The maid clucked, pulled a chemise over Lissie’s head, and helped her into the deep blue dress. Finally, she arranged a soft wool shawl around her mistress’ shoulders and tucked a pair of fingerless gloves in a pocket.
Downstairs, Maeve waited with a coat and a heavy wool cape, its hood and sleeves trimmed in red fox. A matching fur muff for her hands completed the ensemble.
“Saints and sinners! If I break through the ice, I’ll fall straight to the bottom of Lake Perfect,” Alisabeth laughed as the sleigh pulled up to the front door. Her breath caught when the driver turned. Gideon smiled. A sweet, patient smile full of love and hope. Her heart wrenched at the thought of causing him any pain.
He hopped down from the sleigh and handed first Maeve then Alisabeth into the seats. She avoided his eyes but could not stop the thudding of her heart. They snuggled under a large fur blanket and placed their feet on the foot warmers. “I thought I’d drive us there. Sanders has arranged for a carriage to come out in an hour or so with more hot coal. It will be a nice respite and allow us to thaw out a bit.”
The drive to the pond was spectacular. It had snowed overnight again, and icicles glittered on the bare tree branches. The snow crunched beneath the horses’ hooves, their harnesses jingling in steady rhythm. Puffs of white clouds floated up and away as they talked or sang. Lissie breathed in the crisp, cold air and it cleared her head.
When they reached their destination, she sighed. Lake Perfect was indeed perfect. Two wrought iron benches stood side by side next to the pond. Willow trees stood protectively at each end, the drooping bare branches heavy with glistening snow.
“Charles loved this place. It does my heart good to be here again. It brings back wonderful memories,” Maeve said, longing evident in her voice. “Och, I’m getting too sentimental in my old age.”
“There’s nothing old about ye, Maeve.” Lissie gave her a hug. “Thank ye so much for inviting me here.”
“Bringing ye here to England or here to the pond?”
“Both!”
Gideon stood, a pair of wool socks stretched over his muscled calves and a deep blue great coat that added bulk to his shoulders. He tipped his hat and pulled a sack out from under the driver’s seat. “Let’s see what size will fit your shoes.”
He helped them down from the sleigh and deposited them on one of the benches. There were several pair of wooden slats, with long blades on the bottom that curled up in front of the toes and straps on the top to fasten over her leather shoes. Maeve and Gideon quickly attached their skates before Gideon turned to help Lissie. He squatted down in front of her, laid his hand on the back of her ankle, and slid the skate under her foot. His gloved hand, on such an intimate part of her, sent her stomach tumbling. The touch lingered and again she closed her eyes, afraid to gaze into his. By the time he’d finished strapping on the other skate, Lissie had convinced herself that he could not seduce her with a look.
She pulled on her kid gloves and slapped her knees. “No time like the present, I suppose.” Holding on to the back of the bench, she rose cautiously. One step. One more step. She grinned. “It’s not as difficult as I thought.”
“Ye haven’t even been on the ice yet, ye silly goose.” Maeve laughed and took the lead. “I’ll be busy enough taking care of myself. Alisabeth is your responsibility, Gideon. She’s in your hands now.”
“It seems you have a talent for reading minds, Mama.”
Chapter Twelve
“Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery.”
Jane Austen
The countess stepped onto the pond and glided across the slick surface. Alisabeth took a tentative step and gripped Gideon’s arm as her foot slid out in front of her. A strong arm went around her waist, and the other hand grasped her fingers so they were side by side. Weel, she thought, I’ll be too busy staying upright to worry about my heart. It’s my bottom that’s in danger now.
“Hold your dress up so you don’t trip, and lean on me if you feel unbalanced.” His deep, assuring tone calmed her nerves. “Now, we’ll move left then right. Left then right.”
Under his expert tutelage, she found herself sliding over the ice. The sun had come out, and the pond reflected the winter rays like a mirror. Her fists gripped the layered materials beneath her coat and Gideon’s fingers. “I hope I’m not hurting ye,” she squeaked, leaning precariously to one side as they made a turn around the edge.
He laughed—a carefree sound that warmed her chilled bones and made her smile. She had worried the outing might be uncomfortable after their conversation last night. Instead, being next to him, his body brushing hers as their legs sashayed back and forth, seemed natural. His hold on her was comforting and exciting at once, and for the first time that day, Lissie’s shoulders eased and her muscles relaxed.
“I’m a sturdy half-Scot, don’t you know? Just say the word when you’re tired, and I’ll whisk you back to the bench.” He pulled her closed and spun her in a circle.
“Oh my, it’s almost like floating. Or flying,” she gasped and was rewarded with a brilliant smile from Gideon. His blue eyes absorbed the winter sun, clear and sparkling with mischief.
“Fly, you say?”
Gideon picked her up under the armpits, swung her around in an arc, and placed her back on the ice in one fluid motion. Her stomach tumbled with excitement, and she marveled at his strength and the ease in which he’d lifted her. “I thought it had been years since ye’ve skated?” she asked breathlessly. “I’m impressed it’s come back to ye so quickly.”
“You bring out the best in me.”
“Stop showing off! He used to spin circles around his sister Lottie until she would wail with dizziness,” countered Maeve as she glided next to them. “However, I agree. Ye do bring out the best in my son.”
Lissie blushed and picked up the pace, the sharp scratch of blades against ice creating a rhythmic accompaniment to their graceful movements.
An hour passed and a carriage parked next to the sleigh. They climbed inside to warm their feet, drink mulled wine, and nibble on sweet meats. Once settled, Sanders appeared with an envelope, bearing the Marlen seal.
“I know you have been anxious for news, my lady, so I brought this along.” He paused, his stoic face cracking a bit as his lips turned up ever so slightly. “We’re all on tenterhooks.”
Maeve slid a nail under the wax seal. “Wait a moment, Sanders.” She scanned the letter, her eyes glistening. “It’s a boy. A healthy boy and Etta is doing well. Please let the staff know when we return.”
“It would be my pleasure, my lady,” he said with a crooked smile.
“She produced the coveted heir on her first attempt, eh? Well, as long as Etta’s fine.” Gideon grinned. “And did the Viscount Marlen survive?”
“You’re incorrigible. Of course he did.” The countess tucked the letter in her muff. She turned to Alisabeth. “Are ye enjoying the afternoon?”
“I can see why this was a favorite outing,” said Lissie, leaning back into the soft velvet seat. “Maeve, ye’re so graceful out there. I shall try it solo when we are finished.”
“I’m sure ye’ll do fine. I’ll be heading home after this. I’m done to a cow’s thumb. It’s been so long since I’ve skated, my legs will rebel tomorrow.” She held up her spiced wine. “Here’s to another outing soon.”
They clinked their cups together and a short while later bid farewell to Maeve. Back on the ice, Gideon escorted her around the perimeter of the pond several more times while she found her balance again. Satisfied, he let her go.
Lissie let out a nervous laugh as she tottered then straightened with a huge smile. “I’m doing it. I’m staying up on my own.” She clapped her hands and then panicked. “How do I stop?”
In a blink, Gideon was in front of her, skating backward. “Take my hands.” She did and continued to move forward, following his lead. “You’re very good, Alisabeth. I knew you would be.”
After several times around, he slowed and came to
a stop. Her blades continued and her body bumped his hard chest. Her legs slipped, and she grasped at the lapels of his great coat. His arms went around her, pulling her body flush against his. It was the most glorious sensation. A throbbing began in her belly and moved lower. She gasped at the unfamiliar response.
“I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.”
Her breath caught as she looked up, his face so close to hers. She couldn’t pry her eyes from his mouth. Without thought, she pulled on his coat, stretched up on her toes, and pressed her lips to his. They were soft and tasted of cloves and cinnamon. Her eyes closed as Gideon groaned then kissed the corners of her mouth.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” His husky voice sent a tremor through her body, and the pulsing increased low in her belly. She could only nod her head.
He moved against her, one arm holding her close. His gloved hand cupped her jaw, and they spun in a slow, sensuous circle while he teased and nibbled her top lip. It was everything she dreamed it would be. Sweet, dizzying, and never enough. She opened her mouth to him. When his tongue swept in, heat crashed through her body. Her arms went around his neck, and she hung on for dear life. Their bodies glided and swirled as one, connected like the perfect jigsaw puzzle. When he broke the kiss, he leaned his forehead against hers. His thumb lazily traced the line of her jaw.
“Does this mean yes, my darling Alisabeth?”
She tried to gain control of her senses, but the desire still jumbled her brain. The sound of her panting mixed with his, puffy clouds rising between them and connecting before floating away on the crisp, cold air. Lissie closed her eyes, searching the depths of her soul for the answer. The heaviness in her chest, with her since Ian’s death, eased and the guilt receded. Her heart had decided. With a great sigh of relief, she knew it was the right choice.
She opened her eyes. Cerulean blue orbs sent another wave of heat through her core. “Yes, yes! The answer is yes.”
Gideon dipped his head and covered her mouth. This time the kiss demanded her response as he caressed her back. His hard length pressed against her thigh, and the throbbing between her legs increased. She clung to him, her mind cluttered with the touch of his hands, his velvet lips. Saints and sinners, she thought, how I love this man.
***
Early March 1820
London
Little Edward fussed and squalled at all the attention. The babe was swaddled in a plaid Maeve had brought from MacNaughton Castle, a gift from his great-grandparents. His little red face screwed up and a loud belch rang out.
“Weel, he definitely has some MacNaughton in him,” laughed Maeve, rocking the child and smoothing the blonde fuzz on his tiny skull. “I wonder if his eyes will stay blue? I think I see gold specks in there.”
“I can only pray he looks like his mother,” said Marlen, running a hand through his unruly brown hair. “But I’d prefer my temperament for him.”
“Agreed,” said Etta. She kissed her brother on the cheek. “I’m so glad you could bring them, Gideon, even if it’s only for a short while.”
“My pleasure,” he said with a bow. “I wanted to see my nephew, and I had some business to attend to in London.”
Alisabeth held out her arms. “My turn, if ye please.” She cooed and buried her nose against the child’s neck.
Desire surged through Gideon as he watched her with the babe. Now that he had Lissie’s affections, he wanted to plan a future—and a family. He knew she loved him. He did not know if she would give up Scotland for him.
“He’s a bonny bairn, isn’t he?” she asked, looking over her shoulder as he moved behind her.
He kissed the top of her head and inhaled her lavender scent and the infant’s unique smell. “Yes, he’s verra bonny,” he answered in a terrible imitation that elicited moans from the family. His chest tightened when he imagined their child. A daughter with Lissie’s glossy sable locks and his MacNaughton blue eyes. A son could come later.
“Well Stanfeld, are you up for a visit to White’s tonight and lose a bit of blunt? Pendleton is in town and Lady Eliza will spend the evening here.” Marlen gave Etta a kiss on the lips and winked. “I think we should leave the females to childbirth and baby talk. I’ve had my fill for the past month.”
“That’s a splendid idea, my love. Stay out as long as you like.” She winked back at the viscount. “You have my permission.”
***
Gideon relaxed into the soft leather armchair with a snifter of brandy. The oak paneling gleamed in the candlelight; muffled voices of patrons floated from the hall. He had walked away from the gaming table flush with funds, much to the dismay of his companions. For the first time, guilt riddled him. He would not gamble anymore. When he looked into another player’s eyes, it was not good judge of character that told him if the man bluffed. No, it was that blasted legacy. His pride would not allow him to cut a sham, and his practical nature refused to throw money away on games of total chance.
“I wish I had your luck,” Pendleton said again. “I tell you, I want to be there when you finally lose.”
“Well, that’ll be a long wait since I’m giving it up.”
“Giving it up? Why, man? You’re my hero at the tables.” Marlen refilled the crystal glass, his gray eyes twinkling. “It’s how we met, you know, Pendleton. I’d run out of brass playing whist. Gideon had a pile of winnings and a sister who was pining for a rake.”
“I thought she set her cap for you, not the other way around,” exclaimed Pendleton.
“I was only supposed to distract her from the rogue, which I did.” He gave Gideon a side look and smirked. “I had no idea what I was getting into.”
“All’s well that ends well, as they say.” Gideon grinned. “Tell me you’re not a happy man.”
“High in the ropes, my friend, high in the ropes.” Marlen held his glass up. “In truth, I’m in your debt.”
“Speaking of beautiful women, Stanfeld, when will you make an offer on the Scottish chit?” Pendleton grinned. “Was she really hiding in the heather?”
Gideon laughed, remembering their last conversation at White’s. “No, Alisabeth was in plain sight. And I think I’ll wait until we return to Scotland this summer.”
“That’s months away,” scoffed Marlen. “I’ve seen you look at her. Why would you put yourself through that?”
“I want to be sure she’ll accept England as her home. That’s the only detail I can’t predict. While my Lissie isn’t fickle, she’s a Highland lass through and through.” He studied the intricate plaster moldings along the ceiling. “I’m luring her with my charm and good looks so she cannot imagine life without the Earl of Stanfeld.”
“A few passionate kisses never hurt either,” Pendleton said with a chuckle.
“Your position and wealth would be more than enough for most bird-witted females at Almack’s,” Marlen added. “There’s something to be said for a woman who loves the man and not the title.”
“A toast!” Pendleton emptied the decanter into their snifters. “To beautiful wise women who know our minds before we do. May we never be without them.”
***
“I’m so happy you finally saw reason and allowed us to have this small dinner party.” Lady Pendleton laid a hand on Lord Marlen’s arm, her violet eyes twinkling. “Etta needed a distraction. That babe hiccups and she fears it’s pneumonia.”
“You are welcome, Eliza.” Marlen smiled as he gazed across the room at his wife, her hands moving dramatically as she conversed with a group of guests. “When we found out Lachlan had been invited—and accepted—even Gideon agreed to stay a bit longer.”
Alisabeth pressed her lips together to hide the smile. Sending a letter to Lachlan had been her idea. Knowing Gideon would want to get back to Stanfeld and oversee the spring planting, she’d needed a legitimate excuse to prolong the visit. Etta and Eliza had been so convincing in their need for a social event after Etta’s long confinement. Never having sisters, Lissie had been easily caught
up in the camaraderie between the two close friends. Besides, she and Etta may be sisters one day. The thought sent a hot rush through her.
“You’re the most beautiful woman in this room,” whispered Gideon from behind.
Her earlobe tickled from his warm breath. She closed her eyes, willing her body not to turn and fling itself against the delicious man hovering over. “And ye must be the most handsome earl in the room.” His return chuckle made the tiny diamond drops at her ears tinkle. A Christmas gift from Maeve that Lissie guessed Gideon had purchased.
“I’d like to introduce you to some friends, if you don’t mind,” he said in a more proper tone. He held out his arm and they walked into the adjoining salon.
Lissie tried to still her racing pulse. What if these friends did not like her? Did not like Scots? What if—
“They’ll love you, of course.”
The words calmed her thudding heart. How did he know? How did he always know what ailed her? “Ye always know the right words, my lord. It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.”
He guffawed and his lips pulled into a titillating smirk. “The correct verbiage may come out of my mouth, but if you could hear the occasional jumble inside my head… Well, let’s just say you would not be as impressed.”
“Och, there is not much that could lower my opinion of ye, Lord Stanfeld. Or yer friends.” She squeezed his arm. “I’m looking forward to meeting new acquaintances.”
The first was an attractive older man with silver streaking his white-blond hair. “You’ve been holding out on us, Stanfeld. Who is this diamond of the first water?”
“Mrs. MacNaugton, may I present Sir Horace Franklin. He was a business associate and close friend of my father’s since I can remember.” Gideon inclined his head toward the older gentleman. “And this is my good friend Lord Sunderland.”
Both men bowed and Alisabeth ducked in a slight curtsy, not sure if that was proper protocol or not. Gideon had not mentioned any titles, and she was still learning the intricacies of the ton.
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