Page 12 of The Scottish Bride

As he rang off the harp, the weakened string spun off its peg, twirled out, and snapped the young woman’s arm. Wincing, she rubbed her sleeve.

“My lady, I apologize.” He gathered the string back. “Are you hurt?”

“I am fine.” Her laugh was bell-like. “I forgive your harp.”

“And the harper?”

“Oh, not he.” She leaned toward him, her braid sweeping down, gold brushing his arm. Her silvery-blue eyes sparkled. “’Twas not the best of tunes, indeed.”

“The truth pierces like an arrow.” He set a hand to his chest in mock torment. “Though I admit, I am not the best of harpers.”

“Then I wonder why you play. Or are you here for another reason?”

Her bluntness startled him. “For love of music, of course,” he replied lightly, sliding the harp into its satchel.

The guard came forward. “Lady, you must come with us.”

“I am speaking to the harper. Just a moment.”

“I can see the lady to the solar,” Liam said, buckling the leather cover.

“You are still playing for your supper, are you not?” the guard replied.

“I am done. A string broke, and I have no spare.”

“Huh.” The guard was uninterested. “Lady, you have only a moment.” He walked away to wait with the two women by the door.

“A metal-strung harp has a heavenly sound,” Lady Tamsin said. “I have heard most harpers use sheep gut, though some who use metal may have silver and gold in the strings.”

“That is sometimes used for the two center strings. They ring the same note. We call them the Lovers.” He glanced up and met her gaze.

“Are your strings lovers?”

For some reason, his heart surged. He looked away. “The strings of myclàrsachare humble brass wrapped with silver. They do well enough. I leave the lore and legend of it to harpers better than myself.”

“My grandda was a harper. May I ask… Have you ever played at Castle Kincraig? You seem…familiar.”

“I have not.” But he knew the place. Standing, he settled the covered harp over his shoulder.

“Have you ever been to Dalrinnie Castle?”

She did not mince words, this one. He had not set foot in Dalrinnie’s hall since before the place was stormed and overtaken by the English in his absence. “I have not entertained there, my lady.”

“I only wondered where I might have seen you before. Well, perhaps it was just—never mind. Thank you for the music.” She paused, then spoke again. “You said you were sent to escort us. Sir David Campbell sent you?”

“I just thought you were having some trouble, that is all. The others are waiting for you, my lady.” He indicated Lady Kirsten, who approached with the older lady.

“Lady Tamsin, I told the guard we needed fresh air before we go upstairs. Would you like to go out with us?” The dark-haired girl’s cheeks held a pink blush. She seemed anxious too, Liam thought.

“We cannot go out without the guard.” The older woman sounded irritable.

“I would be pleased to escort you outside if you wish to go,” Liam offered.

“The night air would be welcome,” Lady Tamsin said. “If the harper would be so kind, we would not have to trouble the guard.”

“This is inviting trouble,” the old one said. The younger women did not answer.

“This way.” Liam led them to the door of the hall and into the corridor. The guard was nowhere in sight, which gave him some ease, so he guided the women to the keep’s outer door that opened on wooden steps descending to the bailey. As he went down, they followed, skirts whispering over the wooden platform and steps. The older lady groused under her breath, and Lady Kirsten shushed her.