethia. She wished she could share her good fortune with her sisters and bring them to the castle with her, there was certainly plenty of room, but it wouldn't be appropriate given their young age and the fact that her parents were able to provide for her.
                  Bridget promised herself that once she was settled and had gotten a better feel for her grandfather's moods, she would have her sisters to visit as often as possible, giving each girl a chance to come stay at the castle separately so as not to overwhelm Robert and to allow the other to have their parents' attention all to herself, which neither girl had enjoyed like Bridget did when she was a young lass. This brought her some comfort, but did not wash away the excitement of the evening.
                  She finally thought, I’ll go downstairs and get that book I have been planning to read. Maybe that will help me drop off .
                  Opening the bedroom door she listened for any sound, but there was none, and presuming the others to be asleep, she took her oil lamp in hand and went quietly down the stairs.
                  The fire was banked for the night but still giving off a little warmth. Going quickly to the bookcase by the fireplace, she found what she had in mind and was thumbing through the pages when she was startled by a sound behind her. Spinning around momentarily afraid, she was surprised to see Aidan there, still in his outdoor clothes. He had apparently just come in. She pulled her dressing gown closer about her and pushed her hair back off her face as she spoke, “Aidan, I thought everyone was asleep but me. I am so wide awake, I thought I’d read for a while.”
                  He removed his jacket and cap, studying her for a moment before replying, “I have just come back from walking the ladies home. Thought I saw a light in here and came to investigate. Why can’t you sleep?”
                  “Oh, I don’t know, not used to so much excitement I suppose, and maybe the different room I am not used to yet, but I’ll get back upstairs now and read until I get sleepy.”
                  He smiled, “A glass of wine would do the trick much better than reading. Will you have one with me? I know you don’t drink anything stronger than tea, but maybe this once wouldn’t hurt.”
                  Without waiting for an answer he went to the side board and took out a bottle of wine and two glasses. As he came back towards her she couldn’t help thinking how how attractive he looked in his close-fitting tartan trews, which showed his muscular body to great advantage.
                  He was still wearing the white shirt with ruffled front and cuffs, reminding her of some old time cavalier, and for one mad moments she longed to be in his arms; she wanted to touch the unruly black hair and to feel the strong dark face against her own. How easy it would be to just break down and let him love her. But no , she thought, he’s not going to find me such an easy mark .
    `As he poured the wine she said, “Oh, Aidan, I don’t know, my parents would be very angry if they knew I had anything strong to drink.”
                  He looked at her, smiling, “Who’s going to tell them. Come on, let go for once. I’m having one anyway to warm me up. It’s a very cold night.”
                  “Well,” she started hesitantly, “just a small one.” She sat down on the settee as he poured the wine. He seated himself beside her, handed her a glass, and with an amused smile on his lips, watched as she took her first