He glanced up then, eyes glinting. “Aye, but none half as handsome.”
She tried to suppress her smile, failed, and ducked her head. “Ye’re too sure of yerself, Laird McLaren.”
“Only where ye’re concerned.”
Scarlett’s heart gave a soft twist. “And here I thought ye were busy with numbers.”
“I can do both.” He leaned back in his chair, studying her. “Figures and flattery… multitasking, they call it.”
“Multitasking, is it?” she asked, lifting a brow. “Then ye can flatter the steward next time ye’re behind on accounts.”
He chuckled. “He wouldnae appreciate it as much.”
Scarlett shook her head though her smile lingered. The comfort between them had come slowly, like thawing ice. Days filled with laughter, nights filled with more than words. For once, there was no need to pretend indifference or to guard every look.
The door creaked open then, and Katie slipped in, cheeks flushed from the climb up the stairs. “Me Lady,” she said, a little breathless, “a letter’s come for ye.”
Scarlett blinked. “A letter?”
Katie crossed the room and handed it over, the wax seal still intact. “From yer friend, Miss Edith.”
Scarlett’s face lit with surprise. “Edith! I havenae heard from her since before the wedding.”
Robert’s head lifted at once. “Edith?”
Scarlett’s fingers were already working at the seal. “Aye, she’s one of me dearest friends from home.” She unfolded the parchment and began to read, her eyes skimming quickly across the elegant scrawl then widening in disbelief.
Robert rose from his chair, crossing to her side. “What is it?”
Scarlett read aloud, her voice faltering halfway through. “She writes that she’s… betrothed.”
“That’s good news, surely?”
She swallowed, glancing up at him. “To me brother.” Robert stilled. “Aaron?”
Scarlett nodded slowly. “Aye. She says he proposed last week.”
For a long moment, there was only the crackle of the hearth between them. Then Robert gave a quiet, disbelieving laugh. “Aaron Gallaway, proposing? Either the world’s gone mad, or the lass has bewitched him.”
Scarlett was still staring at the letter. “He’s never spoken of marriage, not once. He always said he was wed to his work and his horse.”
Robert folded his arms, a faint smile tugging at his mouth. “Then I suppose the lady found a way to compete.”
Katie, who was pretending not to listen, failed miserably at hiding her grin. “Perhaps she’ll gentle him a bit, Me Laird.”
“I heard he’s a fierce one, that brother of yers.”
Scarlett smirked. “Aye, fierce and impossible. He’s been called worse.”
Scarlett looked up from the page, torn between surprise and laughter. “He’ll be a dreadful husband if he doesnae learn to mind his tongue. Edith’s gentle, but she willnae suffer arrogance.”
Robert’s eyes gleamed. “Then she’s perfect for him. The lass will give him hell before the first fortnight’s through.”
“Robert!”
“What?” He shrugged, clearly amused. “Someone has to keep him from growing moss. If anyone can, it’ll be yer friend.”
Scarlett laughed despite herself, shaking her head. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”
