The Hawk (Highland Guard #2)(31)

She told herself she was grateful when he seemed to forget all about her once again and returned to the adoring throng surrounding him.

“How long will you stay this time?” one of the women asked.

Finally something worth listening to.

“Until I can bear to tear myself away from Meg’s fine cooking.” He turned to their hostess. “That was one delicious stew you sent over this morning, love. The men appreciate your trouble … as do I.”

Meg turned pink with pleasure. “It was no trouble at all. Just something I tossed together.”

At dawn, Ellie wanted to point out ungraciously. And once again he hadn’t answered the question.

He rose slowly from the chair as if he couldn’t bear to drag himself away. Though the room was a good size—probably twenty by fifty feet—his height and broad shoulders suddenly made it feel much smaller. The man dominated everything around him.

“I’m afraid I must get back to my men,” he said sadly. The obvious protests started, but he waved them off. “I just came up to thank Meg for her hospitality and tending to my men.”

Duncan and Thomas had stubbornly insisted on returning to the beach to join the others first thing in the morning. Ellie thought they both could have benefited from more rest—as could she—and had urged them to stay, but they’d taken her suggestion as an insult.

Meg frowned, having tried to keep them here as well. “I didn’t like the look of the young one. Keep an eye on him. Men can be such stubborn fools.” She gave Hawk a pointed look. “Are you sure you won’t let me see to those hands?”

He grinned. “If I let you see to my hands, it will be hours before I get back to my men.”

Meg gave him a little swat, and everyone laughed except Ellie. Did he ever take anything seriously? And what was wrong with his hands?

He turned to leave, then stopped as if he’d forgotten something—apparently her. “You’re sure it’s no trouble?” he said, referring to Ellie as if she weren’t sitting right there.

Meg shook her head. “I’ll enjoy the company.”

Hawk bent over and gave the curvy redhead a kiss on the cheek. “I owe you, love.”

Meg dimpled. “And I will enjoy collecting payment.”

“Naughty, lass,” he said with another one of those bottom pats.

His gaze leveled on Ellie. “Stay out of trouble,” he ordered, as if she were a child.

She fought the most ridiculous impulse to stick out her tongue at him.

Good God, what was wrong with her? Less than twenty-four hours in his company, and she was acting like her five-year-old sister Joannie.

Their gazes held a moment too long. He frowned, but by the time he glanced back to Meg he was smiling again. “Put her to work. I’m sure there’s something she can do.” From his tone it was clear he wasn’t overly convinced.

Ellie felt a spark of outrage. She wanted to argue that there was plenty she could do, but had to bite her tongue and force herself not to rise to the bait. If he knew how much he was getting to her, it would only encourage him. And in truth, she wasn’t sure how her lady’s skills would be of help to Meg and her small holding.

Ellie knew how to manage the castle’s servants and oversee the cleaning, cooking, and tending to the livestock and crops, but she’d never actually baked bread, made a stew, changed the rushes, laundered linens, milked a cow, or harvested barley herself. It was more than a little humbling to realize how impractical her skills were outside of a castle.

Once he’d left, it didn’t take long for the room to clear of visitors. With Hawk’s words fresh in her mind, Ellie helped Meg clear the table of the platter, bowls, and cups from the morning meal.

“Thank you,” Ellie said when they were finished. “The food was delicious.” Though it was far less elaborate than what she was used to, the simple fare was surprisingly satisfying. As were the accommodations. Though small and rustic, Meg’s home was comfortable, clean, and organized. “I should like to add my thanks to the captain’s for taking me in like this.”

Meg took her hands and gave them a motherly squeeze. “Poor lass. Hawk will get you home before you know it.” She laughed. “I’ll bet it’s some time before you hide away on a boat again. But you will have an adventure to tell when you get home.”

Ellie’s face reddened with mortified heat, wanting to protest with the truth but mindful of her vow. She cursed him for the devil again, recalling after a few whispered words his explanation to Meg last night of how she’d come to be with him.

The pirate had shaken his head sadly. “The lass fancies herself in love, and when I told her I had to go”—he shrugged helplessly as if this kind of thing happened all the time—”she went half-crazed with grief and hid herself under the sails on my boat. By the time one of my men found her, it was too late to take her back. Until I can get her home, I feel responsible for her.”

Her eyes had been shooting daggers at him the whole time—which had only added to his amusement. The arrogant scourge was lucky she didn’t have a real one in her hand.

Meg, on the other hand, looked at him as though he’d just ridden in on a white horse. “Of course you must.” She looked to Ellie and shook her head. “You poor wee lamb.”

She’d taken the bedraggled Ellie and enfolded her in such a sympathetic embrace that Ellie lost the heart to argue.