So. . .didhe need help organizing a still room?Washe going to ask her to be his housekeeper?
“And I am the right sort of woman?”
“Lord Hadley pointed me in your direction, and given the astute answers you’ve provided so far, I can see his wisdom.”
The clinking of china through the open door announced Fiona’s approach.
Captain Carnegie appeared not to notice.
“To the point, Miss Penn-Leith,” he continued, “I have been advised to take a wife.”
Teacups clattered as Fiona tripped and nearly stumbled into the room. Thankfully, the tea things remained steady in the maid’s hands, but her wide eyes said she had heard the captain’s last sentence.
Fiona set the tray on the wee table before Leah.
“Thank ye, Fiona.”
Eyes still round as saucers, Fiona bobbed a curtsy and all but raced from the room.
Aileen and Mrs. McGregor would be getting an earful in less than fifteen seconds. In an hour, the locals at the Lion Arms would be blethering.
Captain Carnegie was looking for a wife.
The knowledge sank like a leaden weight in Leah’s chest. A wife being something that his solicitor in Aberdeen could not arrange, she supposed.
And she, Leah Penn-Leith, was to help him find one? To play matchmaker somehow? Wasn’t that the gist of this conversation? It was the only solution that made any sense to her.
She glanced at him, hoping to discern the purpose of his announcement.
For his part, the captain stared at the tea tray with something akin to . . . consternation.
Oh, dear. Was something amiss?
Leah quickly cataloged the tray—teapot, tea cups, golden shortbread, crisp sausage rolls, potato scones with jam, and even a wee vase with cheery wildflowers freshly clipped from the side garden.
All looked in order. In fact, Mrs. McGregor had worked a miracle considering the captain’s impromptu arrival.
Perhaps the man was merely famished.
Leah gave him her warmest smile, and with a steadying breath, reached for the teapot. “Captain, how do ye like your tea—”
“I require a wife, Miss Penn-Leith. Did you not hear me?” Captain Carnegie interrupted, eyes jerking from the tray to her. “I know I am a stranger, but I feel I have much to offer a wife. I am sound of mind and, given my military career, I know how to lead and protect those in my care. And though I am a bit past my prime, I am also hardly in my dotage. You may speak with Lord Hadley to gain a reference as to my character.”
“Aye, I dinnae doubt it.” Leah froze, the teapot half-raised off the table. “I . . . I ken that marriage would be an excellent choice for a man like yourself. But I must confess, Captain, I dinnae understand how I am tae help ye find a wife. I can work wonders with staffing a household, but beyond that—”
“No . . . that is . . .” Captain Carnegie lurched to his feet, snatching his walking stick and leaning on it heavily. “Blast, I’m making a muddle of this.”
With uneven steps, he turned in a circle, scrubbing his free palm through his hair.Wasthe man nervous?
“The truth is . . .” He faced Leah, lifting a hand toward her. “I was hoping for you—thatyou . . . would do the job.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m . . . I’m asking you to marry me, Miss Penn-Leith.”
Leah set the teapot down with aclack.
Blink, blink, blink.
