Page 49 of Deception and Desire
Lachlan scooted a chair next to her, as was his habit these days, and accepted the hand pasty. They ate in companionable silence for a few moments. After he popped the last bite in his mouth, he sat back and studied her.
“Why are you staring? Do I have something on my lip?” she asked, brushing her fingers along her mouth.
With a silent groan, Lachlan shook his head. “I was wondering if ye’d like to go to the Green after ye’re finished on Wednesday. Just us.”
She paused, a cup halfway to her mouth. “What about Malcolm?”
He leaned forward. “Just us. I’ll still have ye back within the prescribed hour—or so,” he added with a grin. “I need to speak with ye, and I’d like to do so in private.”
Fenella swallowed. He could see the pulse quicken in the hollow of her throat. The spot he’d wanted to kiss for the last month. Jesu! Being a gentleman was killing him. She bent her head and studied the crumbs of meat pie on the brown butcher paper.
“Did I say something to cause ye worry?” She reminded him of a frightened rabbit. He tucked a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his. “I would enjoy some time with ye, outside of the mill and without the others adding to our conversation.”
Her clear gray eyes met his. He could feel her quickened breath against his palm. “Would that be all right?”
She nodded.Sweet Jesu!He could kiss her now, suck on that bottom lip and dip his tongue into the sweetness inside. Taking a deep breath, he removed his hand and stood. He needed air.
“It’s settled, then. Malcolm will come along today, but Wednesday ye’re all mine for an hour.” He turned on his heel and strode from the room before his manners fled and his desire took over.
*
On Wednesday, Lachlansurprised Fenella by ordering his horse and another dappled mare with a side saddle instead of the wagon. He cupped his hands and gave her a foot up, watching as she wrapped one long limb over the pummel and settled the other beneath. He’d judged her serviceable dress to be as wide as the riding habits he’d seen the genteel ladies wear and was relieved she easily arranged the skirt around her ankles. Her grin was contagious as they both trotted through the traffic, enjoying the afternoon sun.
“Charlie needed some exercise, and ye said ye enjoyed riding,” he explained, patting the horse’s neck. “I’m hoping this wasna presumptuous on my part.”
“It’s wonderful. Can we canter when we reach the Green?”
“I’m no’ opposed to it. Racing, however, is frowned upon.”
“I just want to feel the wind on my face. I miss galloping over an open field.” She maneuvered her mount around a lumbering cart, and Lachlan watched her backside appreciatively. “Did I tell you I had another letter from Evie?”
“Good news, I hope?”
She nodded. “It seems an earl is quite taken with her. If I know my sister, the feeling is mutual.”
Her smile told him she was pleased. He recalled their conversation about her mother. If her sister married this man, Fenella would be free to stay in Glasgow. And more amenable to the conversation he was about to have with her.
Once they were away from the crowd and reached an open section of the park, they let the horses have their head. He heard a squeal of pleasure as they climbed a slight incline and slowed the animals to a walk, stopping at a cluster of trees.
“Oh, thank you, Lachlan. I hadn’t realized how much I needed this.” Fenella held her hand against her heaving chest as she caught her breath, cradling her neck.
He dismounted and regarded her as she slid off her mare, her boots slapping the grass with a softthud. She arranged her skirt and followed him to a tree where he looped both lead ropes on a low-hanging branch.
“I’ve brought a blanket to sit on while we talk,” he said as he untied the tartan from behind the saddle. “There’s a nice view of the Clyde over here.”
They sat down and quietly watched the traffic on the river for a few moments. Her cheeks were pink from exertion, and her hair had been teased by the wind. He reached up to smooth a rebellious lock.
“Oh, my hair must be in shambles.” Fenella’s hands went to the ribbons of her bonnet and she took it off, trying to return order to the straying curls. Giving up, she gave him an apologetic smile. “Do you mind if I take just a moment to fix this?”
He watched her slender fingers tug out the pins, scoop the sun-bleached waves into one hand, and twist it into a loose chignon. She deftly jabbed the pins back in and pulled a few tresses over her ears.
“There. Not perfect but better than it was.”
Lachlan leaned back on an elbow, reached up, and rubbed a silky strand between his fingers. “Ye’re lovely either way.” His knuckles dragged along her cheek as he withdrew his hand.
She blushed and focused on the river. “When do you leave?”
“Ian should be returning within the next week or two.” Heat flooded his veins, drumming down his body, low and steady.Sweet Jesu, he thought again, how he wanted her.
