Blessing The Highlander by J. Lee Coulter Page B

after all, and she did not want to embarrass herself further after the humiliation of that morn.
                 She had been flaying herself for most of the day at her imprudent jaunt to the kitchen. She was in unfamiliar lodgings full of individuals she did not discern. What she had done was unwise and the attack was her shame to bear. It would not happen again.
                 Seonaid elevated her chin to encounter Garrick’s steely blue gaze.
                 “My Laird, after giving my actions of this day considerable thought, I have come to ken that my activities initiated the assault on my person this morn. Twas my error alone and I ...I humbly ask for forgiveness for forcing your hand.” More softly she added, “If…if you grant me another chance I vow twill nae happen again. But I will abide by your decision...even if you wish me to go.”
                 Garrick’s eyes widened in disbelief for a flicker of a moment then were shielded from her. She was apologizing to him? Was she daft? An admission of guilt he had not anticipated, although she was right to do so. What actually troubled him, though, was that she believed he would wish to be rid of her over such a small matter. Mayhap this is how her clansmen treated her so she expected it from him as well. His jaw clenched forcefully. It all but confirmed the rumors of her family however. She must be a MacGregor for certain to assume this kind of treatment!
                 “Our meal grows cold, wife, and your stomach sounds a mite peckish.” he responded gruffly.
                 Seonaid nodded docilely, arising and walking toward the empty chair near the table. As she passed by him, he reached out and seized her by the hand, drawing her closer.
                 “I accept your apology, Seonaid. Most people would nae perceive the situation in that light. But there is something ye need ta understand.” He gave her a stern unwavering look. “Nae one is flawless. We all err once in a while...even me. But ye are nae one of them, mo cridhe.” He turned over her hand placing a kiss on her palm. “And I will never send ye away just because ye may have stumbled...or for any other reason. I gave me vows ta ye yester eve and I do nae give them flippantly nor do I break them, once given. I do nae expect ye ta be perfect. All I ask of ye is ta be honest with me and try ta do your finest. Now eat, wife, before ye swoon with hunger.” He flashed a wide grin releasing her.
                 Seonaid trembled as she sat in the chair. He still sought after her? Flawed as she was? She did not comprehend how he could desire her when she was proving to be such an inconvenience. She would need to give this considerable reflection. But for the moment she was famished and the stew quite delicious. Garrick tore off some fresh bread, passing it to her, and then poured her some ale. She sipped the ale, wrinkling her nose at the unpleasant flavor. He smiled as he surveyed her various facial contortions over the beverage, at length submitting to mercy.
                 “Ye do nae care for ale, lass?”
                 “It appears that is so,” she sighed.
                 He took her mug and poured the remnants into his, then picked up an alternative ewer, filling her cup with a red liquid and handed it to her. “Try this. It may be more ta your taste.”
                 She sniffed tentatively at the edge of the mug, and then ventured taking a sip. “Mmmmm...tis good. What is it?”
                 Garrick grinned broadly. “Tis honeyed-wine. I kenned ye might prefer something sweeter than ale or...uisge beatha.”
                 “Oh aye! I like this very much,” she exclaimed as she held out her cup for more. He eyed her beaker for a moment… then refilled it.
                 “Tis a wee bit stronger than it tastes wife. Ye should sip it