Chapter Six
Dougal Ross’s estatewas lit with so many lanterns that Clarissa could see the aura of their glow on the grounds long before she saw the estate itself. The night sky illuminated in a welcoming golden hue. The carriage they—her brother and Gwen, and she and Alexander—rode in slowed as it approached the line of coaches arriving for the ball.
She was unsure of what had been discussed between Alexander and Nicholas after she’d left the library. But her brother’s mouth was set in a stern line whenever his gaze fell upon her and Alexander.
Alexander.
Had she almost kissed him?
Aye, she had. His lips were so close to hers in the moment before Nicholas had barged in without a care in the world.
She supposed she should be thankful he’d done so. But, oh how she longed to feel Alexander’s kiss. To have his mouth capture hers in the most decadent of ways.
She sighed loudly, trying to clear her thoughts.
But it was impossible.
Her hands were clasped on her lap, and she couldn’t help but wring them together. Her nerves were on edge, jumping with a fiery intensity. Mostly because Alexander sat so very close beside her on the seat. His thigh brushing against her leg heated the whole right side of her body making her very aware of hispresence. Every bump in the road deepened the touch and she bit her lip to refrain a moan from escaping her mouth.
If Alexander noticed her reaction, he’d remained completely neutral. Showing an amount of restraint that Clarissa could only wish she possessed. His hands remained on his lap, and just when Clarissa was sure their closeness had no effect on him, and Nicholas turned his attention to the window, Alexander discreetly reached out his pinky finger, stroking her leg through the material of her gown.
Her breath hitched and her eyes snapped to her brother, who thankfully hadn’t noticed the gesture. However, Gwen’s eyes twinkled with delight.
Nicholas turned from the window and Alexander broke the contact. “We’ve only a few carriages in front of us and then we can enjoy some fresh air.”
Alexander cleared his throat.
Mayhap he was just as bothered as she was.
“’Twill be nice to stretch our legs,” Alexander said, his voice clipped.
Mayhap indeed, but she did not dare look in his direction for fear of drawing her brother’s attention. Having Gwen see was bad enough. Clarissa wasn’t worried that she would say anything to Nicholas. She knew her secret was safe with Gwen. For now.
But Clarissa also knew that her discretion wouldn’t last forever. At some point she would tell Nicholas. She could only imagine how her brother would react.
The carriage stopped and the door swung open. “After ye,” Alexander offered.
Clarissa hesitated for a moment, then plucked her reticule off the bench and made her way down the step and waited for the others to disembark.
Gwen followed, then Nicholas, and then finally Alexander. He looked amazing tonight. He’d added a few accessories sinceshe’d seen him earlier in the library. A sporran, which she tried to keep her eyes away from that area completely. He had the Campbell tartan draped over his shoulder, the clan brooch holding it in place.
“Shall we?” Alexander asked, sweeping his arm towards the entrance.
“Aye,” Nicholas answered, holding out his arm for Gwen to loop hers into.
Alexander did the same, waiting expectantly as Clarissa’s eyes bounced from him to Nicholas. Should she accept his proffered arm? Would people get the wrong idea? Would they start a rumor? She had already agreed to give him the first dance.
What would they say if they saw her arriving on his arm?
“Sister,” Nicholas called to her, holding out his other arm so he could escort the both of them inside.
Worrying her bottom lip, she stole a glance at Alexander and noticed the flash of hurt in his eyes before he quickly masked it.
“Go on, lass. Ye must no’ keep your brother waiting.”
Still, she paused.
“Dinna fash. I will be right behind ye.”
