Ironically, considering that their initial conversation was about the Jacobite Rising, this particular building had played a crucial part during that time for those wounded in battle and a part of Scottish history he would see resurrected so all might come here and remember the sacrifices that had been made. And especially, how Scots had stood by their countrymen until the bitter end.
“Soon enough, I will walk you in here, and you will see it as it once was.” Envisioning all the possibilities, he eyed the place. “It will be something. I promise you that.”
“And I shall hold you to your word.” She smiled as they linked arms and walked out. “For I would very much like to see Scotland brought back to its former glory.”
“Would you really?” He could not help but return her smile. “After all, mere days ago, you dreaded stepping foot in this ‘horrid’ country.”
It seemed they had done nothing but talk, smile, and laugh together for the better part of three days, so he knew he could tease her without repercussions. Knew he could be blatantly honest, if he so wished, because she had urged him to do just that.
“Actually, it has been the better part of a week.” Her smile faded, and she grew serious. “But I can say, with all honesty, my preconceived notions about your country were wrong. Scotland and its people have proven…” she seemed to struggle with emotion before continuing, “most gracious and quite wonderful.”
He reflected on the past few days and the changes that had come about.
*
Upon hearing fromEmma that Prudence had been willing to call her by her given name, he had since persisted in her calling him Jacob, but she refused. Where it had clearly been out of decorum at the start, it felt more personal now. As if she were determined not to cross that boundary because it might land her in his bed.
If only he were that lucky.
While he had questioned how he should handle things when he kissed her on the cheek nights before, as time went on, he only desired one thing. Thought endlessly about one subject.
Her in his bed and nowhere else.
Unfortunately, he suspected Prudence was not quite there. More alarming, if she did get there, she might not stay. How could she when it became clear she quite liked the independence she had found?
“Can you blame her?” Emma had asked on their morning stroll. He hoped Prudence might appear, but she had not. “If the rumors hold true, Lady Barrington was terribly repressed. So I see nothing wrong with her spreading her wings a wee bit, my dear.” She had been clear where she stood, and it was very much in Prudence’s corner. “And I would think you nothing but her staunch supporter? Nothing but her stalwart defender when it comes to making her way back to happiness and into another man’s arms.” She had considered him curiously. “Was that not your purpose from the start?”
“It was and is.” Yet the words had felt awkward on his tongue. “Prudence deserves happiness no matter what it takes.”
“She does.” Emma had narrowed her eyes as though not quite sure she liked thatno matter what it takespart. “To that end, I might be able to help her in ways you cannot.”
He had asked her what she meant, but she offered no reply other than to say it was in Prudence’s best interest. To his mind, which meant her returning to Argyll with him and becoming his lover until his last dying breath. It was something he had never asked of another. Outside of his late wife, the thought never even crossed his mind, and he was not sure what to make of it other than he felt it. Wanted it. Yet he got the distinct impression Emma intended to stand in his way.
More so, that Prudence was not so ripe for the taking.
Which, as he watched her blossom, was very much as it should be. Not only was she beautiful but intelligent, and she deserved the opportunity to go her own way. Going the way he himself had hoped she would when he first learned she would be visiting MacLauchlin Castle.
“Your Grace?” Prudence drew him back to the present. “Are you well?”
A very good question. Was he? It was impossible to know.
“Aye.” He met her smile. “Very well, my lady.”
Her smile faltered, and she slowed. “Are you sure?”
They might not have known each other long, but she had an uncanny way of seeing things others could not. Emotions he learned to mask when he became a duke. When he had to present himself in a certain way, no matter what he might be feeling.
“I am sure.” He said what made sense and the truth in more ways than one. “Though I admit it saddens me, I must leave tomorrow.”
“As does it me.” Prudence smiled and nudged him a little, clearly trying to improve his mood. “But we will correspond, yes?” She gave him a look much like he had given her days before when he said nearly the same thing. “For I will grow fatally bored the minute I do not hear from you.”
Despite his ever-encroaching sadness, he could not help but tease back with how she had replied in turn. “Not the very second?”
“Indeed, you might be right about that.” She tilted her head in thought before her eyes brightened. “Then perhaps we should start straight away?”
“Do share.”
“Well, why not write each other a letter this very night?” she suggested. “Then we can have my maid and your valet deliver them to us so we might continue communicating right after you depart?”
