Scottish Devil (Brethren of Stone 1)

She gave a shrug. “That we get to know one another?” She needed time to decide the type of man he was and, if he proved as bad as they said, she’d need time to weasel out of all this.

“Like courting?” He furrowed his brow and scrunched his nose as though he’d smelled something awful.

“Exactly like that.” She held her breath. “I know you’re certain but not all of us are as…decisive as you.”

“Fair enough.” He gave a single nod.

Relief made her shoulders slump. “Thank you.”

“I have to warn ye, I’ve no idea how tae court. I’m not good with pretty words and flowery gestures.” He rubbed at his forehead and Eliza softened. His admittance was somehow more sweet than any bouquet.

“I don’t mind,” she answered, reaching for his hand.

He gave a nod, his shoulders relaxing. “Should we tell your father?”

“No.” The single word jumped out rather quickly and she lowered her hand again. “He would not understand that we were testing the waters.” He’d likely insist that she take the offer of marriage post haste. Lord Alban was titled and wealthy. Perhaps he’d be right. But this was the man she’d spend her life with. She just wanted to get to know the real him first, not the rumors. And maybe with a little time, not the man who had just lost his parents.

In fact, Stone’s proposal was rather convenient considering her father had suggested the match yesterday. “Did the two of you plan this entire thing?”

“What the devil are ye talking about?” He crossed his arms but she would not be intimidated.

“You and my father. Did you decide to match us?” She stood straighter too. It didn’t have quite the same effect but it was her best attempt at intimidation. Her father had dragged her on this trip, forced her to leave her home. She would not be pushed into a marriage without her consent, forced by a hard man to live a life that wasn’t her own. Dear lord. She caught her breath. She was afraid that Stone was like her father. A man who would force his will upon her.

“Yer father and I have not discussed marriage in any capacity,” he rumbled. “But I fail to understand why it would matter if we had.”

That sounded a lot like he was qualifying his answer. “My father needs to understand that this is my life and so do you.” She was afraid to say more. Eliza needed time to sort all of this out. If she pushed Stone away too hard, he’d go to her father and then her fate would be decided without her consent. “I didn’t mean that. I just want time to decide. That’s all.”

“Then time ye’ll have.” He offered her his elbow. She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. His touch eased some of the tension their words had created. It only confused her more.

That evening Delia arrived in her room with a folded piece of parchment. “It’s for you,” the little girl chirped as she handed it to her, bouncing into the room.

“Thank you.” Eliza grinned as she unfolded it and found an invitation to dinner in the kitchen. “Did you write this?”

“Stone helped me.” Delia plopped herself on the bed.

Stone. It warmed her to think of seeing him again this evening. What did that mean?

Setting aside her question, she gave Delia a smile. “I’d love to join you for dinner.”

“Wonderful!” The little girl clapped. “I have to bring an invitation to your father now.” Delia bounced back toward the door. “I’m going to help cook for you too.”

“I can hardly wait.” She gave the girl a soft smile. Delia stopped. She reached into a pocket in her skirt and pulled out her little fist. Holding it up, she opened her fingers to show Eliza the two stones. Her voice dropped as the little girl leaned forward. “I’ve had them in my pocket. They make me feel better.”

Eliza crossed over to where the little girl stood an

d bending down, she placed a kiss on the girl’s forehead. “I’m so glad. Talk to me any time, all right?”

The little girl nodded and her eyes grew distant. “Will it hurt less?”

“It will,” she whispered. Surprisingly, she meant it. Being here had made her feel better and the hurt had lessened.

Dropping to her knees, she wrapped the little girl in a hug. Delia’s little arms clutched about her neck. The little girl smelled of sunshine and flowers. For whatever reason, when Stone had asked her about marriage, she hadn’t considered the fact that accepting meant that she would be starting a family of her own. Her own children to hold. The thought nearly took her breath away and a yearning started deep inside her.

As she released Delia, the child gave her an impish grin before opening the door and leaving as quickly as she’d come.

But her thoughts were on Delia and Stone for the rest of the afternoon and she found herself wandering down to the kitchen well before mealtime.

It was clear that several family members had already assembled by the number of voices she heard. Male and female laughter punctuated the words, though she couldn’t make them out. As she rounded the doorway, she stood, taking in the scene before her.