Kendall glared at her for so long, Isolde was unsure if he would reply at all. It was the most she had said to him in one go since that awful conversation in the carriage on their wedding day.
“Be that as it may, this is most ill-advised, Duchess. I do not like the look of the clouds in the sky there.” He nodded to the dark mass gathering on the southern edge of the horizon.
“Och, everyone knows clouds blow from west tae east in the Highlands. Those clouds will stay tae the south. Even Captain Woodbury believes so. And if a squall does come through, we are sheltered here in the Inner Hebrides from the open ocean, regardless. The waves off Scotland aretame in comparison to the punishing surf of other coasts, like New England. Moreover, once I pass into the sheltered harbor there—” She pointed to where the headland curved inward to a deep crescent, waves gently lapping at the sandy beach. “—the sea becomes nearly glassy. So ye see, all will be well. Ye needn’t do anything but stop for myself when I return in the afternoon.”
She smiled at him again. Her brightest smile. The one that had ensured Cook always slipped her warm shortbread as a lass.
Kendall’s frown deepened.
He looked from her face to the white house and then back again.
“You are truly determined to visit whoever lives there?” He shook his head, as if the very idea were mad.
“Aye. ’Tis the way of Highland hospitality. And I should dearly like an adventure.”
He sighed. “You will wait before getting into the boat.”
“Pardon?”
“If I am to accompany you, I need to change my trousers and footwear into something more suitable.”
“Ye will be . . . accompanying me?”
“Yes. Though I oppose this harebrained idea, I cannot in good conscience permit my duchess to row herself ashore alone.”
Isolde bristled. “I just assured ye I am a most accomplished boat-woman.”
“Be that as it may, I must guarantee your safety. If anything were to happen, we both know your father would accuse me of your murder.” He gave her a sardonic look. “I’d rather go down with the dinghy.”
And with that shot, he walked off, calling for his valet.
18
LORD HADLEY IMPEACHED! Late yesterday afternoon, the House of Commons voted to bring articles of impeachment against the Earl of Hadley. We will provide more information the moment it is received.
—article inThe London Times
The boat was a mistake.
That was Kendall’s only thought as he pulled on the oars.
It had taken nearly thirty minutes to change his attire—his valet had insisted on switching out his waistcoat and coat, as well as shoes and trousers—and then a series of swells rolling in from the Atlantic had made launching the small rowboat somewhat precarious.
By the time Kendall began pulling on the oars, the southern clouds had become rapidly-approaching westerly clouds. The sky had grayed, and the series of swells had morphed into chaotic waves, lapping and tugging at the oars. The small dinghy dipped and rocked.
Kendall should have told Isoldeno. He should have remained firm and unyielding. Ordered the sailors to return the rowboat to its place and refused to relent.
But . . .
She hadsmiledat him.
The wide, joyous smile that glowed with her essence.
The smile that he was honest enough to admit he adored.
The one that had been painfully absent since their betrothal and marriage.
Thank heavens she did not yet know its potency against his resolve. Because he feared he would do quite a bit to receive more of such smiles.
