Page 45 of Never a Duchess
“Ye shouldnae be out here, Miss Ware.” He refused to look at her, couldn’t trust himself to behave. “I shall come to the supper room in ten minutes.”
A gentleman would escort her safely inside.
Yet they could not be seen strolling alone together.
Still, he’d rather suffer the consequences than place her at risk.
But then Lord Roxburgh’s deep voice penetrated the gloom. “Lillian saw Major Rowlands return to the ballroom and was worried when you did not. The major said you disappeared into the garden, looking somewhat agitated.”
The peer had no real interest in Callan’s welfare and merely wished to prevent his sister’s name from appearing in tomorrow’sScandal Sheet.
Callan faced the lord. “I needed a moment alone.”
Roxburgh stood with his wife and Miss Ware, his suspicious gaze moving to the small topiary maze tucked away at the bottom of the garden. “Are we interrupting something?”
Hell! Did he think Callan had arranged an assignation?
Being a woman who studied scoundrels, Miss Ware understood her brother’s implicit meaning. “We’re sorry to have troubled you, Your Grace. Please, go about your business.” Her voice broke on the last word, but she regained her composure.
“Rowlands said something to remind me why I hated my father,” he reluctantly confessed. “I didnae wish to burden ye, Miss Ware. I came here for nae reason other than to walk and get some air.”
Her posture remained rigid. “You don’t need to explain.”
She didn’t believe him.
On most women, jealousy was an ugly mask that distorted their delicate features. On Miss Ware, the change held him spellbound.
Trust was an issue for her, but he quickly reminded her of his fealty. “We made a blood oath. Shall I explain why ye should have faith in my word?”
She swallowed. “That won’t be necessary.”
God, she looked so beautiful tonight. Her exquisite blue gown made her eyes sparkle brighter than the stars. The gold trim drew his gaze to the sweeping neckline that showed the soft swell of her breasts to perfection.
His cock hardened as he imagined kissing her there, taking a rosy nipple into his mouth, his tongue circling the peak. “Then let me tell ye what I learned from Major Rowlands. We can find somewhere private to discuss the case and examine the evidence.” Examine the depths of each other’s mouths.
Roxburgh glanced at the maze. “Wait here a moment.”
He marched past Callan and entered the labyrinth. Miss Ware stared at the entrance through pensive eyes, as if fearing he might be swallowed by the blackness, never to return.
“I trust Alexander is sleeping tonight,” Callan said, keen to fill the awkward silence.
Lady Roxburgh smiled. “I took him out into the garden for half an hour. The cool air seems to settle him. Indeed, it’s a relief to spend a few precious hours alone with my husband.”
“Perhaps the bairn has a Scot’s temperament.”
They spoke about Scotland’s rugged landscape, the mere mention of seeing the morning mist creeping over Loch Awe rousing a deep need to return home.
“Ye’re welcome to visit me in the Highlands.” He glanced at Miss Ware, picturing her paddling her bare feet in the brook and gazing up at him from a bed of heather. “It will do the children good to roam wild and free.”
Not just the children.
He longed to see Miss Ware’s hair blowing loosely in the breeze.
Roxburgh reappeared. “The maze is empty. You have ten minutes to discuss the case. We’ll remain at the entrance and ensure no one passes.”
Shock had Callan’s heart pounding in his chest.
Surely Roxburgh knew they planned to do more than talk.
