Love Beyond Compare (Book 5 of Morna’s Legacy Series) by Bethany Claire Page B

stables.”
    “Thank ye.”  
    It was Gregor who spoke, climbing off his horse before giving Isobel assistance. She was exhausted from the travel, but her outlook was positive and it did wonders for her health. Tired as she was, she didn’t look nearly as sick as she’d appeared every day since I’d known her.  
    Callum moved to greet Gregor and Isobel while Orick, Cooper, and I dismounted and handed over our reins to the men who stood waiting to see to the tired and hungry horses.  
    By the time Callum moved toward us, Adwen appeared in the doorway, grinning like a recently-laid fool.
    “Isobel, ye look well, lass.” He moved to kiss her hand before moving to greet Gregor who thanked Adwen graciously for the invitation. I stood back, watching their exchanges, all the while dreading the moment he would head my way.  
    After a moment, he turned to me and Cooper and threw me a wink before moving to say hello to Cooper.  
    “I’m pleased to see ye again, Cooper. ’Tis wonderful that ye’ve come.”
    “Thanks for having me.” Cooper smiled but stayed close to my side. I wondered if the perceptive child could sense my irritation and meant to comfort me by his presence. It did help, and I reached to grab Cooper’s hand so that it wouldn’t be free for Adwen’s grabbing.  
    “Adwen.” I nodded but said nothing else in greeting.  
    “Jane, ye look lovely.”
    I did not look lovely. Nobody looked lovely after three days on the road. His flattery meant nothing.  
    “Will ye no extend me yer hand?”
    I gripped Cooper’s fingers a little tighter so he’d know not to release me. “The last time you asked me to shake your hand, it didn’t go so well, remember? Besides, I have…” I hesitated, but still the words escaped me, “I have a…a rash.”
    “Ye have a rash, lass?”
    “Uh, yes, on my hands.”
    At that, Cooper jerked his hands from my grip before shaking them out in disgust. “Then what are you holding my hands for? I don’t want a rash, Aunt Jane.”
    I opened my eyes as wide as I could force them as I tried to show Cooper I was fibbing, but the damage was already done.  
    “Let me see yer hand, lass. If ’tis a rash, perhaps we can find ye a salve.”  
    I’d backed myself into a corner, and I knew there was no way I could get out of the situation without drawing even more attention. Cringing, I extended it toward him.  
    His ran his fingers across the soft flesh of my palm, glancing down at them with feigned concern.  
    “I doona see a rash, but riding can be rough on yer hands. I’ll have a solution sent to yer bedchamber to soothe it.”  
    “Thanks.” I pulled my hand from his grasp, hating the fluttery sensation that shot through my abdomen as he touched me.  
    “Now,” Adwen turned to address the group, “allow me to show ye the castle. Then I’ll see ye each to yer chambers so that ye can rest and refresh yerselves before the evening meal.”
    I didn’t feel the need to traipse around the castle by Adwen’s guided hand when more than likely I knew its hallways better than he did—I’d lived in it longer than he had. “Actually, would you mind just telling me which room is mine? I’m sure I can find my way there.”
    Adwen spoke over his shoulder at me as he guided us all inside. “I’d forgotten that ye’d been to the castle before while we were away. Are ye sure ye doona wish to join us?”
    Cooper spoke up, always ready to be helpful. “She’s done more than visit, she used to live here!”
    Adwen said nothing but threw me a questioning glance before Isobel spoke up in confusion.  
    “Ye have lived here, Jane?”
    I moved in close to her and tried to dismiss her question where Cooper couldn’t hear me. “He’s got a vivid imagination—likes to come up with all sorts of stories.”  
    I suspected that Isobel didn’t quite believe me, but she said nothing more. Once we stepped indoors, Adwen moved to my side.  
    “If ye truly wish to go to yer