Eat? How could she eat when her leg was trapped firmly between his? She tugged, but he tightened his calf muscles, keeping her firmly grasped.
Her body went into instant betrayal in spite of her indignation. Heat flared through her, sending nerve endings tingling in unmentionable places. She squirmed, which only made the situation worse. She was getting strange looks, but her butterflies fluttered wildly in her stomach and she knew she would not be able to swallow a thing.
Jamie calmly took another bite of meat and chewed thoughtfully.
Mari sighed. The man was impossible.
“The man is impossible.” Mari closed the story of the Green Knight and laid the book on Jillian’s nightstand. “Absolutely impossible.”
“Gawain? I always thought him rather gallant,” Jillian said.
“Not Gawain. Jamie.”
“What has he done this time?” Jillian asked.
Mari relayed the incident at the dinner table. “How dare he trap my foot and act like nothing is wrong?” she finished.
“Well, you did kick him first.”
“Because he told me I could not talk.”
“Only about the Clearances.”
Mari frowned. “Just whose side are you on?”
Jillian smiled. “No one’s. The Clearances are a very sore subject with Duncan and Broc. I am sure Jamie thought to protect you from their venom.”
“Orderingme to be silent is not protection. It is arrogance.”
“I thought the same thing when I met Ian, remember? I was sure he took delight in not complying with the rules of English Society. It is just the Highland way. The land is beautiful, but unforgiving.” Jillian pointed to the book. “In a way, Highlanders remind me of King Arthur’s knights. To survive and protect their families, they have to be hardened, but they also have a code of honor. And part of that code is to protect their womenfolk. Jamie reminds me of Gawain in a way.”
“I am not one of Jamie’swomenfolkthough.”
Jillian smiled again. ”Are you sure?”
“Of course I am. I told you about Nicholas, the French painter. He has been paying me court and has perfect manners to boot.”
“Ian said he did not meet Nicholas.”
“There really was not time,” Mari replied.
Jillian’s brow furrowed. “Was Ian not there for over a week?”
“Well, yes, but the opportunity did not come up.” Mari wondered how much Ian had told Jillian about the fiasco at the park. She was sure that was why Nicholas had not shown up before they left, even though she had sent a note. He probably did not want to deal with two MacLeods.
“Hmmm. I would think a man who is serious about courtship would make certain to meet his future brother-by-marriage.”
“Nicholas is a perfect gentleman,” Mari insisted. “I do not need two protectors. One MacLeod following me around is quite enough.”
“Hopefully, one day you will appreciate that.”
“I do not want to argue with you, Jillian, even if you are feeling a little better. Jamie is a good person, but he does enjoy irritating me.”
“Ian did the same thing to me.” Jillian reached out and patted Mari’s hand. “I do not wish to argue either. All I am saying is to be careful and take your time. Do not rush into anything. And please, give Jamie a chance. Promise me?”
Mari wanted to roll her eyes. Give Jamie a chance for what? Driving her to Bedlam? But for the sake of not fatiguing Jillian, Mari promised. She just hoped Jillian would not spill those beans to Ian who, no doubt, would tell Jamie. And Jamie would delight in thinking such a bit of information gave him permission to do moreprotecting.
Besides, what could possibly happen in this remote region of Scotland?
