Page 27 of Deception

Sophie leaned forward and looked past Lady Innis at her. “I do,” she said. “Jacob knows we were very close with Lady Alison, so we are to be trusted. Oh, I will miss her.”

Lady Innes nodded.

Linnae’s heart twisted. It wasn’t fair that Lady Alison had died. But if she hadn’t died, Linnae would never have married Jacob. Guilt stabbed. God forgive her, she was glad she was married to him.

Married.

Jacob was her husband.

She still couldn’t believe it. Linnae cast a covert glance at him.

As if sensing her scrutiny, Jacob glanced her way. He winked and she yanked her gaze onto her plate. Would he consummate their marriage tonight? He had to. They weren’t officially man and wife until they consummated it.

“Linnae.”

Linnae jarred from her thoughts at the realization that Jacob was speaking to her.

“Ye seem deep in thought,” he said.

She shook her head. “I was thinking how I never thought I’d be married once, much less twice in two days.”

He grinned. “At least you married the same man.”

She couldn’t help laughing. The man was a charmer. And far too handsome for her own good.

Would you like to sit near the hearth and listen to the music?” Jacob asked.

Linnae smiled. “Aye.”

He stood, and waited for her to stand, then nodded at Ladies Innis and Sophie and led her down the steps to the hearth. The men clapped Jacob on the back as he passed. Jacob smiled in what Linnae would swear was genuine pleasure. Was he glad he married her?

They reached the hearth where the young minstrel played his lute. Linnae halted near the hearth and reveled in the warmth of the fire.

“Are ye cold, lass?” Jacob asked.

She hadn’t thought so, but the fire felt heavenly. He stepped closer and slipped an arm around her waist. She snapped her head up and met his gaze.

He offered a lopsided smile. “You will grow accustomed to my touch.”

She swallowed. Grow accustomed to his touch? Heaven help her.

His fingers flexed against her waist. Her heart began to beat fast.

“Are ye at all pleased to be married to me?” Jacob whispered.

To her surprise, his expression was earnest.

“Aye,” she said.

He regarded her. “Just ‘aye’?”

She tried not to smile. “Aye.”

He turned his attention to the fire. “Are you looking forward to us finishing tonight was we started last night?”

Her mouth dropped open. The rogue was baiting her. Two could play at this game.

Linnae looked at the fire. “Aye.”