Page 45 of A Virgin for the Stone Highlander
She pulled a book from the shelf and settled into a chair. It was a healer’s guide, just the sort of thing she needed to take her mind off Aaron.
She glanced through the pages, inhaling the comforting scent of old parchment. Half of the words were in a language she couldnot understand, but there were endless pictures of herbs, and she quickly became engrossed trying to name them.
The rest of the morning flew by before she knew it.
She released a soft groan as she reached the last page, smiling as she imagined a day when she’d be comfortable writing a book of her own.
The library was less empty now. Footsteps echoed from somewhere beyond the shelves as people walked in and out, and she rose, straightening her dress.
There was no reason for her to think much of it. The castle was filled with people, a good number of whom had Aaron’s permission to browse through the library.
She reached for the top shelf, picking out a similar book on herbs to the one she had just finished reading.
Perhaps I could bring this back later.
She held the book to her chest as she turned around to leave, but then she heard a voice that was too familiar for comfort.
“The estate records from the western fields.” Aaron’s voice carried clearly through the room.
Edith nearly dropped the book in her hand.
Nay.
Her head snapped up.
“Aye, me Laird,” a male voice answered, likely his man-at-arms. “They should be in the fifth row.”
Edith blinked, looking around quickly.
Surely nae. Surely estate records daenae belong in the same section as healing guides?
The footsteps immediately began to draw nearer. The man was walking toward her.
Whether it was Aaron himself or one of his men, Edith was not willing to find out. The book went on the wrong side of the shelf. She spun in the opposite direction of the footsteps, walking as fast as she could without making any noise.
Her escape was near. She was just about to reach the door when she heard him call out her name.
“Edith?”
She froze for a moment.
“Is that ye?”
She turned around slowly, forcing the most awkward smile on her face. “Good day, me Laird,” she greeted.
She bobbed the deepest, most unnecessary curtsy ever, since she had already seen him hours ago at breakfast.
Her cheeks turned red with embarrassment as she rose. Then she turned, hurrying out of the library as though it were the most natural thing to do.
She did not stop to breathe until she reached a secluded corner. The day was only halfway done.
“Me Lady,” a familiar voice called out.
It was Violet.
Edith softened as soon as she saw the maid, her eyes immediately falling to the covered basket in her hand. “Where are ye headed?”
“The kitchens. I offered a hand. The cooks are preparing ahead of the harvest festival.”
