“Then perhaps we should see it.”
Her smile faded into curiosity. “What do ye mean?”
He reached for the letter, scanning the closing lines. “They’ve invited us. ‘A small gathering,’ she says, ‘to mark the engagement.’” His gaze flicked back to her, the corner of his mouth curving. “What say ye, love? Shall we visit them?”
Scarlett hesitated. “Travel now? The roads are near washed out from the last rain.”
“Aye, but it’s a fine excuse to escape the steward’s reports.” “And the council meetings?” she teased.
“I’ll take the risk.”
She eyed him thoughtfully. “Ye just want to see Aaron squirm.”
He didn’t deny it. “Aye, maybe. If Edith, yer friend truly managed to tame him, I’ll offer her me sword in gratitude.”
Scarlett pressed a hand to her mouth, laughing. “She willnae need it. Her tongue’s sharper.”
Robert leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Remind me never to get on her bad side, then. I’ve me hands full with one fierce lass already.”
“Fierce?” Scarlett arched a brow. “Is that what ye call me?” “Among other things.”
“Careful, Robert, or I’ll start making a list.” “Of what?” he asked, stepping closer still. “All the ways ye vex me.”
His hand brushed a loose strand of her hair back behind her ear. “Ye’d fill pages before noon.”
“Then stop giving me material.”
“I could,” he said softly, his breath warm against her cheek, “but I’d rather give ye reason to keep writing.”
Scarlett’s pulse skipped. She tried to turn back toward her sketchbook, but his hand lingered, tracing the side of her neck with maddening gentleness.
“Robert,” she said quietly, “Katie’s still here.”
Katie, who had wisely backed toward the door, grinned. “Aye, and I’m leaving right now.” She curtsied quickly. “Congratulations to yer friend, Me Lady.”
The moment the door shut behind her, Robert’s arm slipped around Scarlett’s waist. “Now, where were we?”
“Ye were reading about me brother’s betrothal,” she said, trying for composure.
“Ah, aye.” His lips brushed the edge of her jaw. “But I find I’m far more interested in me own marriage.”
Scarlett turned in his arms, pretending to scowl. “Ye’re impossible.” He smiled against her skin. “Ye’ve told me so before.”
“Then maybe I should start believing it.”
Robert’s hand tilted her chin up, his eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. “And yet ye’re still here.”
Her defiance softened. “Aye,” she whispered. “I am.”
He kissed her then, the kind of kiss that unraveled the rest of the world. The papers on his desk rustled in the draught, the fire hissed, but neither moved.
When he finally drew back, his voice was low. “Do ye ever think about how it started?”
She smiled faintly. “Aye. I remember wanting to throw a vase at ye.” He laughed under his breath. “Ye nearly did.”
“And now look at us,” she said, her tone mock serious. “Married. Sharing a room. Sharing…” “Everything?”
Her eyes met his. “Everything.”
