He wasn’t sure where she was going with that, but he would not jump to the same conclusion as he had the night before. It was not unreasonable for her to want to find a husband, and thus far she had approached the endeavor differently than everyone else.
“I should be glad to hear my reputation is such,” he said. “I have heard nothing but praise of you as well from your new friend.”
“It has been wonderful getting to know her over these past two days,” she said and cast her gaze out the window.
“Is aught the matter?”
She turned back to him with an almost sad expression. “I am notcertain you are the person I should be having this conversation with, my lord.”
“Lady Marion, you may tell me anything.”
She sat back and placed her hands in her lap. “Very well,” she said. “I look at the situation of the royal couple and see that it was an arrangement made for them by others. I am in a situation where I feel I will not be permitted to have a say in a decision that will shape my whole future.”
Alexander knew exactly what she meant as he had narrowly escaped a similar situation before his father passed. That situation had ended in disaster, and he was determined for his own siblings to have a say in their futures.
“Your father would force his hand if you were not in agreement?”
“Nay, my father likely would not, but my mother can be very decided when opportunity presents itself.”
Alexander knew her sentiments all too well. And so where would that leave them? He would have to be very certain of his intent with her before letting any attachment develop. Even this shared meal could be perceived as such. Aye, he would have to be very cautious where she was concerned, for both their sakes.
Chapter Seven
The combination ofcandlelight, wine, and delectable company made a lasting mark on Marion. She could see why ladies like Cora would become competitive over a man like Alexander Campbell. What would the woman think now that they had shared a meal together? Marion could only imagine.
“You appear lost in your thoughts, Lady Marion,” he said in a quiet tone. It appeared he had become quiet as well as he sat back and watched her.
“I believe I am as full as an egg, my lord. I assure you my thoughts are pleasantly engaged.”
The earl’s eyes widened for a moment before narrowing. Had she said something wrong? Why did his brow knit?
“Will you sit with me by the window, my lady?”
The servants had situated a long padded bench by the largest of the windows so as to enjoy the view of the loch.
“I would like that very much, my lord.”
“And would you like more wine?” he asked.
She’d had more than enough and feared her innermost private thoughts would be set free should she imbibe more.
“Nay, my lord. I have had my fill,” she said and made her way to the bench.
He sat beside her with mere inchesbetween them, so close that she looked around to discover their chaperones all purposefully looking the other way. When she turned back to him, he was staring at her with a peculiar look on his face. His eyes seemed even deeper in color and his lips were parted.
“You are an enchanting woman, Lady Marion. How many men have told you that?”
“How many? My lord, I am not in the habit of being in such proximity with men to tell me such things.” What kind of question was that?
He shook his head. “Forgive me, I forget myself,” he said and shifted slightly away from her.
What was wrong with him? “Are you unwell, my lord? Is your head causing you trouble?”
His jaw dropped a little and then he started to laugh, a deep low rumble that ended with him raking his hand through his hair.
“You are a surprise at every turn, Lady Marion. Do you know that?”
“I confess, my lord, I do not know your meaning. Have I said something amusing?”
