In this excerpt from "To Catch a Highlander" by Karen Hawkins, Dougal and Angus engage in a brief conversation about the lack of supplies, particularly jam and bread. Dougal dismisses Angus with a flick of his hand after the butler delivers the bad news. Angus’s demeanor shifts from smirking to glaring as he is told to leave. The interaction hints at a tense but subtle rivalry between the two men.

Dougal expresses a confident belief that Angus harbors romantic feelings for him, citing Angus’s lingering gaze and jealousy when Dougal interacts with other women. Sophia, witnessing this exchange, finds Dougal's conviction amusing yet remains skeptical about Angus's affections. The playful banter reveals the dynamics of their relationships and adds a lighthearted tone to the scene.