"Leah, fancy seein' ye here."
Pushing the fantasy to the back of her mind, Leah turned to find Mason sitting under the shade of the oak tree. She couldn't help but smile, seeing the improvement he had made since she arrived. It was like night and day.
"Mason, I wasnae expectin' to find ye out here," Leah said as she glanced around, wishing she could eavesdrop on the servants instead.
"Aye, well, thanks to yer tea, me health has greatly improved," he said as Leah noticed the hesitancy in his eyes.
"I'm just glad I could be of service to ye," Leah said.
"Aye," Mason cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Leah could tell something was lingering on the tip of his tongue that he couldn't quite get off it. She didn't know whether she enjoyed watching him squirm or found the sight pitiful.
"Miss Leah, I believe I owe ye an apology. I may have said things that I dinnae mean," Mason said as he nervously tucked his bangs behind his ears.
"Mason, ye need nae say anythin' more," Leah said as she flashed him a friendly smile.
"But I do," he insisted. "Ye see, I think there may have been a misunderstandin’.”
“I daenae believe there was,” Leah interjected before Mason could say anything more. He swallowed hard as he clearly ignored her comment and continued.
“I wanted to apologize if I offended ye. That wasnae my intentions.”
Leah relaxed her shoulders as she let out a heavy sigh. "Thank ye, Mason. I appreciate that."
"Doesnae mean that I think ye should be cordial with me brother," he interjected.
"Aye," Leah answered with a polite grin. "I ken."
"With that said, would ye care to join me for dinner tonight?" Mason asked as he bowed his head. Leah paused and glanced about the area, looking for some escape without being rude. She hated being put on the spot, and they both knew she had no reason to deny him.
"Aye," Leah submitted with a less eager smile. She glanced over Mason's shoulder to the bay window of Killian's study. Her heart skipped the second her eyes fell on Killian's face. How long had it been since she had seen him? Or spent any time with him? It seemed as if he had blocked her out for an eternity, and she didn't understand why. She wished she could just march right into his study and demand his attention, but what good would that do? Everyone would be a witness to her rejection.
"I believe I should get some sleep before dinner is called," Mason said as he rose slowly to his feet. Leah couldn't help but be impressed with how well Mason was doing. It was as if his body was just as eager to heal as he was ready to charge.
"Mason, if I ask ye a question, will ye promise me ye willnae get mad," Leah said as she tried to pry her eyes off Killian but found it impossible.
"Nae with a loaded question like that," he answered as Leah helped him to the door.
"Ye’re right, it was foolish to even think it," Leah said as she opened the door for Mason.
"Well, now this will haunt me all night. What is it ye want to ken?"
"If ye were the laird, would ye have a ceilidh to find a wife?" Leah asked as she studied Mason's face.
"Nay," he answered as he brushed his fingers over her cheeks. "I wouldnae need one, nae if ye were at me side."
"Mason, is that really ye out here?"
Leah let out a sigh of relief. Never had she been so happy and relieved to see Alan than she was in that moment. She flashed Mason the most pitiful smile she could muster.
"Aye," Mason answered a bit begrudgingly.
"What on earth are ye doin' out here? How is this possible? Is this some sort of miracle?" Alan asked, completely stunned by Mason's health.
"As ye can see, I'm doin' much better thanks to Leah here," Mason said, his smile genuine and sweet.
"She is a godsend, is she nae?" Alan said as he took Leah's hand to shake it vigorously. "What would we do without her?"
"I daenae ken," Mason answered. Leah glanced to the bay window behind Alan, hoping to catch another glimpse of Killian. But the window was dark and deserted.
