Page 31 of Taming the Scot
“Ye’ve taught me well no’ to mind my own business,” he said with a grin.
“Nay, that was Lillie’s department.” They both had a chuckle at their gossipy sister. Then Maggie asked, “Are ye going to tell me what’s going on? Everything? Beyond the being in trouble part.”
Euan nodded. “When I know, aye. But for now, keep this between us.”
Maggie agreed, and they went inside. As they parted ways at the top of the stairs heading toward their respective bedchambers, Euan paused, his attention riveted pointed toward the west wing, where Bronwen was still awake.
There’d been so many times in the evening that he’d wanted to turn to her and point out a mannerism that was out of place, or something funny he saw. And then at the beginning of every song, how he’d wanted to swing her into his arms so that he could feel her body against his again.
Those were the moments tonight where he’d started to realize he didn’t want some society lass who couldn’t care less about anything other than a title, coin, gowns. Bronwen didn’t seem to care about any of those things. Euan started to make his way to his chamber when his feet decided they had a mind of their own and turned him back around. The next thing he knew, he was knocking softly at her door and eyeing at the light underneath the threshold.
There was a rustling on the other side, the thump of footsteps. A second later, the door creaked open to reveal Bronwen in her nightgown and wrapper. The sight of her with her long, dark locks pulled over one shoulder, revealing a slight wave, and the way the wrapper clung to her subtle curves—goodness, but he was…stricken. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever beheld. Took his breath away.
“Captain, what are ye doing here?” She glanced out into the hallway to see if there was anyone else present.
Euan swallowed, trying to find his voice and feeling very much like he was fourteen all over again, having stumbled across a few young women bathing in the nearby loch. “I wanted to make certain ye were well. I saw the light from your window when we returned.”
Her arms were at her sides, and without the restriction of a gown, or stays, or whatever it was that she might wear underneath her clothes, her pert breasts beckoned his gaze. And he found it hard as hell not to look, especially when he was certain her nipples had hardened from the chill.
“It’s the middle of the night,” she said, drawing his attention back.
Euan ran his hand through his hair, feeling silly for having come at all and yet grateful he had because the thoughts he’d had while missing her were flooding his brain now. He was in a real quandary. “Are ye well?”
She rubbed at her arms and cocked her head at him, eyeing him curiously. “I’m perfectly fine. I was…reading. Are ye well?” The concern in her voice made him smile.
“Ah, well, I did no’ mean to interrupt.” He started to retreat, massaging the back of his neck. “I was just…checking on ye.”
“Were ye worried about me?” Her hip popped out a little, leaning against the doorframe as she watched him.
Euan started to shake his head but then thought better of it. “Aye.”
“Why?”
This was an easy answer to divulge. “I worry about everyone.”
A soft smile played on her lips. “Ye take on too much. I promise ye that I do no’ need ye to add me to your list of burdens.”
He shrugged. “Someone has to. Why no’ me?” There, he’d opened up the line of communication.
“Ye’re a good brother,” she said, changing the subject. “Your sisters missed ye tonight. It is evident how much they admire ye. I do hope the rest of ye had a wonderful time.”
But Euan wanted her admiration. Which he thought he might have, given her words and the fact that she’d not shooed him away five minutes ago.
“They mean everything to me,” he said, having the sudden urge to confess to her about the new stipulation in the will, his cousin, all of it. But something held him back.
Bronwen smiled up at him wistfully, an arm casually slung across her body, clutching her other elbow. “I’m but an observer, Captain, but I think it is safe to say the feeling is mutual.” There was a fleeting look of sadness that passed over her face before it disappeared. “Tomorrow is walking in gardens and carriage rides through the park. Ye mentioned Charlotte Square before. We’ll pretend we’re in Edinburgh.”
Euan perked up at that. He was very much looking forward to continuing the flirtation in the morning. “And will ye be the lady I’m perusing?”
“I’m no’ lady, but I can pretend to be one.” She gave him a half-smile.
He grinned back, not wanting to press. “Then I bid ye goodnight, and I eagerly await tomorrow’s lessons.”
“Good night.” She ducked her head as she turned around and closed the door. But at the last second, before it closed, she looked out at him, her eyes catching his, and Euan’s heart stuttered to a stop.
Bronwen collapsed onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. Already, she’d barely been able to sleep. She’d read Emilia’s letter over and over again. Under cover of darkness, her cousin had sent several men to her flat to clear out anything of personal value. The place had been ransacked since she’d left, but Emilia had been able to direct the men to the loose floorboard where Bronwen had hidden a few keepsakes, which Prince’s henchmen had not yet found. Thank the saints!
At least those things were safe, the few memories she had left. Emilia also mentioned sending her the copy of Lady Edinburgh’s Guide for Gentleman. What a relief to know that it was her who’d sent it and not someone within the house.
