As right as Patrick Murray was wrong.
“Very well, if you will not dance, then walk with me. A turn in the garden will refresh you soon enough.”
“I can't,” she said reflexively. “Not while the feast—”
He cut her off with a frown. “The guests will not begrudge their hostess a few moments. We will return before anyone notices we are gone.”
“But …”
Someone would notice that they were gone. Her gaze instinctively searched for Patrick, though why she didn't know. He'd been avoiding her all week. With the arrival of Colin and Robert, the pattern of her day had changed; she missed their opportunities for private conversation.
She missed him.
She knew that something was wrong. All week he'd been as bristly as a bear, but today was far worse. She'd danced with all of his men, but not with him. Yet while avoiding her, he watched her with an enigmatic look on his face that made her uneasy. She could sense his brooding agitation and simmering anger. As the celebration progressed, the amount of wine he consumed increased, and his expression grew darker and darker.
Robert noticed the direction of her gaze. “It's only the garden,” he said wryly. “No need for your watchdog. I've something I'd like to talk to you about—in private.”
“Very well, a stroll in the garden would be lovely.” With one last glance across the room, she put her hand in the fold of Robert's arm and followed him out the door, feeling Patrick's eyes boring into her back the entire way.
Once outside, the cool air was like a pleasant shock upon her flushed skin. She sighed deeply, inhaling a cleansing breath. It was later than she'd realized, the magical time between day and night when darkness closed in around the fading sun. The last orange embers of the day shone faintly on the horizon, creating a delicious swirling confection of pink and gray in the evening sky.
“It's beautiful,” she said as they walked along the path.
“Aye,” Robert agreed. “Beautiful.”
Lizzie felt heat warm her cheeks, discerning from the huskiness in his voice that he hadn't been talking about the sunset. Perhaps this hadn't been such a good idea. She was enjoying herself and didn't want to think about anything beyond tonight.
They walked in companionable silence until they reached the iron gate for the terraced garden. A short stone wall encircled the gardens, decorative and not defensive. He opened the gate for her, and she passed through. He followed, motioning her to a stone bench along a hedgerow with a spectacular view of the Ochil hills and the village of Dollar below.
He took a seat beside her and after a moment gathered her hand in his. “I've enjoyed myself this week,” he said.
“As have I.”
He smiled, soft lines crinkling around his eyes. Smiling was something he was used to. “I'm glad to hear that.” He was contemplative for a moment, as if searching for words. A bird sang softly in the distance. “Auchinbreck and I will be leaving soon.”
“Oh.” Her disappointment was genuine. “I'm sorry to hear that.”
“As am I, but the outlaws must be apprehended. The king will not be mollified this time.” He cleared his throat. “But that is not what I want to speak with you about. You are aware, no doubt, of the discussions between my father and Argyll.”
She bit her lip and nodded, embarrassed. This was the first time the subject had been broached directly since they'd arrived.
“To be honest, an arranged marriage was not to my liking. I didn't know what to think at first, but after these past few days I've no doubt. I think we would suit in every way.” She looked up at him, staring into deep pools of blue. “I would be honored if you would agree to be my wife.”
She'd known it was coming, but the words were still a shock.
“I …” She didn't know what to say. She knew what sheshouldsay, but the words seemed to tangle in her mouth. Not in a stammer, but in uncertainty.
It was ridiculous. Here she was, sitting beside a handsome man in the moonlight, and all she could think of was someone else.
He must have read her hesitation. “I don't expect you to answer right now. Take some time. Think about it.”
What was wrong with her? There was nothing to think about. Her duty was clear.
He watched her face, a faint smile lifting his lips, and she wondered if her thoughts were so transparent.
Robert stood up and pulled her into his arms. Tilting her chin back, he forced her gaze to his. “I will do my best to make you happy, Elizabeth.”
She believed him. He would make her happy. She would have a beautiful home, a wonderful husband, her own children, and the satisfaction of her family's approval. Everything she'd always wanted. It should be enough.
