Page 89 of Never a Duchess
“Yes?”
“I need more than one night.”
“Yes, I’m certain one more night will not suffice.” She quickly distracted herself by peering inside the basket. “Oh, we’ve shortbread and fudge.”
“It’s nae fudge but tablet. A Scottish confectionary. Mrs McClintock knows I’ve a fondness for all things sweet.”
“So, we’re to have a picnic beneath the stars.” A giggle of excitement burst from her lips. The sound was so contagious it forced him to cast aside all doubts. “Will you make a fire outside?”
He laughed. “Aye, else we’ll freeze to death.”
She glanced at him through lowered lids. “We can keep each other warm. What do we sleep on?”
“I had Mr Jenkins erect a Round Tent. He stored blankets and furs inside. If we were staying for more than one night, I’d hunt and cook, but we’ve Mrs McClintock’s basket.” And he wanted to spend every minute worshiping her, not stirring the pot.
Intrigue flickered in her eyes. “Do you ever sleep in the woods when at home in the Highlands?”
“I’m the Duke of Dounreay.” Though she knew what that entailed, he sought to remind her of his responsibilities. “By day, I’ve an estate to run. As Laird, I’ve a duty to my clansmen. But at night, and every spare moment I have, I live like a free man.”
She fell silent, but he could almost hear the cogs turning in her mind. “I’ve never considered fitting freedom into a schedule.”
“I’m a free man by choice, a duke by birth. There’s nae difference between us, Lillian. We both use our free time to do what we love.”
She raised a brow. “You mean me being a woman of noble birth, I have more time to indulge my whims.”
“I mean life’s better when there’s a balance.”
She exhaled, long and deep, like she had been holding her breath for years. “Come. Show me how to brave the elements. Show me what you’re like when you roam free.”
“Ye’ll have to carry wood.”
“I’ll do whatever ye ask,” she teased.
“We’ve nae far to walk. We’re sleeping ten feet from the house.”
He’d not wanted to venture too far. A lady might wake at night and wander into the woods. Besides, the next time they shared a moment like this he prayed they’d be camping on the banks near Balliemore.
They made a camp beneath the ancient oak trees.
Using the blankets and furs, Lillian created a makeshift bed inside the Round Tent. After stripping off his cravat and coat, Callan built a fire and piled enough wood beside it to last the night.
She came to join him by the fire, though kept her hands hidden behind her back rather than warm them against the flames.
“I have a confession.” A chuckle escaped from her pursed lips. “You’ll think me terribly selfish.”
“Ye’ve eaten something from the basket,” he said, noting the glimmer of mischief in her eyes. “Judging by the way yer licking yer lips, I’d say it’s the tablet.”
Laughing, she showed him the piece in her hand. “You’re wasted as a duke. Mr Daventry would have you working as an agent if he could persuade you to spend more time in London.”
And yet he couldn’t determine how she felt abouthim.
He stood, closing the gap between them, slipping his arm around her waist, keen to feel the heat of her body. “Feed me. It’s the least ye can do after stealing the provisions.”
“Open your mouth.” She held the small confectionary square between her finger and thumb, teasing him to taste it. “And close your eyes. It’s so much sweeter when you focus your senses.”
Curbing a smile, he did as she asked.
The minx drew the sweet treat slowly over his bottom lip, snatching it back whenever he tried to claim a bite. Just when he thought he’d caught the edge with his teeth, she denied him the pleasure.
