Page 15 of To My Scot, With Love
“Climbed right atop that three-rail fence over yonder.” He jerked his chin over to the paddock in the distance.
Lydia let out a sigh. “And jumped…straight into the mud puddle.”
She caught Mr. Campbell’s eye, those piercing blues glimmering. His frame shook, and he covered his face, clearly trying to regain composure. Lydia bit her lip, trying to hold back her smile. But it was impossible. He was endearing. Handsome. Jovial. Perfect.
He finally emerged from behind his hands. “Covered head to toe, couldn’t even see her wee face. Just blinking owl eyes, stunned speechless.”
“Probably the first time that had ever happened,” Lydia murmured between soft laughs. “She’s a wild one.”
“Aye, she has spirit. Determination. Qualities important for a lass in this world. It’ll serve her well. Even if it might make your pulse take flight.”
She cocked her head and studied him. Not many men would align with that way of thinking. “That is not…the typical way of thinking of my set.”
“Och. ‘Tis because your set can’t handle a strong woman.” His pupils flared and his gaze lingered, caressing every inch of her face. The way he looked at her just now, the deep resonance of his tone…it was like he thoughtherstrong.
“May I walk her, Mr. Campbell?” Felix asked, interrupting the charged moment.
“O’ course, Master Felix.”
Felix clucked at the mare. “Come now, Jasmine. Let us stroll.” He gently led the mare away, lowering his voice and murmuring softly to her.
“That boy has a gentle hand. A natural affinity with animals.”
Lydia hummed in agreement. “I love seeing them with the animals. I like to think it’s a good indication of the sort of man he will grow to be. If one is kind to animals. To children.”
“Aye, you have that right. It says a lot about a person, man or woman. If they’re cruel to those who have very little ability to protect themselves, those who depend on us”—his voice hardened—“it tells one all ye need to know about their character.”
They fell into silence. But Lydia’s skin prickled, buzzed. She was mortified about last night. And as the uncomfortable silence drew out, she greatly feared she may have ruined the friendship she’d formed with the man standing beside her. One that she valued much more than he’d ever know.
“I must beg your pardon—”
“Abou’ last night—”
They both cut off and shared a small smile. And with that, some of the uneasy tension that had settled between them seemed to drift off.
“After you, my lady.”
She blew out her cheeks and stared unseeing into the pasture. Here went nothing. “Mr. Campbell, I must apologize for my forwardness last night. It was not my intention to give offense or cause you discomfort. I would appreciate if you could…perhaps forget the entire matter? And we could return to how things were beforehand? It would weigh heavily on me if my actions have jeopardized our friendship.”
“Nae.”
Her gaze snapped to his. Steel blue, sharp, and glinting with something potent, overpowering.
“I cannae forget, and I have no wish to, my lady.”
“Oh?” Her lips formed the word, but she barely made a sound.
He lifted his cap and scrubbed a hand through his dark locks. “To be frank, my mind’s more muddled than a nest of bridle reins left in a hurry. Lord Bentley spoke with me this morning. He mentioned some things…that he wouldn’t stand in the way. Sounded an awful lot like he was giving his blessing.”
He opened and closed his mouth, and for the longest time didn’t manage to form words. Finally, he burst out, “I dinnae understand your marriage, or your arrangement, my lady. But I wanted you to know, I didnae refuse you because of you. The last thing I would ever do is refuse a gift like that.”
“Oh,” she parroted, her hand fluttering at her breast. “So, then. You…are amenable?”
His lips tugged up into a half-smile. “That depends. On what it is you want. Because if ye’re looking for a quick tumble with a braw Scotsman, while flattered, I dinnae think I’m yer man.”
“And if I said I’d like a-a tumble, but also more?”
Her skin went up in flames. Good heavens. She wanted a tumble with the man—even if she didn’t fully grasp what that truly meant. But that wasn’t all she wanted. The way her heart twisted and tightened in her chest was proof of that.
