“You were a servant?” Mary exclaimed. Then her cheeks flamed red as everyone else looked at her. “Begging your pardon.” She held up her hands. “But I thought I didn’t belong here.”
Elle gave her a warm smile. “Of course you do. The Sinclairs believe in hard work and helping others. They pride those values over station every time.”
Gemma nodded. “I was a seamstress and a laundress before I married Will.” She reached over and held Mary’s hand. “You’re welcome here, Mary.”
“Well said,” Blair slapped the table with his hand. “And I would add, that if you don’t find the dowry and your aunt won’t take you, you have a place here.”
Bridget opened her mouth as surprise rippled through her. How did he know all of that?
Before she could ask, Matt cleared his throat. “Forgive me, Bridget and Mary. I shared some of your story with my brothers.”
She nodded as she looked at the table. Blair’s offer for help was beyond generous but she hadn’t shared the details of her life with many. “Most kind of you, Laird Sinclair.” She set down her fork, folding her hands in her lap. “I’m sure you already have a nanny, but I am versed in several languages, play the pianoforte with exceptional skill, and even attended finishing school. I would make an excellent tutor for your daughter. And Mary--”
Blair held up hi
s hand. “Ye misunderstand, lass.” He leaned forward, his grin pulling at one corner of his lips. He gave a quick wink as though he were up to mischief. “I wouldn’t hire ye. Elle and I would sponsor ye for a season here in Scotland.” He turned to Mary. “And we’d help ye make a match too, Mary, if that’s what ye be wantin’.”
Bridget reached for Mary’s hand and they clasped them together. Emotion clogged her throat, and she stared across the table at Matt. He gave her a nod, his expression unreadable. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything. But if ye don’t find yer dowry, come back.” Blair sat back in his chair. “A toast. To new friends and to helping those who need it.”
Bridget raised her glass. Matt did as well, though he said nothing. His gaze still followed her every move, his face a mask.
They finished dinner and rose, filing out of the dining room. Blair turned to her. “We’ve recently purchased a new pianoforte, Bridget. Perhaps you could play for us?”
“I’d be delighted,” she answered.
Matt stepped up next to her, brushing the small of her back with his fingers. “Elle and Gemma, do either of you play?”
“I’m afraid not,” Elle answered. “But Lily’s teacher has already agreed to play a few songs for us as well. She’s quite good and Lily’s lessons are coming along wonderfully.”
Matt gave a nod and then leaned down and breathed in her ear. “I wish to request a dance.”
The words, his breath, the feel of his fingers all made her tingle as she gave a slight nod of acceptance. She remembered the feel of his arms. Anticipation buzzed through her at the thought of being held in them again.
* * *
Will watched Bridget play, pride and pleasure tightening his chest. She was exceptional. The notes flowed perfectly from her fingertips even as they transferred the emotion of the piece into the instrument. It was a highland song of a lost love and Matt wanted to stand and cross to her, cup her cheek, and comfort her. He could hear the sadness pouring from her heart.
But he stayed where he was until the piece was over. As the last note floated through the air, he rose from his seat and stalked across the room to retrieve her. He didn’t question his need to be close to her. That was for tomorrow. Tonight, he just wanted to be close to her.
She was lovely. As her hand slipped into his, he was glad that he’d rescued her. Glad that she was here now.
His niece’s teacher slipped into the room and seated herself at the instrument, striking up a merry song. He didn’t say a word as he led her to the open space in the room and took her waist. Her steps were light as he held her close, leading her about the room.
He tightened his grip on her tiny middle, wanting to feel her pressed against him again. She smiled up at him. “If you’d told me I’d be doing this a week ago, I would have never believed it. Thank you for rescuing us.”
“Ye’re welcome,” he replied, pulling her a bit closer. “I’m getting quite warm. I suppose I’ve gotten used to a sea breeze. Care to step outside with me?”
Her eyebrows lifted but she gave a nod and he spun her toward the balcony doors. Pulling one open, Blair gave him a long look but said nothing as they stepped outside. They were in plain view of his family but it was darker and quieter out there. Making sure Blair had turned back to the pianoforte, Matt pulled Bridget close. Her body fit against his, molding to his harder edges. Inwardly he groaned. “I’m glad I rescued you, Bridget.” He leaned down so his lips were nearly touching hers. Her heart beat wildly against him as her breath came out in shallow gasps. It gave him an immense amount of pleasure to know that he affected her so. “But I’m hoping to ask ye for a small act of gratitude.”
She drew in a quick breath. He glanced into the room to make sure no one was watching.
“I want to kiss ye,” he whispered and then tilted his chin to capture her lips. She tasted of sweets and wine, her lips silkier than the fabric under his hands, the soft press of her flesh making him rock hard.
He pulled away again, knowing they only had a moment before one of his family looked up and caught the kiss. But he wanted more. Much more.
This was a dangerous endeavor. He was a man who prided himself on control, on maintaining emotional distance. He’d let that slip and now he didn’t want to put that veil back on. Were his brothers right? Was marriage a better path?