Wretched mon, taunting me. He will trip over his own ego one of these days. At least his brother isn’t as obnoxious now that Lady Allyson has reined him in. O-en and U-en. How original.
Cairstine narrowed her eyes at Eoin, but that only broadened his smile. She resolved to trample on his toes as many times as she could. They’d spoken together a week earlier and even slipped away to share a kiss, but she’d ended their tryst before it could go beyond that.
“If you frown, you’ll give yourself wrinkles,” Eoin whispered. Cairstine’s eyes widened before narrowing into slits.
“If you’re a horny toad, you’re likely to have warts,” Cairstine flung back.
“I’m definitely horny,” Eoin cast her a wolfish grin that turned his already-too-handsome face devastating.
“You’re despicable. We’ve all heard now why Lady Allyson ran away. What you and your brother were up to.”
“I prefer to think I’m incorrigible.”
“You don’t deny what people are saying aboot you and Ewan? And Lady Bevan?”
“How can I deny the truth? Lady Cairstine, what is done is done. Lady Bevan is part of both my and Ewan’s past. My brother has eyes for no one but his wife, and I will never betray Allyson by having aught to do with a woman who attempted to hurt her. Even after we returned, Lady Bevan propositioned Ewan right in front of Allyson. That liaison was never meant to hurt anyone, but it did, so it can’t happen again.”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“In this case, it is. But why are you so sour to me this evening? You weren’t while you sat watching me.” Eoin offered her another smile, but Cairstine didn’t find this one charming, and her blank stare said as much.
“I wasn’t staring at you. I was staring in your direction. I was thinking.”
“Aboot?”
“Aboot none of your business.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t aboot me? Or perhaps those kisses we shared?”
“Shh,” Cairstine hissed as she glanced around to ensure no one was listening. “You are despicable. Watch what you say; someone could hear you.”
Eoin opened his mouth to say it was no great secret that Cairstine offered her kisses to plenty of men, but he snapped it shut. Insulting her wouldn’t gain him any favors. “You’re right, my lady. I beg your apology.”
Cairstine nearly missed a step at the sincerity in his voice, and her honey-blond hair whipped across her face. Eoin brushed it away without thought, but both paused when they realized the intimacy of the act. Cairstine once again glanced at those around them, but no one appeared to be paying them attention.
“It seems I owe you yet another apology. I wasn’t thinking.” Eoin had the good grace to look sheepish as he glanced down at their feet.
“It’s fine. It was kind of you, even if inappropriate.” Cairstine offered a warm smile as she relaxed. Perhaps she wouldn’t tread on his toes after all. “I fear I’m rather short-tempered this evening, and it’s not entirely your fault.”
“Not entirely?” Eoin attempted to lighten the mood.
“You are rather incorrigible,” Cairstine’s grin told him her comment was tongue-in-cheek rather than scolding, as it had been before.
“Why, thank you, my lady.” They fell silent as the dance moved them along the line and forced them to twirl with other partners. When they returned to one another, Cairstine once more had a far-off gaze. “Lady Cairstine?”
Cairstine turned such a blank stare at Eoin that he wondered if she was aware of where she was. He maneuvered them toward the doors that led to a terrace. He debated whether to offer Cairstine privacy by stepping into the shadows or remain in the light, so no one could question them. He opted to stand in the light and pressed Cairstine into the shadows before stepping back. Eoin squeezed her hands, hoping to bring her back to the present.
“Hmm? I’m well, Eoin. Really. I’m dreadfully distracted this eve,” Cairstine mumbled.
“It’s more than just distracted. What’s wrong?”
“Naught that anyone can do aboot. My father has summoned me home for a visit.” Cairstine’s eyes drifted over Eoin’s shoulder, but he was certain no one stood behind them. Having visited Allyson’s family and witnessed their deplorable behavior toward her, Cairstine’s behavior concerned him. He feared she might return to a home as unwelcoming as Allyson’s. “I suspect my father will announce a betrothal.”
Eoin straightened as he glanced back into the Great Hall. “Have you any idea who it might be?”
“None. And that’s what terrifies me. It won’t be anyone from court. I’ve made certain of that,” Cairstine snapped her mouth shut.
“Lass? I may know you offer the sweetest kisses, but you don’t have a reputation for being loose.”
