His gaze was so steady and unwavering, his voice so sincere, she believed him. Relaxing for what seemed like the first time since they’d kissed in the garden, Riona slowly let out her breath.
And realized they still had more to discuss. “While you may not be a lascivious scoundrel, I fear the same couldn’t be said of some of your guests.”
Sir Nicholas’s dark brows lowered, and it was like seeing a thunderhead forming in the distance. “Is there any particular man who presents such a danger to the women of my household?”
Before she could answer, he made an impatient gesture. “Don’t tell me. I’m sure Percival’s quite capable of saying just about anything to get a woman into his bed. Has he?”
“Not yet,” she replied, “but Polly’s a friendly young woman, and I don’t think she realizes how easy it can be to succumb to temptation.”
When Nicholas slowly raised a brow, Riona had to fight not to look away.
“Since those men are my guests,” he said evenly, “it might be better if you spoke to her, woman to woman, and warned her of the danger.”
Riona steeled herself against the power of his deep, seductive voice and his dark, penetrating gaze. “I did, and she assures me she’s well aware of ‘snares,’ as she calls them. I gather your sister spoke to her of the dangers before she…” It probably wasn’t wise to allude to his sister’s elopement with Adair Mac Taran. “Before your sister married. Nevertheless, I still fear Polly might succumb. For her sake, as well as yours, you should encourage her to marry. I understand the young shepherd, Thomas, has expressed such wishes, and Polly’s very agreeable, too. Unfortunately, she feels they’re too poor at present and must wait until they have more money to wed.”
Sir Nicholas strode to the arched window and spoke without looking at her. “It seems a bit hard on Thomas, encouraging himto marry a woman who can be tempted to stray. Maybe one day she’ll be brought before me charged with adultery.”
Riona rose and went toward him. “Perhaps, but I doubt it. Polly seems a good soul, and once she’s married and settled down, I’d be very surprised indeed if she didn’t prove to be a most excellent wife and mother. I would hate to see that chance destroyed because of some silver-tongued Norman who thinks maidservants are no more than whores without a brothel.”
The lord of Dunkeathe turned and folded his arms over his broad chest. “Harsh words, my lady.”
“Harsh truth, my lord,” she said, “but one I think you’d find hard to deny.”
“If Polly is willing to part with her virtue, why should I guard it for her?”
If he wanted a self-serving reason, she’d give him one. “Because, my lord, such a woman can also cause great dissension in a household. She will have those who envy her and despise her, and some who’ll try to follow her example. You may find yourself with a few noblemen’s bastards on your hands.”
“You seem to care a great deal about people you barely know.”
“At home, it’s my business to be aware of what’s happening with the servants. Perhaps I shouldn’t have interfered or listened to her troubles, but it’s a difficult habit to break.”
He moved toward the table. She backed away, until she realized what she was doing and how that might look to him.
He, too, came to a halt, lightly resting his hand on the back of the chair. She tried not to stare at his strong fingers, the knuckles, the sun-browned skin….
“I shall take what you’ve said into consideration,” he said. “It seems my method of choosing a wife is yielding some unexpected benefits.”
She tore her gaze from his powerful hand and regarded him steadily. “That may be, but I still don’t approve of your means of finding a bride, my lord.”
“Neither does my brother,” he admitted, his revelation surprising her. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to search the country for a suitable wife. It was easier to invite those who wanted to be considered to Dunkeathe.”
“Like sending sheep to market,” she charged, struggling to ignore the desire awakening within her.
His brows rose. “If these women are treated like so much livestock, that is the way of the world, my lady. I can’t be held responsible for that. And if I hadn’t let it be known I sought a wife, your uncle wouldn’t have come to Dunkeathe. He’s proving to be a very interesting man with very interesting ideas.”
She didn’t care to discuss her uncle with Sir Nicholas of Dunkeathe, so she started for the door.
“Is he really that knowledgable about sheep?”
Annoyed by Sir Nicholas’s skeptical tone, she turned back. “Aye, he is.”
“Then why are you so poor?”
She straightened her shoulders and prepared to defend her beloved uncle. “Because of his kindness. He never refuses to aid those who need help, or feed those who are hungry.”
“So you’re proud of him, despite his faults?”
“Ilovehim, despite his faults—and because of them. We are none of us perfect.”
