Highlander's Trials of Fire
“What did ye say ye do, Matthew?”
“I am a merchant,” he responded instantly.
“What do ye sell?”
“All manner of things, Miss Jonet.”
“That sounds very vague, ye ken,” she pointed out.
“I daenae think ye will be particularly interested in hearing me talk about such borin’ things.”
“I wouldnae ask if I dinnae care,” she shot back easily.
Aye, she’s a tough one.
Yet Matthew was prepared. He would never begin any one of his plans unless he was certain he had all his details down pat, but before he had the chance to respond, Laird MacLagain cut back in. “Aye, aye, lass, there’s nay need to harass the lad. Ye hardly ken him.”
Jonet looked at her father and accepted the goblet of ale he handed her. Matthew accepted his.
“That’s why I’m askin’ him so many questions, Pa. I only wish to ken more about him.”
“I am willin’ to answer anythin’ ye ask of me, Miss Jonet,” Matthew told her. “If that will get ye to trust me a little more.”
“I never said I dinnae trust ye.”
“Of course nae. But I am still a stranger.”
It was a perfect answer, and Jonet knew it. She only took a sip, her perfectly arched brows dipping into a frown. She did not bother to hide the fact that she was studying him.
Matthew quickly tried to take control of the conversation. If he let her question him for too long, he might fall foul of the situation
“I would like to ken more about ye, Miss Jonet,” he said. “I see yer beauty is as lovely as they say it is, and I cannae wait to get to ken ye.”
Jonet perked up at that. “They?”
“Aye, yer beauty is known far and wide, Miss Jonet.”
“Is that… is that all ye learned about me?”
“Was there anything else to ken?” Matthew deliberately feigned ignorance about the rumors because he knew Laird MacLagain thought he was unaware, but now he wondered if it was truly a good idea to let her think so as well.
She sipped her ale, her silence speaking volumes. Matthew had never felt so out of control in his own plan before. He wished he could read her mind, to at least gain an understanding of why she was so opposed to his offer so that he could try to fix it.
Jonet tilted her head to the side. “Ye must forgive me, Matthew,” she murmured. “I am feelin’ a wee bit unwell. I’m sorry if I have been rude.”
“There’s nothin’ to apologize for.” The sudden shift threw him.
“Would ye give me some time?” she asked. “To think about it?”
Matthew nodded. Whatever hopes he had to regain his control over the situation were fast slipping from his grasp. He could sense a dismissal coming along.
Sure enough, she rose. Without realizing, Matthew a
dmired the cut of her dress into her curvy waist… and the hint of cleavage that spilled over the top. “Thank ye for yer offer, Matthew. I am flattered.”
“I hope ye will consider accepting it, Miss Jonet.” Matthew rose as well. “It would do me heart good to see have ye be my wife, and I promise to care for ye for as long as I live.”
She only gave him a wan smile. Matthew, uncertain, turned his attention to Laird MacLagain, who seemed content to simply watch the exchange.