“I promise not to kiss you.” Gideon placed a hand over his heart, making the vow to himself as much as her. “After all, I’m hardly a rake, so you need not worry.”
“Nay, yer not a rake.”
No, in her eyes, he was a milksop—not how any gentleman wished to be thought of by a beautiful miss.
“Yer much more dangerous.”
He nearly snorted. “Dangerous?”
“Aye. Ye kiss delightful, yer handsome, yer kind, ‘tis a shame yer English.” With that she cradled his cheek with the soft palm of her hand. “I’m afraid I’ll be the one kissin’ ye.”
Gideon had never lacked confidence in himself, but he also knew that he’d never be a grand prize to any miss. At least, not like his brother and others with titles, or even rakes lacking titles. However, Arabella’s words warmed him in ways he’d never anticipated or experienced.
Covering her hand with his own, Gideon looked down into her blue eyes. “I fear you might be the dangerous one, Miss Arabella.” And against his better judgement, and the warnings of matches in his head, Gideon found himself bending to place his lips against hers. Soft, open and welcoming. This miss had bewitched him somehow. With her, he behaved in the exact opposite as he had with anyone before, and against his intentions. Even though he knew better, Gideon pulled her close and deepened the kiss. His body heated and a good portion of his anatomy became alive with desire.
“Arabella,” Miss Sheena called and the two of them broke apart instantly, then backed away from the other.
“I hope I gave ye enough warnin’.” She grinned as she came through the break in the trees.
“Warnin’?” Arabella asked in alarm.
“In case ye were kissin’ again. I dinna want to have to report ye.” Then she turned to Gideon and held out a vase of flowers. “These should brighten up the cottage nicely.”
He took them. “Thank you.”
“Ye need not thank me. They were Arabella’s idea.”
Gideon cleared his throat. “Well, I should take these to the cottage. I’ll see you at supper?”
“Yes, of course,” Arabella answered, but they stood looking at each other, as if there was so much more to say.
Miss Sheena blew out a breath and crossed her arms over her chest. “Are ye just goin’ to stand there lookin’ at each other? I can take the flowers if ye wish and the two of ye can continue what ye were doin’ before I interrupted.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Gideon said, breaking eye contact with Arabella. “Thank you again. I’ll see you this evening.” Then he turned on his heel and headed to the cottage, where he might just lock the door and not come out again until it was time to leave Anagburn.
Chapter 14
Thank goodness Sheena had come back. Who knows how long Arabella would have stood there kissing Lord Gideon. Each time she became aware of more sensations from the firmness of his lips, the heat of his touch, the warmth in her blood, the queerness of her stomach, the tingling along her spine, the tightening of her breasts and the near loss of use of her legs.
Lord Gideon was the most dangerous gentleman alive!
“Well, were ye?” Sheena asked.
“Were we what?”
“Kissin’!”
Heat infused Arabella’s cheeks. If she answered honestly, Sheena might mention it to Uncle Aiden and that would never do. “It’s none of your concern.”
Her grin widened. “Ye did. He kissed ye thrice.”
Arabella winced. “Please find a new word.”
“I will tomorrow,” Sheena assured her. “But, tell me about the kiss. Was it wonderful?”
Much more than wonderful, not that Arabella would answer her cousin, of course. “We should return to prepare for supper.”
“Aye, and Lord Gideon may be the only male at the table since the rest of them are in the distillery and ye ken how that always ends.”
Maybe they’ll be too far in their cups to worry about what Arabella was about. It might just be the only freedom she had during Lord Gideon’s stay.
Unfortunately, her male relatives remained sober and presented themselves in the parlor a few hours later.
Arabella frowned. This was not like them. Not at all.
Not that they had a habit of getting drunk. In fact, it was rare, but when the group of them golfed, they usually ended inebriated. Was it because the Trents were guests and that was why they were behaving? If that were the case, then she and Lord Gideon would not get a moment together.
Which was for the best, she reminded herself.
“Good evening,” Lord Gideon addressed the group as he entered, and Arabella’s heart picked up. He’d changed his clothing, and brushed his hair, but he hadn’t shaved. Though she’d been barely aware of it at the time, she recalled the gentle frictions against her face when they kissed. One would think the rough bristles would be unpleasant, but they aided in igniting what Arabella decided could only be desire.
Goodness! That is exactly what she’d been experiencing each time he was near, and it increased tenfold when they touched or kissed. It wasn’t the ague at all.
Was desire the cause of her loss of appetite as well? If so, why weren’t happily married people wasting away to nothingness?
“I thought I might travel to Edinburgh tomorrow,” Lord Gideon announced as supper progressed.
“Arabella should accompany ye,” MacGregor suggested. “She could show ye around.”
“May I go as well,” Sheena asked excitedly. Arabella couldn’t blame her cousin since they rarely had an opportunity to venture into the city.
“Nay,” Uncle Aiden answered as Arabella said, “Of course.”
Uncle Aiden’s eyes hardened with warning, but Arabella met him head on, raising an eyebrow with the lift of her chin. She did not wish to argue with him at the supper table, but she also knew that he was trying to force her and Lord Gideon together, and alone, and she’d not have it. Besides, how could she show Lord Gideon around when she traveled there so rarely herself? But, that wasn’t what concerned Arabella, it was the hours they’d be in the carriage, alone, each way that would seal any fate of what her uncle had planned.
“I think we all should go, if everyone is free,” she added. “I know I’d like to visit the milliner.” She did need new bonnets. Too often they’d been destroyed because she lacked care when out and about, especially when hunting because the birds were fond of plucking at whatever Arabella wore on her head.
“I don’t believe Lord Gideon invited anyone to accompany him,” Lord Bentley offered, his eyes meeting Lord Gideon’s across the vast table.
It was as if there was a silent discussion between the two and Arabella wondered what messages they shared. The only thing she knew for certain was that Bentley was well aware of Uncle Aiden’s plans so perhaps this was his way of protecting Lord Gideon.
“Had I wished to be alone, I wouldn’t have mentioned my plans,” Lord Gideon finally said. “I would be honored if Miss Arabella gave me a tour, and welcome anyone else who wishes to join us.”
“Then, I believe I will.” Bentley nodded.
So, instead of Arabella having a chaperone, not that she’d ever needed one before, Lord Gideon would be watched over. Did Bentley fear that it was Arabella’s intention to take advantage of Lord Gideon’s kind heart and soul, or did he fear the manipulations of Uncle Aiden?
“Eleanor, would you like to visit Edinburgh?” Bentley asked his wife.
“Perhaps, but let’s see what tomorrow brings,” she answered vaguely, to which Bentley gave her a soft smile.
“I’ll be goin’ as well,” Donovan announced.
Cameron snorted and gave his brother a knowing look, as if there was another reason he’d be in Edinburgh other than to chaperone.
It was as if there were several unspoken conversations and Arabella wasn’t privy to any of the secrets. Did everyone have secrets?
Gideon excused himself after supper and returned to the cottage where he once again w
rote into the early morning hours. He should have been exhausted but instead, the creative process was exhilarating. However, he’d soon be out of parchment, and thus the reason for his visit to Edinburgh. It was MacGregor’s insistence that Gideon and Miss Arabella go alone that had prompted Gideon to invite everyone. He knew that Bentley sought to protect him, but truly, Gideon was a grown man and quite capable of protecting himself and could well manage not being snared in any traps set by MacGregor.
However, because he knew of the man’s plans, it was the very reason Gideon had not remained for whisky and cheroots, or for visiting with the women over tea, as he suspected MacGregor would once again suggest a stroll in the moonlight. As pleasant as that would have been, temptation lie in that direction and although Gideon would have enjoyed the relaxation, he was not foolish enough to put himself on a path of destruction.
At least MacGregor hadn’t tried to hide his intentions, otherwise Gideon might have been caught unawares, and if the man continued to persist in trying to form a union, Gideon might just call an end to his visit. Though leaving this cottage and Miss Arabella was not what he wished to do, he’d not be manipulated by another man.
When Gideon reached the drive to the manor, the carriage was already waiting. He hadn’t realized they’d leave so early and he had intended to break his fast first. However, as nobody was out front or in the foyer, he continued on in and into the breakfast room where Miss Arabella, Miss Sheena, MacGregor, Donovan and Bentley were enjoying their morning meal.
“Good morning,” Mrs. MacGregor greeted as she breezed into the breakfast room. “I’m so looking forward to Edinburgh. I hardly had an opportunity to enjoy it before my holiday was interrupted.” She offered MacGregor a pointed look as she glided to the sideboard to look over the offerings for breakfast.
“Ye’er goin’ Rose?” MacGregor asked with a frown.
“Of course, and I look forward to shopping with my newest nieces.” She filled a plate and took a seat at the opposite end of the table, only then did Gideon sit, even though neither Bentley, Donovan nor MacGregor had stood when she came into the room.
“Further, I believe we should take rooms for the night,” she continued. “Then we won’t need to rush, especially when the drive is so long.” She took a sip of her tea, looking down the length of the table to MacGregor. “At least, I’m assuming it is a long drive as I only traveled as far as Sterling Castle before I became your guest, but you’ve assured me that we were far from civilization.”
MacGregor’s face flushed. “’Tis only three or so hours.”
A small smile pulled at her lips. “So, not so far.”
“Actually, closer to two depending on the roads,” Bentley offered.
“Is that so?” Her right eyebrow lifted with the question and Gideon was quite lost to this conversation, except he assumed it had something to do with her kidnapping, which he had hoped was behind them. Was it possible the new bride wasn’t so happy with her circumstance? If that were so, why did she marry MacGregor in the first place? She wasn’t a fresh from the schoolroom miss and ruined, but a widow of a somewhat mature age.
“I’m assuming you intend to travel to Edinburgh as well, Aiden?” she asked pleasantly.
“Aye,” he admitted grudgingly.
“All the better that I go along.” Her smile broadened as she set her cup back in the saucer.
“Why is that?” MacGregor asked slowly.
“To make sure that you have ceased interfering in Arabella and Lord Gideon’s lives, of course. We did discuss it last evening.”
Red tinged MacGregor’s cheeks. “I promised ye I wouldna interfere any longer.”
“Then this should be a pleasant trip indeed.”
Fascinating, Gideon thought to himself as he slipped a spoon into the porridge. Apparently Mrs. MacGregor did not approve of her husband’s actions and had ordered him to desist.
“Also,” she turned her attention to Gideon. “When we do return, you will be given a room in the manor, as you should have been given before. I had not known that you were put in the cottage and believed you simply enjoyed walking in the evening before you retired.”
“Thank you, Mrs. MacGregor, but I’m quite happy in the cottage.” He didn’t want to move into the manor. Not when he had been relegated to the most pleasant set of rooms on the estate.
“Yes, well, you are our guest, no matter how that came to be, and will enjoy the comforts of this home,” she insisted, ending with a pointed look to her husband.
Chapter 15
Arabella wanted to scream by the time they rode into Edinburgh and if she had it her way, she’d not be sharing a carriage with Sheena again. And, if her cousin used twattling one more time in a sentence, Arabella truly would scream. How Rose could have such patience when Sheena constantly rattled on and shared with them what she was reading was beyond Arabella. She practically narrated the book for them, substituting twattling where she deemed it was a better choice.
Normally Arabella wasn’t so cross with her cousin, but her nerves were on edge, though she could not fathom why. Their party included Bentley, Uncle Aiden, Lord Gideon and Donovan, who made up the first carriage. With her was Rose and Sheena. It was Rose’s choice not to ride with Uncle Aiden because she was miffed with him. Had her aunt truly not known what her husband had been up to?
In retrospect, remembering how Rose had been with Uncle Aiden from the moment of her arrival at Anaburgn, she would have never allowed Uncle Aiden to treat anyone the way he had Gideon.
“I promise, Arabella, I honestly believed Lord Gideon had decided to stay because he wished to court you, not that Aiden pressured him to do so, and all over a silly little kiss.”
Rose had apologized at least three times since they stepped into the carriage. “I understand and doona blame ye.”
“I promise to make certain Aiden behaves and let nature take its course.”
“Which will be Lord Gideon leaving at the end of his agreed fortnigh’,” Arabella assured her.
“I’m not so certain,” Rose said quietly as she turned to look out the window.
Where Uncle Aiden thought to force a match, Rose hoped for one. Arabella just didn’t want Rose to be disappointed when Lord Gideon left and there was no betrothal.
As the carriages pulled to a stop before an inn, Rose brightened. “Oh, this is where I was staying before I was kidnapped. It’s a lovely place.”
The footman opened the carriage door and then set the step before assisting Rose, Sheena and then Arabella just as the men joined them on the walk outside of the main entrance.
“I’ll see about rooms,” Uncle Aiden said before he left them to make his way inside.
“Did you have a pleasant and comfortable travel?” Lord Gideon asked as he approached.
“Aye,” Arabella answered. Her family rarely asked how she fared, yet Lord Gideon was always solicitous. “I hope ye were comfortable as well.”
He cast a glance back at Donovan. “As well as could be expected.” Then he winked at her.
If her brother had given Lord Gideon a difficult time, she’d box his ears.
Arabella glanced back at Donovan who watched Lord Gideon with suspicion, or was that anger. She couldn’t be certain, but there was a wealth of emotions in Donovan’s gaze, which prompted Arabella to slip her hand into the crook of Lord Gideon’s arm and lead him away from the gathering. “It wasna so difficult was it?”
“No. I promise,” he assured her. “Your brother’s only concern is for you.”
“He needna worry. We both ken what we are about.”
Lord Gideon turned and stared down at her. “Do we?”
Her eyes met his. What was he asking? “Aye! Ye’ll return to Cornwall and I’ll remain at Anagburn, each havin’ gained a friend.” At least, she hoped she could consider him as such.
“Is it true, you have no wish to leave Scotland?” There was a seriousness to his tone.
“Did my uncle tell ye of my intentions?”
It was the only way Lord Gideon could know what she vowed.
His cheeks began to color. “I overheard the discussion you were having with your uncle.”
She pulled back in surprise as her body stiffened. “Ye eavesdropped?” Did Lord Gideon make it a habit to go about listening to conversations that were none of his concern? Though in truth, he had been the main topic, but that was beside the point. He shouldn’t have listened to them.
However, she’d listened to several conversations she shouldn’t have been privy to either, but those involved her male relatives and someone needed to keep an eye on them.
“I didn’t mean to, honestly,” Lord Gideon assured her with a gentleness that she’d come to associate with him. He was so different from her brothers and uncle, who were rough and often ill-mannered.
“But, is it true, you’d only consider a Scot and want to remain in Scotland.”
The where Lord Gideon was from no longer mattered. However, the where he lived did. “I don’t want to leave Scotland, or to ever live so far from my family that I’d rarely ever see them.” Perhaps Lord Gideon might consider living in Scotland. It was unlikely, but if he were….
Instead, he simply nodded. “I understand.”
Hope deflated in an instant, though Arabella tried her best not to dwell upon it, or examine the reasons too deeply.
Was there actually a chance that he and Arabella could be a match? Of course, it would require that he move to Scotland, but would that be so bad?
Gideon shook the thoughts from his mind. Just because there was desire, ample desire, and he found her delightful, moving to another country for a miss whom he’d known for less than a sennight was madness.
Had the MacGregors influenced him in some manner? Infected him with disease that caused irrational behavior and decision making?
Gideon nearly snorted at the thought, but he certainly wasn’t himself when in their presence. Though, perhaps he was himself more than he cared to admit because at the moment, he was perfectly comfortable with the idea of throwing caution to the wind and finding a cottage of his own where he and Miss Arabella could escape the madness of her relatives, and anyone else who wished to disturb his life.
Kissing the Lass (Scot to the Heart #2) Page 11
