Putting the thought aside when she arrived at the den, she went into the room after a single knock. She had expected to see her father alone, sitting in his usual chair by the fire, but there was someone else in the room—someone who brought her to a complete stop.
He was terribly handsome. Almost unfairly so, rugged in a way that gave him a dangerous edge. His hair was a dirty blond that brushed the nape of his neck, his shoulders broad within the brown woollen coat he wore. Unable to stop herself, Jonet ran her heated gaze down the rest of him, down to the long legs under his kilt and the pair of boots he wore. Somehow, every inch of this man had her frozen to the spot, a wave of heat overcoming her with such force that she could hardly say a word.
“Jonet,” her father greeted. “Good, ye’re here. There is someone I want ye to meet.”
She managed to move forward, albeit on unsteady legs. The closer she came, the more she realized that his eyes were a mossy green and he had a splash of freckles across his nose.
“This here is Matthew McDulaigh,” her father introduced. “And he’s come to ask for yer hand in marriage.”
That snapped Jonet out of her reverie. She looked into the bright, hopeful eyes of the Laird. She knew he had been growing antsy for some time now since they were yet to receive another offer while she was only growing older.
“Me hand?” she echoed, incredulous.
He doesnae ken about me curse?
“Aye,” Laird MacLagain said with a confirmative nod. “He is a wealthy merchant and he’s come all the way here because he’s heard of yer beauty and such. He said he couldnae wait to see it for himself.”
Jonet narrowed her eyes slightly. Matthew only stared back at her. “Did he now?”
“Aye, Miss Jonet,” Matthew spoke up. Smooth as butter, his voice was. Perfect. It sent a shiver down her spine. “I couldnae think of a better woman I wish to be me wife than ye.”
Jonet studied him for a while longer. Then, she folded her arms and looked her father in the eye.
“I decline.”
Chapter 4
Matthew was not expecting that response. He nearly stepped away, taken aback by the determination on Jonet’s beautiful face. He had lied when he had told the Laird that he had heard of her beauty. Not for a moment did he truly believe she would look like this, and it only added to his shock.
Her black hair was incredibly long, nearly brushing her backside, and had a natural wave to it that served to calm its unruliness. She had plump cheeks that had a natural pink tint, and her eyes were a lovely brown. With her medium stature—small when compared to Matthew’s height—and her slim figure, Matthew imagined she had taken most of her features from her mother.
He was crossed between admiring her beauty and coming up with the right words to say in response when the Laird spoke again.
“Ye decline?” he asked. “Why do ye? Ye hardly ken him.”
Jonet glanced at him. Matthew could have been mistaken, but he could have sworn he saw a little hint of disdain in her eyes. “It might be best if we talk about this in private, Faither.”
Matthew thought that it was his chance to step in. He did not want them discussing this matter where he couldn’t speak up and control the narrative.
“Have I done something to upset ye, Miss Jonet?” he asked.
She shook her head at him. “Of course nae. I hardly ken ye.”
“Then is that why ye daenae want to marry me?” Matthew nodded understandingly. “That makes sense. If ye hardly ken me, why would ye be willin’ to accept me betrothal so suddenly?”
That took her by surprise. She turned to face him. Matthew had the distinct impression she was trying to school her features, though she was not very good at it. “If ye ken that, then why did ye come here?”
“I couldnae let this chance slip by, could I? But I understand why ye wish to decline. I only hope that ye will give me the chance to prove I can be a good husband to ye.”
She blinked. Matthew did not look away from her. He had learned that maintaining eye contact with a woman was the best way to get her to fall for him. He had used that tactic a few times already in his life, though none of those times had been as important as this.
“Would either of ye like some ale?” the Laird cut in.
Jonet did not look away from him.
“Aye, I do.” Matthew answered.
Laird MacLagain went off to pour for them while Jonet and Matthew continued their silent standoff. Finally, she broke her silence, sinking into a seat.