The Duke's Scottish Lass (Brethren of Stone 0.50)

“My lady,” he responded. His voice rumbled straight through her. Even the roots of her hair seemed to tingle.

The floor was no place to look, Stone was watching her like a hawk and would soon notice. Not wanting to meet his eyes again, she focused at a point just over his shoulder. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“And you as well.” There it was again, that voice that made her insides vibrate.

The entire meeting was most unsettling. Not knowing what else to do, Delia turned to look back out the window. Stone would chastise her later for her rudeness but she could see no other way. She had never intended on marrying, but since Stone was hell bent on matching her with someone, it would have to be someone less…attractive. If she must endure marriage, it would be to someone ugly or old, preferably both. Someone she could stand next to without fear of developing an emotional attachment. Obviously, Manchester could not hear her internal dismissal and so he moved closer. And while he was oblivious to her turmoil, she was painstakingly aware of his presence when his body came near hers. But she did not turn and kept her eyes focused out the window. “How far south do you live?” It was a deflection.

One that failed. He stood just behind her and his breath tickled her neck as he responded, “It is but a day’s trip by the ocean, though a three-day journey by land.”

Delia glanced back, another mistake. His piercing green eyes stole her breath and his chiseled jaw was close enough to reach out and touch. His brow quirked ever so slightly. “Oh,” she managed to murmur. She didn’t know what else to say. She couldn’t tell him that he made her insides melt like the spring sun to winter ice, or that she would never marry him because it was so. Because she didn’t deserve the happiness he would bring.

* * *

Roderick watched her as a myriad of emotions flitted across her perfect face. Her eyes were exactly the same as he remembered them. Large and expressive with that blue-gray color that mirrored the ocean below. But everything else about her had bloomed into life. She had gone from a little girl to a stunning woman. He hadn’t expected to be attracted to her. It caught him completely by surprise.

He wasn’t sure that he was happy about it. He’d made a promise to marry Delia and he’d see it through. In fact, he’d spent years readying himself to be the man she’d need him to be. But attraction, that had not factored into his plan.

Neither did her ignorance to his identity. She knew who he was, of course. But Stone had told him that she did not realize he was her rescuer. Her brother had cautioned him that he should get to know her before revealing said information. He had no idea why, but he was about to find out. For more reasons than he could name, he was hell bent on marrying Delia Alban.

“Should we sit?” he whispered closer to her ear than was necessary. She smelled truly delicious. Like cinnamon or pastry crust. She practically jumped at the nearness. Most curious.

“Of course.” Her soft, pink lips turned up into the smallest of smiles. It still lit her entire face, her high cheekbones becoming more pronounced and the blue flecks dancing in her eyes.

She was stunningly perfect. His gut clenched as he further assessed her features. Her blonde hair was pulled into a loose coif with pieces artfully cascading around her shoulders and face in long waves. Her overlarge breasts tapered down to a tiny waist and the flare of her hips, well, it made a man want… He stopped himself. Four of her brothers still stood behind him and this was not how it was supposed to be.

Even now, her large eyes held a vulnerability that pulled him to her. They were like a beacon in a storm.

Finally, he realized that she was waiting for him to move. Stepping back, he made his way to the pair of settees and settled himself on one. He must look ridiculous on this delicate piece of furniture, but he tried to act as though it were comfortable.

She sat across from him. It would have been too much to hope that she might sit next to him. All the warmth had left her gaze. The fortunate part was he could now study the lines of her face without interruption.

Another five seconds passed and he realized neither of them had spoken. Blast, her beauty was addling his brain and all his perfectly rehearsed words were failing him. Casting about in his mind for conversation, he realized she had attended a recent wedding. “How were your recent travels? You attended Manchester’s wedding?”

“The trip to and from His Grace’s wedding were most uneventful. Though the nuptials themselves were beautiful. I had never been in a London church and I found it remarkably ornate.”

It was his turn to raise his eyebrows. He knew Stone had yet to give Delia a proper season, but she hadn’t been to London at all? As a lady of a very wealthy earl, even a Scottish one, she could surely be sponsored. Perhaps this was a carrot he could use to entice her into accepting his courtship. Despite his attraction, he fully planned on proceeding with his plan. Not only did he and Stone intend on combining their shipping companies, he’d made a promise to Reginald long ago that he’d keep now. It mattered not that he did not deserve such a woman. Though Stone was as set on the marriage as himself, he wished Delia to come to it willingly. “Your first time? Wait until you see the palace, or Almack’s. I journey to London regularly.”

Her mouth opened slightly and excitement lit her eyes, but then she clamped it back shut, her eyes glazing over, as she looked at a point above his shoulder. “I’m sure I won’t be going to London anytime

soon.”

Clearing his throat, he gave her an assessing look. He sensed some resistance on her part but now it was confirmed. He didn’t understand why she didn’t want him. As a duke, he had to confess to most women going out of their way to attract his attention. Despite her brother’s success, he was still a fair prize for her.

But she was making it clear, she wasn’t interested. Considering their engagement was almost a certainty, it was odd indeed but he was nothing if not determined. I fact it seemed his determination alone would pull this match together. His and Stone’s. A new tact would have to be found. She looked away and he studied her profile. The blue of her gown brought out the color of her eyes. He could still see them on the day of Reginald’s death, staring at him, wide with fear. It made him want to touch her, hold her even. “Life can bring all sorts of unexpected things.”

Turning back to him, her eyes met his again and she bit her lip. She opened her mouth and then closed it again, appearing to battle with herself. Finally, she spoke. “What unexpected things has life brought you?”

He took a breath, it was important that he do this correctly. She was weary of him and he wanted to put her at ease. “I once saved a young girl. It near broke my heart and it positively healed it. I had been lost prior to that and I didn’t understand what was really important.”

Her eyes, always large, were round saucers now, a mix of vulnerability and, he hoped, admiration. He didn’t want her affection to matter but somehow, it did. “Thank you for sharing something so…” she seemed to search for the appropriate word, “personal. She must be very grateful, who was she?” Curiosity brimmed from her gaze now.

He gave her a grin. “Just someone I met in my travels. I hope she thinks of me fondly. I never saw her again.” Until today, he added silently.

“Oh, you must find her. I was once rescued and I would give anything to meet the man who saved me.”

“A valiant knight who came to your rescue?” He grinned at her. “Do you wish to shower him with affection for his bravery?”

She blinked twice, her eyes darkening like the sea during a storm. “I don’t think so. Since you have answered me so honestly, I will do the same. I wish to ask him why he saved me and not my brother. Surely, it was a mistake.”