Page 101 of Wicked Highland Heroes

He looked at her in surprise. “I think you overestimate my abilities.”

“I highly doubt that.”

He considered for two heartbeats. “I am…able bodied.”

Eve’s pulse stuttered. What was he saying?

“Of course, I have yet to prove just how able bodied.” His fingers flexed on her hand and her stomach quivered— as it had last night just before she’d melted beneath his touch. “But I stand ready to command.”

Ready to command? Scorching heat crept up her cheeks.

They turned another corner and a massive room came into view a few feet ahead. They entered and Eve was forced to concentrate on each step her legs took as he continued toward the long table in front of a massive hearth. His hand stubbornly remained on hers and she felt as if she were heating up like the large pot that hung over the fire.

Tapestries adorned the walls, illuminated by a scattering of lit sconces. Through an open doorway near the fireplace, Eve glimpsed a woman opening the door to a large stove and wished with all her might she could return to her room. Her cheeks were blazing. If any of the women saw her they would surely know something improper had passed between her and Lord Rushton.

“Will we dine here?” Eve asked.

“Not tonight. This room is reserved for larger parties.”

“You might consider just such a party. I can see the room filled with ladies and gentleman dancing. Grace is a wonderful dancer. She would be delighted to partner with you.”

“Madam, I have no intention of stepping into the lion’s den.”

Before Eve could reply, a woman stuck her head out of the kitchen. “Good afternoon, Laird.” Her gaze shifted to Eve.

“Belinda, this is Miss Crenshaw. Miss Crenshaw, may I present the honorable Mrs. Henderson. She is the housekeeper I mentioned earlier.”

Eve smiled. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“And you,” she replied. “Would ye like a bite to eat?”

“Belinda is the best cook in all the Highlands,” Lord Rushton said. “Perhaps as good as your Mrs. Larson.”

He remembered her cook’s name? Heaven help her. Eve smiled at Mrs. Henderson. “Just tea, if it isn’t too much trouble. The long journey is beginning to catch up with me.”

“Unexpected trips have a way of doing that,” he said.

Eve startled. Was he reminding her of his kidnapping? “Beware,” she said with asperity, “there is yet time for more surprises.”

“You have a perverse sense of humor, Miss Crenshaw,” he said, then added, “Tea, Belinda. I believe the lady needs fortification.”

Mrs. Henderson ducked back into the kitchen, and Lord Rushton said, “Shall we sit?” he nodded to the bench at the long table.

Eve nodded and sat down as she said, “My lord, Grace and I cannot simply rusticate here as if on holiday. You must marry Grace and I will return home with the news to my father.”

He sat down beside her. “I don’t think so.”

Eve was caught off guard by his quick response. “If he doesn’t hear from us soon, he will come in search of us and I assure you, he will not be pleasant.”

“If you return home unmarried, he certainly will be unpleasant.”

“I can deal with my father,” she said.

“Miss Crenshaw, you aren’t an idiot. You know he won’t let you remain unmarried.”

“That is not your concern.”

“But it is.”