Their gazes met, her boldness showing through. He tilted his head back to give her careful consideration. There were few who would dare counter him so. While it wasn’t particularly a trait he admired, Ronan did have respect for her.
Part of him was relieved to find she wasn’t a shy little rabbit. No, not with those eyes. Sea-green and big, those eyes stared right back at him like she was issuing a challenge.
What does she know? I’d pay a pretty pound to get inside that head of hers. Bold to remain silent now. I expected her to fold by now. Apologize. Panic. And yet…
“Here we are!” Mrs. MacLaren beamed as she returned.
Ronan and Isla jerked in surprise, the two of them sharing a glance before looking away. How long had they been alone? It only felt a moment. Ignoring the speed of his heart, he forced a deep breath before calmly telling them how he took his tea.
Which he didn’t, but now wasn’t the time to be rude.
“Would you also like some biscuits, Your Grace?” Mrs. MacLaren said with a nod to the tray.
They looked fine, edible even, but he had no appetite. And there were only five put out which seemed an odd amount. He gave a shake of his head. “Thank you, but no. I’m afraid I won’t have the time.”
Such an announcement made the woman slump her shoulders. “Oh? I was very much hoping to speak more with you. It’s so very strange having a duke for a future son-in-law, I must admit. Isla only told me of your secret engagement yesterday. But I suppose I shall adapt in time.”
A light cough sounded from her side as Isla stared down at her cup of tea, eyes blinking rapidly.
Ronan paused with his own cup only inches from his mouth to stare at her. It was the strangest thing, the way her cheeks grew pinker and pinker. He hadn’t seen a blush this lovely in a long time.
Then Isla darted her gaze up at him and away, the blush growing as it spread to her ears and down her neck.
Only then did he realize he was staring at her. Hastily turning away, he nearly spilled the tea. A small sip or two was managed before he set it down. Turning over the words that Mrs. MacLaren had just said, Ronan realized he had his window to refute whatever claims Isla here believed she had on him.
“You have come, haven’t you, about the engagement?” Mrs. MacLaren went on when he said nothing. “I should think an announcement in the paper might be best now.”
She chattered on for a minute as Ronan took another look.
There Isla sat, pert and blushing. She was a petite young woman with auburn hair fluttering around her shoulders. It reminded him of the trees back home. They had a fine little grove filled with tall trees where he had always loved to wander since the day he arrived there. He used to spend hours daydreaming of adventure among the trees.
What if Isla was there? He mused that she might like the trees. Hadn’t she just been covered in mud?
And she wasn’t shaking or breaking apart now that he could bring the truth to light. While Ronan didn’t condone lying, he saw something in her eyes that made him reconsider his plans. His long conversation with Hobbes last night had reminded him of a few matters he was reluctant on, to say the least.
Something Isla made him dare to hope. If she could survive being in the same room as him, then she could manage elsewhere, too.
While Ronan weighed his options, he made certain to glance around the room again. Mrs. MacLaren was talking about dates for something. He noted the thread worn curtains, the lack of servants, and the water tea. Yes, the family clearly needed him.
And it would seem I have need of her. Very well. My plan shall be set in motion. There is much to do and I had best start now before someone annoying like Julian or Hobbes gets in my face.
“Very well.” Ronan rose to his feet. The ladies hastily followed him up as he gave a nod. “Thank you for your time, Mrs. MacLaren. Isla.”
“Certainly, yes, of course, anything for you,” Mrs. MacLaren said. She stumbled forward before hastily moving backward and grabbing for her daughter. “Dear, why don’t you walk him to the door? The two of you can have another moment together.”
Good lord, she’s pushy. I’m going to actually have to talk to her now, aren’t I?
He nodded. Picking up his hat and cloak that were never hung up, he turned away and started down the hall.
How quiet it was here. But a different sort of quiet than his home, he realized, and he didn’t know what to think about that. He mused over it as he put his coat back on by the doorway.
The young woman had trailed far behind like she was wary of him before finally darting forward. He had wondered if she was even there. Her footsteps were soft, just like her mother’s. It irritated him for a reason he couldn’t explain. The gloves were in his pocket, so he pulled them out just as Isla reached him.
Even though they weren’t outside, he could smell fresh rain and flowers. Something about the scent left him unsteadied. It took him a moment to even out his breathing.
“Why?” She demanded in a hushed tone.
He paused to give her a look. Knowing his expression gave nothing away, he couldn’t help but enjoy the wildness in her gaze. She was confused and scared and hopeful all in one.
