Read Online Plaid to the Bone by Mia Marlowe - Free Book Online Page A

wrong with that.”
    “No, no’ a thing,” he agreed with a shrug. “But if ye were that sort what keeps to themselves, I dinna think ye’d have been forward enough to step up to the pillory when I needed a friend most desperately. No, ye’re the sort who has deep convictions and even deeper feelings. And despite that cat’s smile ye’re trying to foist on me, ye’re no’ happy.”
    She yanked her hand away from his arm. “Whether I am or no’ is none of your business.”
    “Perhaps no’. But I only say these things to remind ye that I’ve pledged my life to ye, milady.” He thumped his rather hollow sounding chest. “Callum Farquhar may be a cheat and scoundrel, but he’s no’ one to swear to something and then change.”
    Since Cait was struggling with her own oath, she was impressed that Farquhar seemed determined to keep his.
    “If there’s aught I can do for ye, whatever it might be, I stand ready to do it.” He capped this grand statement with an equally grand bow.
    Cait brought her hand to her mouth and coughed to hide her snort of derision. Mr. Farquhar was no taller than she and if he outweighed her by a stone, she’d have been surprised.
    “I ken what ye’re thinkin’, milady. Admittedly, I’m no one’s idea of a knight errant at first blush, but such skills as I have, I commit to your cause.”
    She smiled, genuinely this time. Farquhar’s gift of self-deprecation made him impossible not to like. “What makes ye think I have a cause?”
    “All women do. Maybe ye’d like my help in reforming whatever flaws ye see in your future husband’s character. That seems to be a popular feminine pastime.”
    “If the laird of Bonniebroch has flaws, I’ve no’ seen them yet.”
    It was a bit puzzling that Adam Cameron didn’t seem to be at all as her father had described him—despotic and power-mad. Of course, Lord Bonniebroch was a bit full of himself, but she’d never met a titled gent who wasn’t. And he did have the power of life and death over his retainers, but he wore that authority lightly and, if his actions toward Mr. Farquhar were any indication, with benevolence.
    Perhaps he’s been on his best behavior since I arrived.
    It was an unfortunate thought, because it dredged up memories of his “best behavior” in her chamber the night before. Heat crept up her neck and made her cheeks burn.
    If Farquhar noticed, and she was certain he must have, he was at least politic enough not to mention it.
    “I hope, milady, you will allow me to prepare the poultice for your maid’s rheumatism. I have some skill with herbs and would not have you come to harm through mishandling this one.” He gentled the basket containing the wolf ’s bane out of her hand. “The drying may take some time, ye ken. In the meantime, I expect ye’re aware that willow bark tea will give your servant some ease.”
    He did know his herbs. Well enough that if she should try to hurry Adam Cameron to his reward with a tincture of wolf ’s bane, Farquhar was likely to recognize what she’d done. She doubted his oath extended to helping her murder a man, but she could hardly turn down such a well-spoken offer to process the herb for Grizel’s use.
    “Thank ye kindly, Mr. Farquhar,” she said as she turned to ascend the stairs alone. “I appreciate your help.”
    “Remember, milady. Whatever I can do, I will.”
    Cait nodded graciously at him and climbed the staircase. Since the wolf ’s bane was no longer an option, she’d have to consider another, probably messier and riskier, way of ridding herself of the man she intended to wed in a few hours.
    Why couldn’t Adam Cameron have been the petty tyrant her father claimed he was? It would make what she had to do so much easier if she could only hate the man as she ought.
    When she entered her chamber, Grizel was already there, shaking out the green kirtle Cait would wear for the wedding ceremony later. The ensemble was the most elaborate Cait had ever