"And later?"
Rebbie raised his brows. "Later… 'twas unforgettable. I don't recall ever enjoying the bedding so much. And I've enjoyed a lot."
"Aye, well, she's a widow now for certain, so…." Lachlan shrugged.
"Nay. There's this whole mess my father got me into with the other lass. And they're cousins."
Lachlan cringed. "A thorny situation."
"No doubt I'll have to pay a king's ransom to buy myself out of this trap."
"I admire you for giving it a go, at least, and getting to know the young lady."
"Aye, I've learned all I need to know about her. We're not well suited at all." He didn't simply want a woman to bed and bear his heir. He wanted a marriage similar to Lachlan and Angelique's. Or Dirk and Isobel's. Both couples were so happy they made him envious in an odd way, but he didn't want to admit to that. "If I have to be leg-shackled to a woman, I want to like her more than a wee bit. I want to enjoy talking to her as well as bedding her."
"And you should, my friend. I never believed love was real until I met Angelique. I never thought I would feel the way I do about one woman. And I hope you find the same thing."
Rebbie nodded. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I thank you."
Now, if only Rebbie could speak to Calla alone for a few minutes during thecéilidh,he would try to ease her fears… if he could escape Elena long enough.
***
Thecéilidhwas underway and Calla sat at the high table while most of the others danced to the sprightly music. Angelique was dancing with Lachlan, although not as boisterously as some of the others. Their dance more resembled a moving embrace. Very romantic. She marveled at the love-match they shared.
"'Tisa livelycéilidh, is it not?" Rebbie asked, seating himself in the chair beside her.
Heavens!Calla's whole body heated. "Aye," she responded, surprised she got the word out. Wondering where Elena was, she glanced back over the great hall and found her dancing with one of the youngDrummaganclansmen.
"A lovely lady such as yourself… why are you not dancing?"Rebbie'sdeep brown eyes sparkled. "Surely a dozen men have asked you already."
She shook her head. "Nay." Was that all she could utter? One word responses? "I haven't danced in… ages."
"Ha. Don't expect me to believe that, but 'haps you would honor me with a dance?"
She swallowed hard, her heart pounding. "Oh." How could she get out of this without him thinking she was daft? "I'm certain Elena would be jealous if I took you up on that generous offer."
"I don't see why. She's danced with every male in the room. Besides—" He cleared his throat.
Calla peered at him, wondering if he was going to finish the sentence. But he looked annoyed and glared at the young lady in question. "You are her cousin?" he asked, his gaze turning friendlier when it met hers.
"Aye, and her chaperone."
"I see." He glanced around the room again, then faced her and said in a low voice. "I need to speak to you in private."
Chapter Four
Panic rampaged through Calla and she could scarce breathe as she assessedRebbie'sobsidian gaze. Then, unable to withstand the force of it, she glanced away. How could this be happening to her? She should have known… any dishonesty on her part was bound to come back to nip at her heels.
"Please."Rebbie'svoice was barely audible above the loud music.
She darted a quick glance at him to try to discern his thoughts, but his eyes were near impossible to read. He did not appear angry. Merely… interested? And intense.
"Very well," she said.
"Do you ken where the solar is?"
She nodded.
