Tuesday Tales: From the Word: MOUTH

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. This week, our word prompt is MOUTH. I’m continuing with Listen to the Stones.

Marina stumbled on the threshold and reached for the doorjamb to keep her footing. Her mouth opened in surprise, her gaze fixed on the sight of Jerome laughing and conversing with an attractive brunette, young enough to be his daughter. Who the hell was she? She glanced quickly at the bag in her hand.

Biting back a wave of jealousy so strong that it shook her, she cocked her head and pasted a false but hopefully welcoming smile on her face. After all, he was a guest here, and she was his hostess—nothing more. She wished she still carried Raven. The kitten grounded her, and at the moment she needed that.

“Hello. Professor Morrison, I didn’t realize you weren’t alone. I’ll let Maeve know we’re hosting a couple and make sure she brings a third cup for tea.”

He frowned, and then his eyes opened wide. “What? No! I’m quite alone I assure you. There’s been some mistake.” He swallowed and then indicated the young woman. “Lady Fraser, this is Ainsley Lennox, Maeve’s granddaughter who’s studying to be a weaver.”

Marina’s cheeks burned. Once more she’d jumped to conclusions, her favorite form of exercise these days. She nodded, looking at the bag the girl carried and recognizing it for what it was.

“Of course, your grandmother did say you would be along soon. She’s still in the kitchen.” She pointed to the flowered, soft-sided picnic bag. “That must be the mutton stew. I’ve never had any, but I’m sure it’ll be delicious.”

“All of my grandmother’s cooking is good, but the stew’s my favorite. ’Tis a grand pleasure to meet you, my lady.” She executed a half curtsy bow. “I’ll take these to the kitchen and then go back to get the other items you’ll be needing for the kitten.” She smiled at Jerome batting her eyelids.

Good Lord, the girl was flirting with him, and he was lapping it up the way Raven had lapped up the cream. Once more jealousy filled her belly, but she subdued it quickly. Despite her strong attraction to the man, she wouldn’t know if he were friend or foe until she asked him about his plan to purchase Fraser Hall and the land. Until she knew more, it was best to keep him at a distance. So why was she envious of the smile he gave the teenager?

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.