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Siobhan nodded. “Did the doctor say anything else about what he thought caused so much pain when I move?”

“He thinks you bruised your left hip in the fall.”

In his arms on her right side, Siobhan gingerly stretched her left leg, not realizing it caused her pelvis to thrust into Miles’ leg until his eyes widened just a bit. The bruised area felt painful, but much less than it had earlier.

“I am so sorry,” Siobhan said quickly heat infusing her face. “It does hurt, but it seems that if I lay on my right side, the pain is lessened.”

“I will call Firtha to come see about you. I will be gone for a few hours. Rest, beautiful lass,” he whispered and then he kissed her again.

The light press of his lips on hers lingered just a bit, and of their own volition, her eyes fell closed. He pulled away, and as she looked up at him, his lips curved. Carefully removing his arms from around her, he slid from the bed and stood. She could not drag her eyes from him. There had been bliss and a bit of passion, at least on her part. Although she had little idea what occurred between husband and wife, Siobhan was certain it would be as wonderful as being kissed by him.

Miles straightened his jacket and looked down at himself. “I best change before going out.” He peered at her, a strange expression crossed his features momentarily. Then it was gone, making Siobhan wonder if perhaps it had been a figment of her imagination.

He left and it was as if she’d been holding her breath but was finally able to take in air fully. She inhaled and let out a long breath. Truly, having been in his arms was something she’d never, ever forget.

Chapter Eight

While dressing, Miles kept replaying what had occurred with Siobhan. He’d meant to calm the lass, comfort her. The last thing he should have done was to have taken advantage of the situation.

He was a cad, there was no denying it, but had been never one to take unwelcome liberties. Although Siobhan had responded, her reaction did not excuse his actions. What had he done? Given her false hope of more between them?

He’d been disrespectful and had to apologize.

It was best to make things right immediately. He walked from the room and after a soft knock entered the larger bedroom where Siobhan was.

“I must apologize and beg for your forgiveness,” he said, moving closer to the bed. “There is absolutely no excuse for the liberties I took. I will ensure it never happens again.”

Siobhan searched his face for a long moment, her expression unreadable. “You do not have to apologize. It was a kiss, that is all it was.”

It was his turn to study her. The way she readily made the statement, giving him leeway to not feel obligated in any way was quite surprising. Most women would have leaped on the opportunity to obtain something from him after less of an interaction. Whether money or marriage, there was always a catch every time he’d had any assignation with a woman. Better to ask and get the matter into the open as soon as possible so he could tend to it or eliminate it altogether.

“Do you require anything more from me?”

Siobhan shrugged, looking past him to a chair. “Can you assist me to sit there by the window? Please? I’m so tired of being in bed.”

Miles turned to the chair in surprise. Then he almost laughed at the way he was acting, as if he didn’t know there was a chair in his own room. “We can try, but if you are in any pain, back to bed you will go.”

A mischievous twinkle in her eyes, she smiled. “If I can sit, then I will demand to go home. Let’s try it.”

“Very well,” he replied, not convinced it was something he should do. Or even, wanted to do. But that was ridiculous; hadn’t he just worried that she would demand marriage from him for a kiss? And still, he wanted her to stay in his home, unchaperoned. Her mother was not wrong in her own demands of marriage.

Just as he neared the bed and slid his arms under her arms and legs, there was a knock on the door. Miles froze as Firtha hurried inside. “My lord, what are you doing?”

“I asked to be moved to a chair,” Siobhan replied with a breezy tone, as if discussing the weather.

“Absolutely not.” The housekeeper neared and shooed him away. “Do not be fooled by a stunning beauty into doing things that are not recommended by the doctor, my lord. Her mother informed me she can be quite wily.”

Siobhan scowled. It was her mother who schemed and laid traps. She was innocent of the trait. “I feel a bit better.”

“And if you rest another day, you will feel even more so,” Firtha replied while pulling the blankets back over Siobhan’s legs and up to her waist.

Miles winked at Siobhan. “You have saved me from her cunning,” he said to Firtha. He wondered if it was possible for the housekeeper to save his heart as well.

*

“Ha!” Grant said, lifting his glass. “The most eligible bachelor in Glasgow admits defeat.” Miles had admitted that he’d not come up with the funding by other means and would instead pay from his own coffers. Much to the delight of his companions, who’d been convinced he’d win the wager; instead, they could now make fun of him.

Along with Henry and Evan, the four friends lounged at Henry’s home. The room had been decorated in masculine tones with dark furniture and a sideboard with decanters of whiskey, brandy, and a variety of other libations. There were comfortable chairs with tables strategically placed to allow for setting down one’s glass and an enormous plush rug to cushion their feet. They’d be there for about an hour, discussing the ship’s departure and the expectation of what they’d do upon its return.