The other man grew even more animated. "'Twillcontain spacious new suites for the laird and lady."
"Hmph," Rebbie grunted. What did he care? He wasn't going to live here permanently. Although—he turned and gazed at the view out over the glimmering loch toward the setting sun over the western mountains—'twas an incredibly lovely place.
Mayhap he would stay here part of the year, and spend part of it at Castle Rebbinglen, which was far larger with a much bigger staff.
"How is the hunting here?" Rebbie asked.
"Excellent in the autumn. The deer come down from the high mountains and congregate in this glen for the rut."
Was MacFadden trying to get him to stay? If he wanted the castle for himself, seems he would've said the hunting was terrible, hoping Rebbie would never return. He hadn't yet figured the man out. Mayhap he was indeed mad. Or maybe he was hoping Rebbie would allow him to take over the position of steward.
A short distance away, Calla, wearing her cloak, stepped from the castle's front portal. Now, where was she headed?
"We'll talk more about this later," Rebbie told him, then strode toward Calla. "And where are you off too, m'lady?"
"'Tissuch a lovely afternoon, I had to get outside."
He glanced upward.'Twastrue; there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
"Staying inside all the time makes me daft," Calla said. SeeingRebbie'shandsome face, rich brown eyes and windblown hair sent an unwanted thrill through her. Though she'd had a difficult time meeting his gaze that morn at breakfast, he had tried to make her feel comfortable, as if last night hadn't happened, but she couldn't forget it.
"Well, 'tis dangerous for you to venture beyond the walls. But we could take a walk in the kitchen garden," he suggested.
She grimaced. "Doesn't sound too exciting."
"It could be." He raised a brow and gave her a sensual sidelong glance.
She blushed at the implication. Well, aye, of course it would be exciting if he came along. "I don't take walks with scoundrels."
"I'm glad." He chuckled and offered his elbow. She enjoyed the hardness of the muscle beneath his sleeve. Aye, this little walk was already more exciting than she'd expected… just because she was touching him. A tingle traveled from her hand, up her arm and to her breasts. The soft breeze wafted his appealing male scent to her. It reminded her of last night, when he'd held her tightly.
But, nay, she could not grow close to him. He represented a danger she could hardly even fathom. Not just a danger to her, but a greater one to her son, for if Rebbie exposed her, Jamie could be declared a bastard and lose everything.
They followed the flagstone pathway around the side of the castle toward a low stone wall and a wooden gate. He opened it for her and she proceeded through.
"I didn't know the garden was this big," she said, simply to make conversation.
"Aye. I've been back here once before."
"Tis much more than a kitchen garden. There are flowers and even an orchard."
"Indeed."
Her hand still on his arm, they proceeded along the stone path beyond the vegetables, toward the flowers and the small grove of fruit trees. Releasing her, he took out his shortsgiandubhand cut a red rose from the climbing vine upon the stone wall. Now, what was he about? Feeling her face heat, she wondered if he planned to give it to her. She found herself holding her breath. In that moment, he reminded her of wee Jamie. Her son had a habit of snapping off flowers and presenting them to her as the bonniest and most precious gifts on earth. And she did treasure each one. A sheen of moisture burned her eyes.
Rebbie removed the thorns with his knife, then handed the rose to her.
She grinned. "How beautiful. I thank you." She brushed the silky petals beneath her nose, and the rich rose scent filled her senses. "Smells so good."
A pleasant expression lighting his eyes, he studied her.
She forced herself to glance away and change the subject. "Do you think your friends will arrive tomorrow with a garrison?"
"Aye, they should. Lachlan and Alasdair will take this most seriously. In one way, I wish they would make haste… but in another, I hope they take their time."
She eyed him. Surely, he couldn't mean…. "Why would you want them to do that?"
He shrugged, his gaze caressing her face. "Isn't it obvious? I like spending time with you… alone."
