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Was she actually blushing? There was no mistaking the bright hue which crept up the back of her neck, the nape exposed as he toyed with her hair. “I forget how sensual you are, little Roselyn. I believe ye may open my senses too.”
“I would like to try, my laird.”
He dropped a quick kiss on her hair. “‘Tis just laird. Now, I must go. The household is up and about already. Ye may remain here if ye like.”
“I would prefer to make myself useful, Laird. Perhaps I might be of some assistance to Elspeth.”
“Ye seem tae be getting the hang of our ways and I have nae doubt ye shall find your place, my lady.” He untangled his limbs from hers and moved to sit on the edge of the mattress. Never a man given to lying in his bed much beyond daybreak, he found himself singularly reluctant to shift this morning. Still, he had a keep to protect, a clan looking to him for leadership. He’d best be about it.
“I missed you at the evening meal yesterday.”
“Aye, I was delayed on my way home.” He shoved first one foot then the other into his braies. Where had he dropped his shirt?
“I went down to the hall on my own. Well, with Freya…”
“I am pleased.” He fastened the laces of his over-shirt and tucked the loose ends into his braies.
“I spoke with Archie, and with Aiden.”
He paused as he hefted his sword belt around his waist. “Aye? I trust they were pleasant enough?”They had fucking better be.
“Oh, yes, perfectly. They were both most kind. I…” She paused, hesitant. He waited, knowing there was more to come. “Aiden asked me about whether I might ever like to ride again. I believe I told you about the accident which caused my blindness?”
“Aye, you did.”
“He… he seemed to be of the opinion that I should consider getting back in the saddle.”
“Oh?” Blair made a mental note to pummel Aiden to within an inch of his life. Get back in the saddle, indeed. “And what was your answer?”
“I made none. Aiden advised me to seek your view, but he said that if you were agreeable he would select a quiet horse for me.”
If anyone was to choose a mount for Roselyn it would be him, not his second-in-command, though the fires of hell might well freeze solid before he would contemplate such folly. What if she were to fall? Or become disoriented and lost? It was bloody madness.
He regarded her closely, her expressive features a piquant mix of fear, hope, and perhaps the stirrings of courage. As he watched, fear seemed to gain the ascendancy. She shook her head, her demeanour becoming dejected.
“You are right, it is too dangerous.”
“I did not say that.” He may have thought it, but the words had yet to pass his lips. He sat beside her. “Roselyn, are you relying on me to forbid you to try this in order that you do not have to face your fears?”
She jerked up her head. “No! I would never…”
“Roselyn.” His tone held a warning. He was right, he knew it.
“Perhaps I am. I apologise, I should not have—”
“It is natural enough, and you are wise to be cautious.”
“You think it too perilous, then?”
Yes! Bloody hell, yes.“I shall consider the matter and let you know.”
She nodded, seemingly reassured that he would see off this latest threat for her. As Blair left the chamber he knew it was not going to be so simple.
Chapter Nine
“My lady, might I trouble you to accompany me to the solar?”
Roselyn tilted her head at the sound of her lover’s voice beside her. She had been aware of his approach and allowed herself to hope that she was the one he sought on this most unexpected visit to the hall in the middle of the day. Blair’s days were usually spent out of doors and during the weeks since she had become his mistress she tended not to encounter him between breaking their fast together in the early morning, and sharing his trencher at the evening meal.
