Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor Page B

seen as disrespectful." Her voice sounded too low and less sure than she would have liked.
     
"Believe me, I understand yer concern, but I've asked the same of everyone who works for me here at Braigh Castle. We are so remote and rarely have out-of-town guests. I find such propriety too much of an inconvenience. Such formality makes me feel like a stranger to the people who share my home and to those I see so often—like ye."
     
She couldn't blame him for feeling that way. A sense of compassion stirred within her. Having her mother and Gunna to talk to and spend time with made a huge difference to a lonely existence, even though she'd claimed she wouldn't be alone because she would have the villagers.
     
"Verra well. Iain it is, then." Serena couldn't resist smiling at him.
     
"Good." His hazel eyes lit up like the morning sunrise. "Then we have an understanding." Iain's lips curled into a wide grin. "And I have another favor to ask of ye—the real reason I summoned ye."
     
"Aye?" Serena folded her hands in front of her and waited for him to proceed.
     
"I need yer help planning this party. I've no wife, mither, or sister to attend to such matters."
     
"Of course, I'll be happy to assist ye. I'll need a list of people ye plan to invite. I'll take care of everything. Don't ye worry none. "
     
"Fine." He shook his auburn head. "But I want ye there."
     
"Of course, ye'll need servants." Serena nodded. "I and the others will be prepared."
     
"Ye don't understand, lass. I want ye to attend the party— as a guest. I'd rather ye help me as hostess, but that probably would be unacceptable."
     
"Indeed." Serena gasped, and then covered her mouth at the sudden outburst. She stared at Iain in confusion.
     
"As a guest, then." He shrugged as if the matter were closed.
     
"That too would not be acceptable. I'm naught but a servant in yer household."
     
"I care not about such matters. Ye should know that about me by now."
     
"But I care. Nay." She shook her head and stepped back. "I'm not comfortable with it. Please forgive me."
     
"Bring yer mither. Mayhap ye won't feel so awkward then."
     
"Nay!" Serena backed away. "We've no proper clothing. A village lass would bring disrespect upon yer head. I care naught about myself for I'm quite used to being from the Village of Outcasts, but ye're the laird of Braigh Castle. One day ye'll want a mistress for it . . . and heirs."
     
"Aye, and I can promise it won't be Lady Fiona as he intends. I'll wed a lass of my own choosing. I don't care where she comes from, her station, or breeding. I'm only interested in her morals and good character. Is she a God-fearing woman who will be faithful to me as I age? Will she be a good mither and wife? Will she treat others with respect? I don't want a wife who only accepts friends based on their station in life as if no one else matters." Iain walked toward her.
     
Serena held her ground, swallowing. She licked her dry lips. "I admire yer decision, but I don't see what that has to do with my presence at this party."
     
"No one need know ye're from the village."
     
"I won't lie."
     
"Fine. As I told ye, I'm not the one who is concerned about what others think. I'd still like ye to be there. I plan to have dancing and there will be plenty of lonely men without a partner. Ye may bring a friend or two from the village."
     
A servant cleared his throat at the doorway. "Lord Lennox has arrived with his daughter."
     
Iain rubbed his eyes. "Now the man has taken to calling unexpectedly and this time he has brought his daughter, hoping we'll become better acquainted, no doubt." He looked over Serena's head at the servant behind her. "Show them to the drawing room," Iain said.
     
"Mayhap ye'll become more fond of her after ye get to know her." Serena offered him a hopeful smile.
     
"Hogan Lennox is second in line to inherit this estate if I have no heirs. He tried to prevent my inheritance and when the court didn't settle the appeal in his