Read Online Kilgannon by Kathleen Givens - Free Book Online

least on the map. How very far apart were they in reality? I stared at the page. How could such a small country be so difficult to manage? For centuries now, one group or another had been trying to dominate this bit of earth and its people. I found Skye and the Hebrides off the shore of the western Highlands, but Kilgannon was not marked. Almost nothing was noted in that region, and I wondered where in that remote, rugged terrain lay Alex's home.
    The following evening I found myself dressed in blue silk, pacing in the dining room, more anxious than I'd been in months. I'd tried to pretend to myself that it would simply be another of Louisa's elegant dinners, but I knew it would not be. What if Robert and Alex were rude to each other? In Scotland we are enemies rang in my mind. And Rowena. Next to her I felt much too tall, ugly, and clumsy, the country cousin who never quite measured up. It was in this state that Louisa found me and laughed kindly.
    "You're beautiful, Mary," she said, embracing me. "Just be yourself. If either Robert or Alex is disconcerted by the other, then so be it. Robert should have asked you to marry him months ago. Perhaps Alex being here tonight will spur him on. As for Alex, I suspect that a man who looks like that is used to easy conquests. Let him see he is not without a rival." She smiled. "Mary, one of these men might be your husband one day. Watch them closely. How a man behaves in polite society under duress gives you a glimpse into his soul. If either misbehaves you'll see it and you'll be armed with that knowledge. Picking a husband is a complicated undertaking, my dear, but you must live with the consequences. Get the most for what you're bargaining."
    Ellen ran in to announce that the first guests were here. Alex, Angus, and Robert had arrived together.
     
    WE HEARD LAUGHTER AS WE APPROACHED THE PARLOR, and at the door Louisa and I exchanged looks of surprise. Alex was pointing at Robert, saying something while the others laughed, and I quickly realized what had caused all the commotion. Alex was in English clothing, a frock coat and breeches, and Robert wore Highlander dress, his plaid blue, a beautiful garnet brooch at his shoulder. Alex walked toward me, both hands extended, his grin wide.
    "I'll never argue with yer effect on men, Miss Lowell," he announced. "Ye have both of us playing the fool. But ye must agree that I do look better than the Campbell, no?"
    "Not so, Kilgannon," laughed Robert, approaching as well. "I wear this much better than you do."
    I stood still, amazed to see them joking together, and then smiled as I took Alex's hands. "You both look wonderful," I said with a laugh, noticing how warm and strong his hands felt in mine. He smiled into my eyes and released me with a gentle squeeze of my fingers. Before any of us could speak, the Duke and Duchess arrived and new greetings were exchanged amid more laughter. This was not how I'd envisioned the evening, but it continued in the same fashion. Alex and Robert tried to outdo each other in their jests, both becoming increasingly outrageous, to the delight of all. Will joined in eagerly, and even Angus was silly. The hours flew by and we were saying good-byes before I realized the evening was over. Robert left first, still in a jovial mood, and Alex, at my side, called after him, "Yer knees are lovely, Campbell."
    Robert bowed, laughing, and waved. Alex and Angus left us moments later, thanking Louisa for the evening. Alex gave my hand a squeeze as he said good night. Angus smiled broadly and thanked us, and then they were gone. Rowena, all but ignored throughout the evening despite her placement at the table between Alex and Robert, now embraced me, whispering, "I'd marry Robert and see Alex on the side." Her laughter followed her out the door. I shook my head and turned my thoughts elsewhere.
    I would never understand men, I decided. One would think Alex and Robert had been the best of friends for years. I smiled to