Page 48 of The Tartan Trap

“Very much, though she’s making it difficult to show her as much. She’s toying with me. She’ll barely speak with me.”

“I assure you she’s worth every effort you put toward the venture.”

“I’m well aware, hence the chasing.”

Rachel gave a decisive nod. “I will help you.”

Callum’s eyebrows rose. “I never asked.”

“Still, it’s clear you need the help.”

“Respectfully, I must decline.”

“I’m fairly certain you need it,” she pressed.

“Even if that’s true, it’s best if she and I begin as we mean to go on. Marriage is a partnership between two, best done without any outside interference.”

Rachel blinked. “You are serious if you’re already speaking of matrimony.”

“Please don’t tell her—it would probably frighten her off.”

Rachel narrowed her eyes at him. “Do you expect her to give you children?”

He frowned, confused. “Hopefully. I was under the impression that she wants them.”

She shook her head. “She does, for some infernal reason. I assume you know how the process is done?”

Callum blinked, suddenly wondering if this entire dance had been some sort of calculated trap. He wasn’t certain what would befall him if he were caught speaking of such things to an innocent young lady, but he thought that being drawn and quartered wasn’t completely off the table.

“That’s not a topic we should ever discuss,” he said, his voice and expression equally grave.

She shuddered. “There, you and I completely agree. Very well, you’ve convinced me. Perhaps you’re right and you don’t need my help, after all.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t need it, simply that I wouldn’t take it.”

Rachel laughed. “Touché. Very well, you have my blessing to court her.”

Callum didn’t take her words lightly—having the approval of Margaret’s closest friend was meaningful. “I thank you kindly.”

“I know you’ve refused my help, and I actually find your reasoning sound, but may I make a suggestion?”

Callum nodded.

“Stop chasing her,” Rachel said crisply.

“Pardon?”

“For at least this evening. Dance with other young ladies. Encourage other introductions.”

“But I don’t wish to meet anyone else,” he said, a crease between his eyebrows.

“You’re making a bit of a spectacle of yourself, and by association, Margaret as well. She’s already the subject of much speculation because your attention is so obvious.”

Callum winced. “It was never my intention to cause her difficulty.”

“Do the polite thing, the honorable thing, and dance with other young ladies this evening. It will only pique Margaret’s interest, allow her room to consider what life might look like if someone else snags your attention.”

That was what Callum was afraid of. For some reason, the only lady he wanted didn’t want him back. What made matters worse was that he had no idea why.