Page 101 of Lords, Ladies and Love

Lachlan looked at her, his eyes softening. She cupped her cheek, and she could not resist burrowing into the warmth of his palm. “You are too good and kind for me.”

“That is simply not true at all.” She closed the gap between them, brushing her lips over his. “You are the best man I have ever met.”

“Minerva, I—”

She pressed her lips to his, a knot tightened in her throat. She could not imagine being apart from this man again, and yet, she must. She still had to return to London once this was done, and who knew if she would ever see him again?

“Just kiss me,” she said huskily, coming in for another kiss.

“Aye, that I can do. That I can always do.”

Chapter Thirteen

Minerva plodded determinedly on. Lachlan tried to curb the smile that threatened to split across his face. He doubted she would appreciate his amusement at her fortitude. What a picture she made though. Dressed in the gown in which he had first met her in, and wearing her pelisse and matching hat, she did not look much like a mountain climber. However, she had the determination of one.

What her grandfather had been thinking when he sent her all the way here, he did not know, though he supposed it was one way to ensure Minerva found her courage.

And, boy, had she.

The cottage in which her grandfather stayed as a child was over the next summit. They had been forced to leave the horses in the previous settlement—a cluster of buildings that hardly counted as a village. But there was no chance of going on horseback over these steep and rugged slopes.

Breaths coming fast, they marched on, picking their way up the side of the mountain and following a groove that had been worn into the ground by thousands of feet before them.

“Just think…” Minerva drew in a breath. “Just think, my grandpapa walked this very path.”

“Aye, makes you wonder what was so special about this cottage.”

She sent him a sideways look. “Perhaps, rather like some people, he enjoyed the solitude. My grandpapa was no lord, but he was raised to marry well and take charge of the family businesses.”

“Surely, you have cottages on mountains in England?”

She giggled. “I would have thought a hardy Scotsman like yourself would relish such a challenge.”

“Keep on teasing me, lass, and I’ll roll you back down the hill,” he threatened with a smile.

She laughed again, her eyes sparkling. Thankfully, the weather had remained clear, and they would make it to the cottage before that changed, he was certain. The sun splitting the cloud highlighted the golden strands of hair around her face and how flushed her cheeks were.

His heart lurched. He was going to miss that smile. Hell, he was going to miss everything about her. But they hardly knew each other. How could he ask her to stay? Or admit his deepening feelings for her? He couldn’t regret the time spent together, and he did not believe she did either, but the thought of her going back to London was like a dagger in his chest. Especially when he considered her using her newfound courage to spend time with other men. He never thought of himself as the jealous type, but apparently, with Minerva, it was different.

“What is it?” she asked, a crease between her brows.

She had caught him looking—probably wistfully. “I… I was just thinking that I would miss you.” The words came out gravelly, as though he had swallowed rocks from the very ground they walked on.

Her smile softened. “I will miss you too,” she admitted. “It seems strange that one can know someone for such little time and yet feel like they have known them forever.”

He shook his head to himself. It felt like more than that, he was certain of it. It felt like… well… it had to be insanity to say as much, so he wouldn’t.

“Perhaps, we can write to one another? Maybe I can visit again soon?” she asked tentatively.

It was more than someone like him could expect. He nodded. “I’d like that very much.” Though he had this sinking feeling that as soon as she returned home she would forget all about him.

They followed the path that curved around the mountain. Lachlan paused to take in the scenery ahead of them. “There.” He pointed toward the next valley. “That is the cottage your grandfather mentioned.”

“Oh, finally.” She lifted her gaze to the skies. “Grandpapa, I hope you know what you have put me through.”

“It is only another hour of walking. We can stay the night there before making our way back.”

“This journey has been quite unlike I expected. But I must confess I am looking forward to sleeping in the same bed every night again.”

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