Page 23 of Never Second Guess a Lord
While tempted to continue the conversation, it was better left for another time because therewouldbe another time. He grew certain of it as he showed her around, and they became more comfortable with one another. In fact, he could not remember the last time he had enjoyed someone’s company as much.
“I will have to take you onto the battlements before your stay here is over,” he said after he showed her around for what felt like minutes but was actually hours. Time passed differently with her. Far too quickly. How could it not when she was so interesting? Inquisitive? Brilliant? “I think you might enjoy the architecture up close, not to mention the astounding view.”
“I would like that.”
“Then you will stay on through the St. Cecilia celebrations?” He paused before they got to the top of the stairs going back down to the great hall and looked at her. “Please say you will remain a few more days, my lady.”For me. Us. Where I believe this might go. “It would be a shame to deny yourself the entire tour of MacLauchlin Castle.”
“It would,” she granted, considering it.
He knew better than demand she did anything or even request it of her too strongly. Rather, it was best she felt staying was on her terms, and he had nothing to do with her decision.
“Then do consider it.” Certain she knew what was happening between their servants, he grinned. While it was dicey to think it might sway her to rethink things, it was worth a go. “Otherwise, you might deny the MacLauchlin staff from enjoying more banter between your lady’s maid and my valet.”
Her eyes widened. “Surelynot.”
“Ah, but a castle does know how to keep its secrets from we high and mighty, does it not?” He steered her a tad closer as they started down the stairs and spoke out of the corner of his mouth in a co-conspirator fashion. “Whilst your maid cannot be blamed, as my valet, Mr. Donal, has a reputation of running a tight ship when we visit others, it seems she runs an even tighter ship. To the point their paths have crossed for whatever reason, and neither much liked each other.” He offered a crooked grin. “More specifically, she thought him a loathsome beast.”
Prudence narrowed her eyes and replied just as discreetly. “Well, is he?”
“I would say not.” He laughed. “But he does have a way of distrusting most and making that known.”
“Why would he ever distrust Miss Agnus?”
“I do not know other than, upon investigation, Lord MacLauchlin would only say it was unfounded.” He winked. “So fear not, fair lady, your maid’s honor is intact.”
“Good news, indeed,” she said. “Though I cannot help but wonder….” The corner of her mouth curled up as well. “Was this dramatic tidbit of gossip the best way to go about convincing me to stay?”
“Likely not.” He chuckled again. “But one does have to wonder where it may go as I cannot envision such passion from my rather stalwart valet. Most irregular.” While tempted to be obtuse lest she flee again, he stopped and gave her at least part of the truth. “I want you to stay because I enjoy your company, Lady Barrington. Because I fear I would grow fatally bored minutes after your departure.”
Where he thought, by the tentative look on her face, she would stick to her criteria, she did anything but. Rather, she surprised him. Shocked him, actually.
“I dare say, would it take whole minutes for you to grow bored after my departure?” A shy smile turned her face that much lovelier. “And here I thought it would take but seconds.”
“You might very well be right.” And may she keep up with her flirtatious banter. He met her smile. “So you will stay on a wee bit? Allow me to give you the full tour? Perhaps even enjoy the ongoing festival in town with me?”
“I will stay on,” she said. “But only under one condition.”
“Anything.”
“Should you not ask what before agreeing?”
“That is not a habit I make when committing to friends,” he said, never more serious. “So, name your condition.”
He thought for sure it would have to do with keeping things purely platonic, but it seemed she shared the same sense of adventure as him.
“That we will get to the bottom of the strife betwixt Miss Agnus and Mr. Donal.” Prudence offered the sort of grin he could get used to. “And perhaps put an end to it.” She once again surprised him when she winked. “Or help it along if there is something more to it?”
“Surely, you do not think….”
“Well, why not?” She shrugged. “Can love not happen in the most unlikely places?”
She trulywasflirting, was she not? He could only pray. Because last he knew, or very much assumed, Lady Barrington was not one to believe in love.
“I very much think it can, my lady,” he replied.
“So we have an agreement?” Her eyebrows flew up. “I will remain on as long as we get to the bottom of what’s bothering our servants.”
“We have an agreement.” He grinned. “Be it a nudge toward or away from one another.”
