Mr. McTaggart growled at his clansman. “Show some respect, whelp, before I show your nose my fist.”
The young man winked at her before lurching out of Mr. McTaggart’s reach, prompting the bigger man to curse at him.
Edith giggled nervously at the memory of Mr. McTaggart’s large bed in his chamber.
“Forgive my cousin’s lack of manners,” he said. “Hamish’s mother dropped him on his head one too many times. Knocked the sense right out of him, not to mention his manners.”
“Oh?” Her smile faded.
She didn’t mind being disrespected nearly as much when someone called her pretty. It was a petty, vain thought, but all her life she’d been the plain sister, the invisible one at the brothel, or the forgettable friend. Believing she was attractive, even for a fleeting moment, felt nice.
Mr. McTaggart’s arms flexed beneath her knees, and she wondered if he was growing tired of holding her. He cleared his throat. “I dinnae abduct lasses, and I havenae had one in my bed for a long time, but that’s by choice.”
She flicked a hand in the air. “I really don’t need to know about y-your personal affairs.”
His brow wrinkled. “There isnae much that’s considered personal with the McTaggarts. Everyone knows what each other is up to all the time, so you might hear a tale or two about my younger days. I was a bit of a rogue, but I can promise you this: I dinnae intend to bed you, no matter how pretty you are. I know you’re a respectable lass, and I’d never mistreat you.”
Her heart expanded, filling her chest. That was one of the nicest compliments she’d ever received. “Thank you, Mr. McTaggart.”
“No need for thanks. I was only stating the facts.”
She squeezed his shoulder in appreciation anyway. “You can put me down now if you like. I’m ready to try on my own.”
He skidded to a stop and gently placed her on her feet. Her legs immediately went in opposite directions as soon as the skate blades touched the ice, but he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her upright. She cried out and laughed as her legs twisted beneath her. Though she had no control over them any longer, Mr. McTaggart kept his promise and didn’t allow her to fall.
After a while, she managed to maintain her balance and make short shuffling movements with Mr. McTaggart half supporting her weight. He offered quiet directions and words of encouragement as her confidence and ability improved.
By the end of the hour, she couldn’t claim to be any good at skating, but she was having fun. He didn’t leave her side for the remainder of the day.
When it was time to return to Aldmist Fell, he helped her off the ice and knelt at her feet again to remove her skates. “You did well, lass. Next time, you willna need as much help.”
She snorted. “Next time?”
“Aye.” He looked up from releasing the strap on her skate. “I predict many more next times for you, Edith Gallagher.”
She didn’t argue, for it didn’t matter whether he was right or wrong. She had enjoyed herself, and the prospect of another lovely day like today pleased her.
He removed the second skate but didn’t rise from his knee. “My mother said you helped her in the kitchen yesterday. She was in dire straits, and you were there to save her bacon.”
Edith smiled and lowered her head shyly. “That is overstating my contributions, I believe, but I was happy to assist. I like your mother very much.”
“And you’ve won her admiration, which is quite an accomplishment for a Sassenach. She wanted me to invite you to the McTaggart Christmas Eve celebration.”
Edith’s head snapped up. “Me? But I’m not family. I couldn’t possibly.”
“You cannae decline, lass. My mother has threatened to banish me from the supper table if I dinnae convince you to attend, and I’m no’ verra fond of hunger.”
Edith’s breathy chuckle filled the space between them. “Well, I refuse to be responsible for a man going hungry. Please let your mother know I accept.”
Chapter Eight
The wheels of the Thornes’ carriage splashed through a mud puddle as the driver turned onto the lane leading back to Aldmist Fell. At last, Edith had been granted a moment alone with Lavinia, free from the possibility of Lord St. Ambrose interrupting or Gracie dragging everyone off to the next holiday activity. Just yesterday, the girl had charged the group with building a snow family, lobbing snowballs at one another, and singing carols until well past midnight. Edith had never been so tired in her life, but she was having a wonderful time.
She chuckled as she recalled the scene at breakfast. “I didn’t think it was possible, but I swear Gracie has become even more dramatic these past few months. I thought you said she would outgrow it.”
Lavinia slumped on the carriage bench, laying the back of her hand against her forehead in mock distress, just as Gracie had done. “I’m afraid I cannot see to everyone’s entertainment today,” she mimicked. “I’m exhausted and plan to spend the day reading.”
Edith laughed. “The men were positively gleeful to be given a reprieve.” Lords Thorne and St. Ambrose had quickly made plans to hunt with Mr. McTaggart.
