Troy grinned, and then started to walk away. “Ye’ll have tae be a bit nicer tae me in order tae hear what I have in mind.”
Ruth could have screamed in rage at the man. What impertinence! But she was a little bit desperate. After looking at the names, she realized that there weren’t really any other options. She rushed after him and matched his pace as they continued to wander through the village. “All right. What is it?”
“I thought I said nicer.” Troy stifled a laugh. He was having more fun than he’d had in years.
She sighed and tried again. “Fine. Will you please tell me what your idea is, Mr. Ferguson? I’d just love to hear it!” He turned to see a simpering Ruth, curtsying with one arm. He laughed out loud and nodded.
“Now that’s better.” He bowed in return and then put his arms behind his back as he approached her.
Ruth moved back a step. Why did he keep moving closer like that? Was there not enough space in the village for the two of them? She feigned anger and disgust, but she knew that his nearness only made her deliciously warm, and it discomfited her.
He lowered his voice again. “Why dinnae ye be the dancer?”
Ruth wanted to laugh. “Me?” and she gestured to her chest, and his gaze followed there, lingering slightly.
“Aye. There are not many other suitable people than those ye have on yer list. And I’m certain ye dinnae want William tae be dancing in a white frock for everyone tae see.”
Despite herself, Ruth smiled, and Troy’s heart did a slight flip. No, he was not supposed to be entertaining in an endearing way. He was supposed to be rakish in an offensive way that angered her. Keep her angry, he reminded himself.
“True,” she replied, “But I’ve never done such a thing before. ‘Twas more of an event for countryside folks and not so much in the city.”
Troy kept his gaze on her as he said softly, “Where is yer sense of adventure? I thought ye said women were full of surprises.” He paused and took a lock of her hair and twisted it around his finger. “I do believe ye might be right in that. I do find it odd that ye wear yer hair down when all the other women keep theirs up and tightly locked away. Very surprising, indeed.”
Ruth couldn’t breathe. He was so close, and it seemed his lips were almost touching hers. She could feel his breath upon her skin, and no matter how hard she tried, she could not send the thought of kissing him out of her mind. Her body was screaming for it, and her heart sped up so fast that she was afraid he could hear it. Her eyes widened at his intimacy, and once he let her hair go and moved back a little, Ruth exhaled and was able to breathe again. Damn him, damn him! Never in all her experience with men had she met one that made her feel like she was going to faint or fill her with such an ache inside of her that throbbed and pulsed.
Troy smiled and crossed his arms, seemingly satisfied at Ruth’s reaction. She tried to recover as quickly as possible, and she cleared her throat. “I feel that I have many points to address there. First, my sense of adventure is fully intact. And I will be following my sense of adventure wherever it takes me once the May Day festival is over.”
Troy’s heart clenched at that. What did that mean? She would be leaving Brechin? That would solve all of his problems, but it didn’t quite sit well with him. Why? Where would she go?
Ruth continued on, interrupting Troy’s train of thought. “Next, women are only full of surprises because they are often underestimated. And lastly,” she took a calming breath as the heat continued to slowly lessen. “I let my hair down because I loathe restrictions in any form. I do not want to be like everyone else. I do not wear a corset either.” Ruth winced with pain as she used the hand that was in the sling to cover her mouth in embarrassment. She had not meant to say so much to Troy, and a minister no less.
Troy lifted an eyebrow as he glanced down at her torso. “Do ye not?” His question sounded slightly shocked as well as intrigued. His cock stiffened slightly at the thought of only the material of her dress being between him and her breasts.
Ruth blushed. “Do not be impertinent. I do not have to behave myself in front of you, brutish rake that you are. And as for the dancing,” she paused to think about it. “I suppose I could do it, if my sense of adventure was being called into question.” Besides, she had no one else she could think of that would participate. Amelia would not want to, and Marianne was pregnant. She nodded and straightened her shoulders with pride. “Yes, yes I will do it.”
Troy was about to speak when a young handsome man approached them wiping his hands on his shirt as he came closer with a smile.
He didn’t seem to see Troy, and he simply bowed his head to Ruth and took her hand to kiss it. “Miss Ruth, what a pleasure it is tae see ye again. I have a gift for ye.”
For the first time in a long time, Troy had the great urge to kick a man to the ground.
Chapter Six
Ruth was slightly surprised, but she recognized Colin, and was always nice to him when he met her in the village. Robyn had told her that the young man was pining for her, and she hadn’t given him any hope, but now she saw an opportunity to throw Troy off of his high horse with all of his seductive ways.
She threw Colin a large smile. “Hello Colin. Lovely to see you again. And a gift?”
Colin nodded and moved to pull something out of his pocket. Ruth saw that Troy was standing impassively next to them. He knew Colin and had seen him around, but their family did not always attend church. He was closer to Ruth’s age, and he was very handsome, even Troy had to admit it. When Colin did attend church, Troy noticed how all the women would giggle around him. But the thing he hadn’t noticed was the obvious regard he had for Ruth, and he had to clench his fists tightly to keep from pummeling the man. Why this sudden possessiveness? He asked himself, but he did not want to answer.
“Aye, ‘tis for yer birthday. Robyn tells me it’s in a few days.” He handed over his gift.
Ruth picked it up, and her eyes widened. “Colin, it’s lovely! Thank you so much! What a beautiful gift!” She felt like maybe she was overdoing her appreciation for her gift, but the present really was beautiful. She made sure that Troy saw it and saw how much she was enjoying it. It was a tiny boat, carved expertly out of wood and smoothed so that it shone in the bright sun.
“Mr. Ferguson, I’m sure you’ve met Colin at church before. He and his father make the most beautiful carvings.” She gestured towards Colin and flashed Troy a smirk as he nodded.
“Aye, we’ve met before. Hello, Colin.” Ruth could have danced at Troy’s stiff introduction. So she had upset him. Excellent.
“Hello, minister,” Colin responded with a smile.
She turned back to Colin. “Thank you again, Colin. But the minister and I need to return to preparing for the festival.” She threw Troy a quick glance. “I have decided to become one of the dancers.”
Colin’s smile grew, and he nodded. “I very much look forward tae seein’ yer dancin’, Miss Ruth.”
“Well, thank you, Colin. You are too kind.” Ruth watched Troy’s expression flit from one emotion to the other out of the corner of her eye. “See you at the festival.”
Colin waved and yelled after them, “And a happy birthday tae ye!”
Ruth waved back and sighed contentedly as they continued on their walk. She could see Troy’s horse ahead of them at the entrance to the village. After a moment of silence, which Ruth interpreted as Troy being angry at his inability to fluster her totally, Troy said, “I did not realize ye had an admirer among the clan.” They paused next to his horse.
“Oh, did you not? There are plenty of men who desire my hand.” Ruth smiled, and it only made Troy angrier. Why should he be angry? Wasn’t he trying to repel Ruth anyway? Who cared if a young handsome man desired Ruth’s heart and received her smile? Her beautiful, sensual smile with perfect, luscious pink lips. Troy let his mind wander for a moment before he brought it back to the present. He was a strong man. He would not let this woman get to him. She was trying to play
his game, but he would not let her win.
“Oh? How fascinating.” Unfortunately, the comment came out angrier than he had intended. But, he busied himself with untying his horse from the wooden post.
Ruth decided to push the matter further to see if she could fluster him a little bit more. “What’s the matter, Mr. Ferguson? Disappointed that you are not among my suitors?”
Troy coughed. “No, of course not. A minister could not be expected to court a woman who wears her hair down and,” his glance turned downward, “wears no corset.” He threw her a devilish smile, and Ruth’s happy expression faded.
But, then she had another idea. “Well then it is very lucky indeed that I have no desire for you to court me, now or at any other time.” And she lifted her head high and walked ahead of him, so that he wouldn’t be able to see her face. She was afraid her expression would give away the truth.
Troy stared after her, watching her hips sway with her movements and enjoying the view of her backside very much. He pushed his hand through his hair in irritation. Why was he suddenly so weak around this woman? Every other moment he was thinking about her body or kissing her or the way her skin would feel. It was as if no other thought occupied his mind. Even his past and desire for redemption had fled his brain the whole afternoon.
He caught up to her, a retort in mind and the reins of his horse in his hand. He got close to her ear and whispered, “And a minister could never court a woman who lies.”
At her gasp of anger, Troy turned and got up on the horse. He looked down at her red face with a smile. “Do let me know if I can help ye in any other way, Lady Browne.” He then kicked the sides of his horse and galloped away, satisfied that she would never want to speak to him again.
* * *
Jamie and William stood shirtless outside of Kinnaird Castle, holding their swords in their hands. Marianne and Amelia sat nearby, watching the pair of them. Jamie taunted his friend. “So, William, I suppose ye dinnae want tae be losing in front of yer new wife there. Too bad that will be happening today.” Jamie smiled at his near brother, his brown hair tied up in a knot as usual.
William swung his sword around in his hand expertly, a contrast to Jamie with his curly red hair and beard. But both were physical matches for the other. Jamie was slightly smaller and quicker, but William made up for it in strength. “Nae, brother, I dinnae think that will be my fate. Ye have a new wife as well who ye’ll be wanting tae keep, I imagine.” He sighed. “But she’ll surely long for the victor of the match.”
Amelia and Marianne whispered to each other on the side, giggling.
William grinned at Jamie’s scowl. “It won’t be just ye and me at the festival, ye know,” Jamie replied. There’ll be plenty of the other lads coming tae test their strength against ye.”
“I dinnae think that Uncle Barra is a worthy opponent.” They both laughed.
“Stop wasting time, lad!” William said. “Let’s begin.” And he moved into his stance, preparing to fight his best friend to practice for the sword fighting competition at the May Day festival.
Jamie followed suit, and the fight began, swords clanging, as the two women looked on.
Amelia whispered to Marianne, “I must confess, I do not tire of such amusement. I’ve hardly seen Jamie in a fighting match, and,” she sighed, “it’s a good thing he’s my husband, or else I could be accused of very wicked thoughts.”
They both laughed, and Marianne replied, “Amelia, you’re going to make me blush. But I do rather feel the same way.”
Amelia looked around. “Where is Ruth? Surely she would enjoy such entertainment as this. And she would appreciate my indelicate comments.”
“She would, I’m sure. I’m afraid she still may be angry at our Mr. Troy Ferguson, for his comments about women.”
“Ah, yes. That does seem strange though, doesn’t it? She must have misunderstood him. He’s always been respectful and honoring of women in my opinion.”
Marianne nodded. “I know. Something is odd about the whole affair, but how will we begin our matchmaking? You’ll soon be gone, and I’ll be left to do all of the work myself. You’re much better and more experienced at this than myself. You just matched up two people from the village only last month!”
Amelia laughed, satisfied. “Yes, I do believe I should abandon my poetry for a matchmaking business.”
Marianne smiled, “You would do well, although the world would be a sorry place without your beautiful words.” Amelia had just written a second volume of poetry, which she said was inspired by the love story of Marianne and William only a few months before. She would soon be sending it in for publication, but she had gifted Marianne and William a copy. Marianne thought about how she and William would often read the words together as they lay in each other’s arms in bed, until the book would be forgotten, and other matters became more pressing.
“Do not worry. Once we can get the two of them in a room together, I’ll be able to be inspired by an idea, maybe even a new writing idea! Ah, speak of the devil.”
Amelia pointed to her left, and Marianne saw Troy approaching on horseback, looking rather cheery. She waved, and Troy dismounted and approached them. In the middle, Jamie and William were twisting, turning, and heaving to see who could get the better of the other. Insults and jokes were flying about between them.
Troy watched as he walked by. Yes, he would like to see how he would fare against the two strong men of the clan. And he wanted Ruth to be there to witness it. He knew it would make her angrier than ever if he succeeded, and then his plan could get into motion.
He approached the two ladies and bowed his head. “Hello, ladies.” They bowed their heads in reply. He sat down next to Marianne.
Amelia leaned over, “Mr. Ferguson, I was disappointed to hear you were not on the list for the athletic part of the festival. Seems to me a young man like yourself would be very interested. And I’m sure the ladies would appreciate your participation.”
Troy laughed. “Well, in that case then, I have made the right decision. I just did, actually a few moments before. Ruth and I were in the village, and I wrote my name into her book.”
Amelia and Marianne glanced at each other, a message sending between them. “Why, that’s excellent! Which events will you be joining?”
Troy nodded towards a now tired Jamie and William who were paused in their battle. “I was thinking sword fighting.”
Jamie heard from afar. “Is that so, lad? Then, ye’ll have tae come tae the middle here and prove yer worth!”
While Jamie was distracted by talking to Troy, William hit his sword onto Jamie’s and Jamie yelled. “Och, lad! There’ll be no room for cheaters here!” And they continued to fight while Troy stood, removing his jacket. Jamie yelled again, “I’ll need the minister tae come tae set ye tae rights, ye bloody blaigeard!”
Marianne and Amelia were laughing with William at Jamie’s outburst. After removing his coat, Troy began to unbutton his linen shirt and pull it out of his breeches. Amelia glanced at Marianne, and then pointed her head towards the outskirts of the practice area. A flustered Ruth appeared, but had paused at the edge, watching her two “brothers” fight it out. She leaned against the stone of the castle, holding her sling arm. She hadn’t yet noticed Troy’s undressing.
Marianne’s smile widened. Ah yes, if only Ruth could look this way, then maybe, just maybe, her heart would soften towards the young minister. But, my goodness, was he a spectacle.
Soon enough, Troy had removed his shirt, and stood bare-chested at the edge of the ring. He yelled out to the two men. “Where am I tae find a sword, lads?” They stopped battling to point to the side, and everyone stared.
Troy went to pick up the spare sword while everyone remained silent. Amelia and Marianne attempted to hide their surprise. Jamie and William looked at him with hands on their hips, and far to the side, Ruth had to keep her mouth from dropping open.
Troy stood again, sword in hand. He was slightly taller than the othe
r two men, and his shoulders were broad like William’s. His arms were pure braided muscle, their every dip and curve in shadow from the sun. His skin was slightly tanned, as if it had been sun-kissed and retained its color. He had a smooth, hairless chest that led to a stomach where every muscle was obvious. His stomach narrowed hips that disappeared into the edge of his breeches.
Capturing The Reluctant Highlander (Lasses 0f The Kinnaird Castle Book 3) Page 5
