Page 35 of Deception and Desire
*
Lachlan made ita point to be near the office at three o’clock. He watched Fenella tidy the desk, slip on her pelisse, and tie her straw bonnet. Her simple work dress fell over her willowy limbs. He wondered why she wore such plain colors when bold shades would do her justice. She had her head down, adjusting the strap on the leather satchel, and had not yet noticed him.
“May I escort ye outside?”
“Oh, my.” She stopped abruptly and blinked at him. “I really need to pay more attention. Or you need to make more noise so I see you coming.”
A strand of her pale blonde hair fell from its knot, and she brushed it from her cheek with her shoulder. He clenched his hands, driving the nails into his palms to keep his fingers from tucking the lock behind her ear. He moved from the doorway so she could pass and followed her down the stairs.
“Colin and I discussed the Pelling situation. So this doesna happen again, we think all of us should be acquainted with our suppliers and buyers. The more eyes the better, so to speak.”
“That makes sense.” Fenella preceded him down the stairs. “Would you like me to make a list for you? I’m sure most of them are already familiar to Colin, at least.”
“Aye, we’d appreciate that. We also thought…” They reached a landing, and she turned to look at him with a smile. Her lips glistened as if she’d just licked them, and his eyes traced the outline of her mouth.
“You thought?”
He jerked his gaze back to her eyes.Sweet Mary!He had no idea what he’d been about to say. “We thought, well, we thought if ye didna mind… aye! What if we take ye home after ye finish a day’s work? We could show ye the district, perhaps introduce ye to some folks, and help ye get more settled in Glasgow.”
Thathad come to him like lightning striking a dead tree.
She nodded. “Let me ask my grandmother, but I’m not opposed to it.” Continuing down the steps, she began to hum.
“Do ye like music? Is that an English tune?” he asked.
“Oh yes, I love music.” She continued with a light, sweet melody.
“Do ye play an instrument?”
“I don’t seem to have a talent for it. My sister, however, is accomplished at the pianoforte.”
“Ye have a nice voice. Do ye sing?”
“Not well. I hum when I’m happy, though.”
They had reached the main floor. She nodded and acknowledged each operator as they moved between two rows of looms. The employees smiled in return. Fenella stopped and spoke to a young woman who answered enthusiastically. He couldn’t hear the words, their heads bent together. When they stood outside the great front doors, he placed a hand on her arm.
“I’m gone a week, and ye’ve already made friends with the loomers?”
Fenella laughed. “Betsy had a cough at the beginning of the week. I brought her a honey and lemon concoction my grandmother keeps for such purposes. I only asked if it had helped.”
That took him by surprise. He knew she was gently bred by her demeanor and speech. Her education was apparent. Not titled, butentitled to be sure. Yet, she noticed a woman in a crowded factory with a cough. He hurried down the steps, catching up with her at the curb.
“That’s kind of ye.”
“It’s a small gesture. She’s a widow with three children at home and an elderly mother who helps with their care. She cannot afford to be sick.”
He helped her into the phaeton, noting the suspicious brown eyes beneath the cap of the stocky driver. The older Scot glared at him as if they had a debt to settle, but Lachlan didn’t recognize him. “Dinna forget to ask Mrs. Douglas about the escort home.”
She flashed him a brilliant smile as she smoothed her skirts and arranged her bag on the floorboard. “Of course not.” The dour man snapped the reins, and the pair of bays lurched forward. Fenella grabbed her bonnet as the vehicle moved into the traffic.
*
Fenella couldn’t wipethe ridiculous grin from her face. Lachlan would be driving her home after this. She had recognized his stammer on the stairs, had done the same herself often enough. In her heart, she knew Colin would never be her escort unless Lachlan was not there.
Just enjoy his company,she told herself,and guard your affections.
While she wasn’t concerned about being ridiculed by him, she did worry about losing her heart to this man. He made her feel, well, valued. She forgot about her height and being awkward when he caught her in that consuming blue gaze. He respected her education and skills. But being interested in a woman wasn’t the same as courting one. Neither her heart nor her pride could afford another blow.
