“I think it best that I go. I’d hate to meet your father in the corridor and be forced to explain my presence here.”
“I’m a grown woman and a widow,” she reminded him tartly. “Not a maiden in need of a chaperone.”
“You’re a noblewoman, as well. I’ve no intention of giving the maids anything more to gossip about.”
Grudgingly, she acquiesced to his argument. After pulling on his boots, he left her with a dizzying kiss and that devilish smile.
He crossed her bedchamber and eased open the door that led to her sitting room. At the outer door, he paused to listen before slipping into the corridor. Not a sound did he make, but she heard his voice join Lydia’s clear soprano.
“Good morning, Eric.” The maid giggled. “Just coming in, are you?”
“Not a word to Lady Redmond. I’m afraid she wouldn’t be as understanding as you.”
“I’m not all that understanding. I might need some convincing to keep such a secret.”
The hallway grew quiet, and Elisabeth could easily imagine the form of persuasion Eric had chosen.
“I suppose I could hold my tongue,” Lydia finally said, a bit breathless. “After all, I wouldn’t wish to upset Elisabeth.”
“Many thanks, ma chère.”
With a trill of laughter, Lydia went on her way while Elisabeth settled back into her bed.
“My dear, indeed.” Gathering up the pillow that held his uniquely masculine scent, she tucked it under her cheek with a grin. “Wait ’til I get hold of you tonight, Eric Jordanne.”
***
“Faílte,” Gabriel welcomed Grant Colton with a broad smile and a warm handshake. “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you in Caileann.”
“Too long,” he agreed, returning both gestures. “Now that harvest is over and things are quieter in Briarton, I wanted to come see you before Christmas.”
“I trust you’re hungry,” his burly host continued as they walked toward the keep. “As soon as your messenger told us you were coming, Sarah went into one of her baking sprees.”
“I can think of no better reason to make the journey.”
That earned him an appraising look from the sly old fox. “I doubt that.”
Laughing, Grant held up his hands in surrender. “There’s no fooling you, Gabriel. Of course, I’ve come to see Elisabeth.”
“I believe you’ll find her in the gardens.”
“On such a cold day?” Grant asked in surprise.
“My daughter comes from sturdy Highland stock,” the earl bragged, “it takes more than a bit of cool air to frighten her.”
As they mounted the steps that led into the main hall, a towering man appeared in the doorway above them.
“Eric, there you are!” Gabriel motioned for him to join them. “I’d like ye to meet Grant Colton. Grant, this is Eric Jordanne, a deadly addition to my forces.”
“An honor,” Jordanne replied, bowing slightly. “I trust you had an enjoyable journey.”
“It was pleasant enough.”
Eric smiled at someone standing behind them. “Pardon me. I’m expected for a riding lesson.”
Grant watched him stroll toward a sapling of a boy and pause to say something to him. When the boy’s face broke into a grin, Jordanne laughed and boosted him into the saddle atop a black palfrey. He mounted his imposing destrier in a nimble leap before moving off at a trot, reins slack while he illustrated some point or another with his hands.
“Impressive, is he not?” Gabriel asked with a chuckle.
“Indeed.”
Gabriel motioned him into the hall. From a nearby table, he took up a pitcher of mead and filled a tankard for each of them. “He’s rescued Elisabeth more than once, even warned us of an impending raid. Were it not for him, I’m certain she’d not be here with us.”
While he relayed the details of the tall soldier’s exploits, Grant listened raptly as he sipped his mead. “Wonderful stories, to be sure.”
“Our bard tells them much better than I. No doubt you’ll hear some of them after the evening meal.”
“I’ll be looking forward to that.”
***
Someone stopped before her, and Elisabeth glanced up from her pruning. Lit from behind by the early afternoon sun, an old friend smiled down at her.
“Grant!” Delighted, she jumped to her feet and embraced him. “I’d no idea you were coming for a visit.”
Beaming down at her, he said, “I asked your father to keep it secret. I wanted to surprise you.”
“You did that very well.”
“Don’t let me interrupt your work.”
Motioning for her to continue, he sat on the ground beside her, twirling a wilted poppy in his fingers as he glanced about. “I remember how we used to help your mother tend this garden. I can still hear her telling us all the different uses for the things we planted.”
“It seems like such a long time ago, doesn’t it?”
“Actually, that’s part of the reason I’m here.” Dropping the dead flower, he somberly met her gaze. “To talk about our past. And the future we might have together,” he added in a hopeful tone.
’Twas the last thing she’d expected on this bright autumn day. Five years ago, in nearly this same spot, he’d asked for her hand. But it, along with the rest of her, had already been promised to John, and she’d been forced to refuse Grant’s proposal. It wasn’t a pleasant memory.
To mask her sudden discomfort, she began digging dead wood from the roots of an ailing rose bush. She carefully avoided looking toward the shadows beside the wellhead where Eric had secreted himself so she might have some time alone yet remain under his watchful eye.
“What did you wish to say?” she asked.
“I understand this past year has been a difficult one for you, but I hope you know I still hold you in great regard.” He took the trowel from her and lightly held her hand in his. “Though I wasn’t your first choice as a husband, it would please me greatly to be your second.”
“’Tis an honor to know you feel that way.”
“The honor is mine.” He lifted her hand to his lips, then rubbed his thumb along her third finger. “If I were to offer you a gold ring lined with rubies, would you accept it?”
“I—”
“Elisabeth Colton. A beautiful name for a beautiful lady.”
In his lilting accent, it sounded lovely as a song, and she couldn’t help but smile. “I seem to remember you saying that once before.”
“It’s still true.”
“That’s very sweet, but I can give you no children. Surely you know that.”
“That doesn’t matter to me.”
His quick answer made her suspicious. Though not as worldly as some, she was familiar with the conniving ways of certain noble families. “I will not accept a child another woman bears for you.”
“I’d never ask that of you. I ask only that you be my wife, make me the happiest man in Scotland.”
Caught off guard by his bold request, she didn’t move as he leaned in and gently kissed her lips. His eyes gleamed gold in the sunlight, his smile even more dazzling than she remembered. She’d been honest with him, yet he remained steadfast. He’d been a friend to them all since childhood, had become a kind, intelligent man who wished to marry her.
Father would certainly approve of such a choice. Not only was he fond of Grant, their union would strengthen the ties between the powerful Redmond and Colton clans, helping to ensure an impenetrable border between Scotland and England.
“You seem hesitant, Elisabeth.”
“I—” Gathering her wits, she searched frantically for a reply. “My mourning ended only recently, and I wasn’t expecting a proposal so soon. I need time to consider it.”
His hands tightened around hers, then relaxed as he smiled. “Please accept my apologies for startling you. I hadn’t planned to ask you this way, but seeing you here in the garden inspired me.”
After kissing each of her hands
, he rose and strolled away. Bewildered by what had just happened, she watched him walk under the arbor and through the rear doors into the hall.
Though she’d not heard anyone approach, she wasn’t surprised when a tall shadow fell over her. “Would you care for a walk, milady?”
The formality of Eric’s speech did little to disguise the trouble brewing in his eyes. When he held out his hand, she took it, too shaken to do anything but follow him.
In a secluded copse of birch, he turned to her and claimed her other hand. Even in the dappled sunlight, she could see the determined set of his jaw. “Do you wish to marry Grant Colton?”
“No.”
“You’re certain?”
“Most certain.” Unable to endure his scrutiny any longer, she looked into the distance. “But I can think of no reason I could give, so I may not have a choice.”
“I’ll give you one.”
Curious, she returned to the warm caress of his gaze. “How?”
“Marry me.”
Her jaw fell open, and she stared up at him, incredulous. “What did you say?”
Pulling away from her, he began an agitated pacing. “You must think me a lunatic, but when I heard him propose to you,” his voice trailed off, and he shook his head as if trying to dispel the memory. The eyes that met hers blazed with desperation. “I love you, Lise, and I can’t bear the thought of losing you.”
“You love me?” He nodded, and her heart began dancing as she said, “I love you, as well. But do you truly wish to marry me?”
The panic receded from his eyes, but he frowned as he gathered her into his arms. “Consider carefully what that means. Should you decide to marry a commoner, the king will surely require you to renounce any holdings you have.”
“I care nothing for that, but don’t you wish to have a family?”
“I’ve no doubt the abbess could send us half a dozen orphans who need a home.”
What Eric suggested seemed unreal to her. A marriage filled with love and passion, children of her own to cherish. All her dreams come to life. “I suppose once we’re wed, we could live here whilst we build a house nearby.”
“We could,” he agreed with a soft kiss for her lips.
“But you really must give up chasing the maids. I won’t have it.”
Nuzzling into the curve of her shoulder, he chuckled. “I do that only to protect your honor.”
She laughed. “I think perhaps you enjoy it a little too much.”
“Christian enjoys it,” he breathed at her ear. “He can have them all.”
“He already has.”
“He’s welcome to them.” His tongue toyed with the hidden amethyst dangling from her ear. “You leave me no strength for anyone else.”
“Eric!” She felt her cheeks grow hot, even as he laughed.
“What say you, Lise? Will you be my wife? Help me build a fine house and fill it with children?”
He followed his proposal with a long kiss, his mouth hovering just above hers as she smiled and whispered her answer.
“Yes.”
With an elated shout, he swept her into his arms and spun about the little glen. “I suppose I should speak to your father.”
“Grant will have talked to him already. How will I ever find a way to explain this?”
“He lost to the better man. No shame in that.”
She chided him with a shake of her head. “Men can be so unkind to one another.”
Grinning most unrepentantly, he fisted a hand over his heart. “Honesty and truth, milady.”
“Pride and stubbornness,” she contradicted, unable to quell a smile. “I’ll give Grant my answer this evening, and you can talk to Father on the morrow.”
Quickly, Eric sobered. “You’re certain you wish to refuse Colton? I haven’t even a sliver of what he can give you.”
“Grant is a good man, but you’re everything I could ever want.” With a light touch, she traced his mouth. “I love you.”
“And I love you. Always and forever, mon cœur.”
My heart, she translated the endearment even as he brought her close, the heart he’d pledged to her beating a solid rhythm on her cheek. In his next breath, he pushed her behind him, backing toward a sturdy birch as he drew the long-handled knife from his belt.
“There.” The blade flashed as he pointed.
She saw nothing, but she didn’t doubt his eyes. As he started forward, she grabbed his free hand in both of hers. “He’s gone. All you’ll find is footprints.”
Eric glared into the woods, but his harsh expression softened as it fell on her. “You look tired. With guests for dinner, perhaps you should rest a while.”
“So you can chase shadows through the forest? I think not.” She curved against him with an inviting smile. “But if you come with me, I might lie down.”
***
“Close your eyes.” Grant gave her a mischievous grin. “And open your mouth.”
Elisabeth had played this game with him as a child and unwittingly eaten a slug coated in honey. “Why?”
“I brought you a surprise, and you’ll not get it unless you do as I say.”
Smiling at the playful tone of his voice, she complied. Something rolled onto her tongue, and she tentatively bit into it. It was at once sweet and sour. And quite juicy, she realized as she felt liquid trickling down her chin.
“Allow me.” Grant dabbed at the juice with his napkin. Folding his arms on the table, he leaned toward her, an expectant look on his face. “What think you?”
“Delicious. What are they?” She selected another of the ruby balls from the bowl near his elbow and popped it into her mouth.
“Cherries, from the Far East. I’ve been experimenting with them and have two small trees that bear quite well.” When her teeth crunched on something hard, he chuckled. “Careful. It has a pit.”
As politely as she could, Elisabeth removed the crushed seed from her teeth. “Are they difficult to grow?”
“Very. Keeping them alive during the trip was the hardest part. Sailors have little concern for seedlings.”
“Perhaps they were occupied with keeping the ship afloat.”
Those were the first words Eric had spoken all evening. Then again, Grant had a great talent for commanding attention.
To his credit, their guest smiled affably. “I meant no offense. I’ve no doubt I’d make a dreadful sailor.”
Eric’s grunt made it plain he heartily agreed.
Hoping to ease the tension she sensed was building between the two men, Elisabeth plucked another cherry from the bowl. She studied the fruit while she dangled it by its stem. “It has a great deal of flavor for something so small. ’Tis sweet but tart, as well.”
Cocking an eyebrow, she gave Eric a little smile. Male interest sparked in his eyes, fanned to a flame as she gripped the cherry in her teeth and pulled it loose from its stem.
She held the bowl out to him. “Would you care for some?”
Though his manner remained aloof, the gleam in his eyes made it clear he appreciated her jest. “Perhaps later, milady.”
They shared a long look that sang with promise. Grant chose that moment to stand and offer her his arm. “Shall we take a walk together?”
She knew what had prompted his invitation, and she reluctantly rose to take his arm.
Eric stood as well, and Grant laughed. “No need to trouble yourself. I know my way about the keep.”
“’Tis no trouble, Lord Colton. The lady’s safety is my responsibility.”
“Not to worry,” Grant replied, patting her hand. “I’ll guard this treasure well.”
Eric glowered his disapproval, and she did her best to disarm his concern with smile. “We’ll not be long.”
He deferred to her with a slight bow, but she felt his protective gaze follow her from the hall. In the relative privacy of the corridor, she and Grant strolled along, her arm tucked companionably through his.
“I’m pleased that you enjoyed the cherri
es, Elisabeth.”
“I did, very much. I’ve never tasted anything like them.”
“You’ve always loved surprises. I’m glad to know you liked mine so well.”
Elisabeth drew a long breath and turned to face the man who’d been her friend for as long as she could remember. “I’ve been thinking about your proposal.”
As he took her hands, the eager look on his face made her hesitate. She’d intended to be direct with her refusal, but she couldn’t bear to hurt him. She pulled her hands away and stepped back. “I’m simply not ready to marry again.”
’Twas a blatant lie, and she prayed he couldn’t hear the deception in her voice. Resolutely, she pushed her worry aside and focused on her difficult task.
To her dismay, Grant chastised himself. “I’ve rushed you. I pray you can forgive my impatience. I meant no disrespect to John’s memory.”
“I know that, and you haven’t rushed me.”
“I can give you more time to consider my proposal.”
She shook her head. “It would be unfair of me to ask you to wait.”
“To have you as my wife, I’d happily wait.”
“No, Grant.” Tired when the evening began, she was quickly losing patience with him.
With a flicker of a smile, he raised her hand to his lips. “I understand. Of course, I’ll accede to your wishes.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
“No need for apologies.” He chuckled. “I’ll recover.”
He seemed completely at ease with her as they walked back to rejoin her family, and she was relieved that the awkward encounter was over. Clearly, she’d worried over nothing.
Chapter Nine
Later that night, Eric escorted Elisabeth to her rooms, as was his customary duty at the end of every day. From the head of the stairs, he glanced down the wide corridor to ensure it was clear. Seeing no one, he swept Elisabeth into his arms, silencing her laughter with a kiss. He carried her into her chamber, then kicked the heavy door closed and bolted it.
She wrapped her legs about his waist, and he took his time devouring her soft lips. Between kisses, he asked, “Did you think to drive me mad whilst you ate those cherries?”
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