Page 91 of Ruined By the Ruthless Highlander
The table was laid with perfect precision. There was an assortment of fresh bread, thick cuts of butter, small jars of honey and mustard, and a selection of cheeses arranged with a certain elegance that she had begun to miss. A platter of eggs and roasted meats sat at the center, steam rising gently into the morning air and filling the room with a delicious aroma.
The sight alone eased something in her chest.
“Anna,” she called, her voice ringing out like a bell as she walked toward her host. “I cannot believe I get to sit at your famous breakfast table.”
Anna beamed, her bright smile as contagious as ever. Her eyes followed the maids for a moment as they added the final touches, then she turned back to Marian.
“You are too humble, Marian,” she said. “I have heard a great deal about the Whitcombes’ breakfasts back in London, and I only hope this meets your impeccable standards.”
Marian laughed softly, waving her hand at the flattery. “You cannot imagine how much this delights me. I have been starved of a proper breakfast since I arrived in the Highlands.”
Anna’s eyebrows rose.
“Do not tell me Laird MacLeod does not enjoy a good breakfast,” she said with a knowing smile, just as Lachlan stepped into the hall.
They both fell quiet, but his eyebrows drew together in an expression that told Marian he’d heard everything.
He took in the scene before him, letting out a low groan.
“Nae ye as well,” he muttered, and they all shared a light laugh.
Breakfast commenced once everyone was seated at the table. Marian and Lachlan sat side by side, with Anna and Hugh directly opposite.
Marian’s gaze flicked to Lachlan. Her lips twitched as he reached for a napkin, spreading it across his lap just as the others did.
I cannot believe this.
Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the rare sight, though she kept her amusement to herself, making a mental note to taunt him once they returned to Glen Carrick.
She turned to Anna with a smile. A mischievous idea formed in her mind once she remembered that she hadn’t answered the lady’s question.
She lifted her teacup. “You know,” she said quietly, meeting her eyes across the table. “The Laird and I rarely ever have breakfast together in Glen Carrick. Never in such fashion as this.” She took a sip of her tea.
Anna’s eyes widened. “You mean to say that you eat alone?” Her voice rose slightly in surprise.
Lachlan cleared his throat.
Marian’s lips pressed together. She set down her cup and reached for the cutlery to test the eggs. “It was quite baffling at first… But I have grown quite used to it.”
Anna’s expression softened with an apologetic look. “I can understand.” She rested her hand lightly on Hugh’s arm. “Myhusband was much the same at first, but a proper household requires proper meals.”
Hugh nodded in agreement before taking a sip of his tea.
Marian turned to Lachlan. “You see?” She smiled at him, a glint in her eyes. “Civilization is possible even in the Highlands.”
Lachlan’s gaze met hers for a brief moment, then he looked away. He finished the piece of meat he’d been chewing, then wiped his mouth with his napkin before muttering, “Conspirin’ Englishwomen…”
His voice was low enough that the three of them could hear him.
Hugh nearly choked on his drink. He coughed into his napkin, and Anna rubbed his back, even as his laughter finally broke free.
Lachlan reached for his tea as the maids poured Hugh a glass of water, taking a slow sip as though that would spare him from an interrogation.
Anna turned to him, her eyebrows arching in mock defense. “I beg your pardon?” she said sweetly, though her eyes betrayed her amusement.
“I said nothin’,” he replied evenly.
Hugh let out another laugh, shaking his head. “Aye, ye did. And I agree, but we daenae have much choice in the matter.”
