At that,Aileen could no longer contain her surprise. “Rouge? For a mornin’ ride with the Laird?”
Gabriella flushed.“Is it so strange to want to look presentable?”
“Nay, Me Lady,”Aileen ventured carefully. “But… well, it’s just that… the Laird isnae one to notice such things. And ridin’ tends to mess up everythin’ anyway.”
“Nevertheless,”Gabriella insisted, lifting her chin, “that’s what I want today.”
Aileen shrugged,clearly recognizing the futility of further protest. “Very well, Me Lady. The blue dress it is.”
As the maidbusied herself with getting her ready, Gabriella questioned her motives and what she hoped to accomplish. To attract Hector’s attention? And if she succeeded, what then?
She had no answer,only the persistent desire to see that heated look in his eyes again. The one she’d glimpsed when her hands had landed on his bare chest. The one that made her feel something other than fear for the first time in months.
The one thathad captured her dreams with so much intensity.
An hour later,Gabriella descended the steps toward the training yard, her heart fluttering beneath her ribs. The blue dress hugged her figure more snugly than she remembered, its neckline lower than anything else she’d worn since arriving at Castle McCulloch.
Aileen had arrangedher hair in an intricate style, with curls framing her face and small blue flowers woven into the braided crown. Then, she’d put on the final touches by adding a hint of rouge that brightened her lips and cheeks.
Hector stoodin the yard beside Moira, his back to her as he adjusted the mare’s saddle. The stable boy beside him saw Gabriella first, his eyes widening in surprise. Hector turned, following the boy’s gaze.
For one gratifying moment,he looked stunned. His eyes swept over her, from the flowers in her hair to the full length of the skirt swishing around her ankles. Something flashed in his expression—appreciation, certainly, but also confusion.
Then,his eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. “That’s nae a ridin’ habit.”
Gabriella feigned innocence.“Is it nae? It’s the most comfortable of me dresses.”
It was a blatant lie.The bodice was snug, the sleeves fitted, the skirt impractical for anything but formal occasions. They both knew it.
Hector dismissedthe stable boy with a curt nod, waiting until the lad was out of earshot before turning back to her. His gaze traveled over her once more, lingering long enough to send heat rushing to her cheeks.
“Ye’ll breakyer neck if ye try to mount in that dress,” he said flatly. “We’ll nae be ridin’ today.”
Disappointment washed over her,but before she could respond, he continued.
“I needto inspect the new watchtower construction on the eastern ridge. Ye’ll walk with me instead.”
It wasn’t a request.
Gabriella nodded,trying not to show her relief at not being dismissed entirely.
Hector barkedorders at the stable boy to return Moira to her stall, then gestured for Gabriella to follow him. His long strides forced her to hurry to keep pace, her skirt swishing around her ankles as they headed toward the eastern part of the castle grounds.
“The MacDonalds raidedthree farmsteads last month,” Hector explained as they walked. “The new watchtower will give us earlier warning of approach from the east.”
Gabriella struggledto match his pace on the uneven ground, her impractical shoes catching on stones. When her ankle turned slightly, causing her to stumble, Hector’s hand shot out, steadying her by the elbow. Even through the fabric of her sleeve, his touch sent warmth spreading up her arm.
“Perhaps ye should have worncomfortable footwear with the comfortable dress,” he remarked dryly, though he didn’t release her arm immediately.
“I didnae realizewe’d be hiking across the Highlands,” she retorted, trying to ignore the lingering heat where his fingers had touched her.
A ghostof a smile touched his lips before vanishing. “McCullochs are always prepared for any terrain.”
“I’m nae a McCulloch,”she reminded him, then immediately regretted the words when his expression shuttered.
“Nay,”he agreed, his voice gruff. “Ye’re nae.”
They continuedin silence until they crested a small hill. Below them was a construction site where men hauled stone and timber, the foundations of a tower already taking shape. Hector surveyed the scene with a critical eye, his broad shoulders squared with the confidence of a man accustomed to command.
