As soon as the music started, Duncan stepped forward. By damn, itwas his turn to dance with the lovely lady.
Once her hand was in his, her smile widened. Then she leaned in and sniffed like a wee dog gathering the scent. “I know you,” she said soft and low, barely moving her mouth so the others couldn’t see. “I would know you anywhere, my champion.”
He gritted his teeth to keep from speaking and giving away the game, but he couldn’t resist gathering her closer, breathing her in, and reveling in the perfect way they moved together. When the music ended, it took him a moment to realize it was over and stop their dance.
Merry placed her hands on his chest and slowly slid them upward, touching his throat, then his jaw, then lightly patting her fingertips across his face. “Duncan,” she whispered. “I would know you anywhere, my champion.”
Unable to restrain his boldness, he leaned forward and brushed a kiss to her cheek. “Happy birthday, my lovely lass,” he said just as softly. “May only good things come to ye as long as ye live.”
Her cheeks rosy with a most becoming blush, she whipped off her blindfold. “I knew it was Duncan,” she announced to the room at large, but her sapphire eyes sparkled with more than just mirth; they shone with something that drew him in and filled his heart with hope.
“Now ye may collect yer treasure, lass.”
“I already have my treasure,” she whispered before her sisters and brother gathered around them. “It is you.” Then she turned to her siblings and clapped her hands. “And my surprise is…?”
Serendipity lifted the lid to the pianoforte bench and drew out a small box tied with a bright red ribbon. “It was the only place we knew to hide it, since you avoid the pianoforte like the plague.”
Laughing, Merry opened the box, then gasped, her eyes misting with tears. “It’s just like Mama’s.” She drew out a golden oval locket engraved with anM, dangling from a delicate gold chain.
Before one of the others could help her, Duncan stepped forward. “Allow me to place it on ye, lass.”
Without hesitation, she turned her back to him and waited.
He almost groaned as the backs of his fingers brushed across the velvet of her nape. It took every ounce of restraint he possessed to keep from leaning forward and kissing a trail along her neck after he fastened the necklace. “There ye are, lass,” he said, then turned aside and coughed to clear his voice of its raspy neediness. By his soul, he ached to possess this woman and never let her go.
She faced him, staring up into his eyes, and saying so much without speaking a word. His poor, battered heart soared.
“Thank you, Duncan,” she whispered before turning to face her siblings. “Thank you all for this lovely surprise. You knew I always wanted one like Mama’s.”
“That is why we are the best brothers and sisters you could ever hope to have,” Broadmere said, then lifted his glass. “To your happiness, sister.” Then his focus slid to Duncan. “To youreveryhappiness.”
“Aye, to her every happiness.” Duncan accepted a glass of champagne from the servant bearing the tray. He lifted his glass as well. “From now till time is no more.”
Chapter Six
“Go inside, lass.’Tis bitter cold.” Duncan hated to leave the hospitality and joy of Broadmere Hall, but most of all, he hated to leave Merry. He had relented and spent the night there rather than lodge at the inn in Binnocksbourne, and that had made matters even worse. The swarm of siblings, nieces, nephews, dogs, and cats had made him feel like one of their own—a strange feeling, indeed. One he had never felt from his own family. But now it was morning, and time to return to Galkirk and prepare for his trip to London the following week. “On wi’ ye now. The wind is about to blow yer cloak off yer shoulders.”
The nip of the icy breeze had reddened her nose and cheeks, but her eyes still sparkled. Merry caught the garment closer around her. “It would be rude to send you on your way and remain in the hallway. I intend to watch you until you ride out of sight.”
“Nay, lass. ’Tis bad luck to watch someone ride away. Ye might never see them again if ye do that.”
“Will I see you again?”
Wily minx. She had set her trap, and he had walked right into it. “Aye, lass. In London. Once I see what needs tending to at the townhouse. Malcolm was the last to stay there a while back.”
“Ye make me sound as though I am a wild beast that drags its kill through the hallways.” Malcolm drew his mount closer.
“’Tis rude to eavesdrop and even ruderto speak in such a manner in front of a lady. Dinna make me clout ye.” Duncan shooed his brother away with a flick of his hand.
Malcolm grinned and offered her a dramatic bow from the saddle. “Forgive me, Lady Merry, and do take care. Until we meet again in London.”
Merry waved. “Be safe, Lord Malcolm, and do not vex your brother overly so. Please?”
“I shall try, my lady.” Malcolm urged his horse onward, leaving Duncan to finish his goodbyes.
“My brother is a liar.” Duncan gave her a formal bow when all he really wished to do was take her in his arms and never let her go. “Inside wi’ ye now, lass. Please.”
“Duncan?”
