Domhnall studied her. “And what did ye find upon yer stroll? Which, by the way, ye should nae be takin’ alone outside of the castle walls…”
Margaret’s gaze swept slowly over him. Her smirk deepened and she ignored his remark.
“A laird,” she said thoughtfully, “frightening the birds from the trees.”
Domhnall huffed a quiet laugh. “The birds?”
“They flew away when ye dove intae the loch.”
He eyed her without hesitation. “Perhaps they objected tae the noise ye were making on yer arrival.”
“Perhaps they objected tae the spectacle.”
His brow lifted. “Spectacle?”
Margaret gestured toward the water. “Ye are splashing about in the loch like an unruly fisherman.”
“I am swimming.”
“Violently so,” she grinned.
“That is called exercise,” he retorted, incredulous at how much their banter kept him engaged.
“That is called alarming the wildlife.”
Domhnall moved closer, until the water only reached the middle of his chest. Margaret remained on the rock, watching him with that infuriatingly calm expression that had begun to feel far too familiar.
Sunlight touched the surface of the loch between them, scattering pale reflections across the water. She had not moved. Domhnall rested his forearms on the rock nearest the shore and tilted his head.
“Ye plan tae stand there all morning?”
Margaret lifted a brow. “I am enjoying the view.” She smiled faintly. “Why? Are ye embarrassed?”
“Hardly,” he scoffed.
“Then why object?” she teased, and it was driving him mad.
He pushed away from the rock and waded a little closer to shore. Water slipped along his shoulders as he moved.
“If ye are so interested,” he said calmly, “ye could come see fer yerself.”
Margaret blinked once. “See what?”
“Whether I am truly frightening the birds.”
Her gaze flicked briefly toward the dark surface of the loch, then she crossed her arms. “And what if I prefer dry land?”
“Then, ye will never ken,” he shook his head and his mouth curved slightly.
She glanced down again at the water. The loch was cold even in summer. Everyone in the Highlands knew that. Margaret hesitated only a moment longer, then she began removing her shoes.
Domhnall’s brow lifted slowly. “Ye’re nae serious.”
Margaret set the shoes neatly upon the rock. “Ye challenged me.”
“I didnae expect ye tae accept.”
Her eyes widened in rebellion at that concept. “That sounds like a poor understanding of me character, Laird Campbell.”
