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turned to peer out the window at the magnificent view. The carriage then went up a small
incline and stopped in front of a very long stone stairway that led to a doorway high
above the ground. As if her Aunt Ann had been keeping vigil, the door swung open and
she emerged to descend the stairs. Her voluminous skirts were bunched in her fists as she
careened down the stairs at a dangerous speed. Elizabeth tried to get out of the carriage
as quickly as possible if for no other reason than to prevent her aunt from breaking her
neck.
As her foot alighted on the ground, she felt herself being swung around and
hugged tightly. Oh, my beautiful Elizabeth. I m so glad you ve finally come for a
visit! her aunt said, unable to contain her enthusiasm. You re looking more like your
gorgeous mother everyday.
Elizabeth had started to think so herself lately. For every time she gazed into a
mirror, her mother s reflection stared back. She had been a stunning woman and
Elizabeth had no objections to the resemblance.
Penelope, I m so glad you ve come. Give me a hug.
Ann, how wonderful it is to see you after all this time. The two hugged as
though it had been a lifetime since their last visit.
As her aunts chatted, Elizabeth s head tilted upward, and her eyes scanned the
castle exterior. The fortress was a relatively square shape with a number of turrets and
peaks on the top, above which fluttered the family crest upon the flag. She gathered her
skirts to ascend the long stone steps which entered directly to the second story of the
building. Windows were sparse, she realized, for fortification purposes.
As she reached the top of the stairs, she glanced back to witness James struggling
to unload the immense trunk. Her uncle grasped a handle and helped the frail driver
perform the task. After the overturned carriage ordeal, Elizabeth wanted to keep her eye
on the man, making sure he was all right.
On entering the cold stone structure a feeling of warmth and familiarity
overwhelmed Elizabeth. Childhood memories flooded back and her throat tightened as
tears welled in her eyes. Candles illuminated the large foyer, making it glow with a
welcoming radiance. The walls were hung with a tartan and a plethora of weaponry. A
selection of swords adorned the wall as a reminder of the struggles of ancestors past and
the turbulent times of the present.
Come inside for a hot cup of tea, Elizabeth. Or would ye lasses prefer a stiff
shot of something stronger to warm your bones, huh?
I believe we d love a cup of hot tea, wouldn t we, Aunt Penelope? Her aunt
HANDSOME DEVIL Donna McAteer 86
nodded enthusiastically as she rubbed her arms briskly.
Come, follow me please, her aunt said and led them into another room. This
one was larger and Elizabeth knew this to be the den. A gargantuan fireplace blazed at
the back of the room, a huge mantle gracing the structure. A number of comfortable
chairs circled the heat creating a cozy enclave, while a tapestry rug covered the floor.
Elizabeth settled herself on a chair and waited until the other two became relaxed.
Then her aunt asked, Tell me Elizabeth, have you found a husband yet, lass?
Elizabeth stopped short at the unexpected question. Unfortunately not, Aunt
Ann, confessed a startled Elizabeth. She hadn t wanted to start the conversation off with
this topic, yet she now found she couldn t avoid it. Circumstances have prevented it,
and I felt I could not continue the season right now.
What circumstances?
A sick friend caused me to lose precious days while I tended to her illness. But I
have no regrets, really! she interjected. I ve decided to postpone my search until the
right man comes along. In her mind she knew that had already occurred, but could say
nothing.
And you think he s here in the Highlands do you, lass? she asked with a sly
smile on her face This unexpected comment caused Elizabeth to falter, and she could
feel her face turning a crimson red.
Why no, Aunt Ann, I don t know where he might be. If you have any viable
candidates, I d be happy to consider them.
Her aunt s expression turned pensive for a moment and then she beamed. I have
just the man for you lassie, she triumphantly announced, her smile positively radiant as
she turned to Aunt Penelope, who was beaming her smile of approval as well.
Elizabeth hadn t expected her aunt to already have selected a man. Who is he?
she asked suspiciously.
Her aunt looked askance and smiled knowingly. Eager aren t ye, fair Elizabeth?
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