Any other English lady would have left, demanded rest, or found some way to prove to him that she didn’t belong in the Highlands. But not Marian.
Lachlan tried to keep himself from looking at her, but he failed. His gaze flickered briefly over his shoulder, and she smiled at him, though it did not quite reach her eyes.
He looked away, keeping his eyes on the path ahead. There was much left to be done today, and time was no longer on their side. Marian quickened her pace, catching up with him just as they reached the path that bent toward the glen.
He stiffened as the wind blew her hair in his direction, his nose catching a whiff of the same flowery scent from last time.
How could she possibly…?
His thoughts were interrupted once she turned away at the bend, heading toward the main castle.
“Where are ye goin’?” he asked.
She whipped around, her eyebrow arching slightly. A speck of chaff caught his eye as her hair settled, and his fingers ached to reach out and remove it. Instead, he placed his hands on his hips, waiting for her answer.
“To my chambers,” she replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
He shook his head. “Nay, Mairi. We arenae done.”
Marian’s eyes narrowed slightly, her face falling for a split second.
“What do you mean?” she asked, and the irritation in her tone satisfied him. “There is nothing left to do. We have alreadysorted the store. Jamie and the boys will distribute the grains among the families on the morrow.”
Lachlan smirked at the defiance in her posture. “Well,” he said, taking a few steps toward her. “’Tis ye who wanted to prove yerself.”
Marian’s eyebrows drew together. “What does that have to do with rest?”
Lachlan’s eyes narrowed. He leaned in, close enough that he could be sure she smelled like flowers.
It makes nay sense.
“I’ll tell ye,” he murmured, leaning closer to her. “Resilience is one of the things that makes a true Highlander. And if a single task makes ye tired… then perhaps ye arenae fit to remain here.”
Marian’s jaw tightened. Her lips puckered in the same way they did whenever she was about to protest, but then she raised her chin, smiling.
Lachlan nodded in satisfaction.
I am certain she’ll want to leave after this.
Footsteps sounded behind them, and he straightened, turning to see who it was.
“You sent for them?” Marian asked.
He shook his head. “Nay. But I ken ye can use the company. We are goin’ beyond the glen to repair a broken fence line.”
“Repair fences?” Her eyes widened.
“Aye. Perhaps ye took notice of it durin’ the inspection ritual.”
Marian stayed quiet for a moment. “I did not,” she said finally.
Lachlan smirked, satisfied. “I ken, and I am nae surprised.”
“Evenin’, me Laird,” Finn greeted once he reached them, Marian’s maid trailing behind him. She bobbed a curtsy as soon as she stopped.
Lachlan nodded. “Where are ye headed?” he asked, looking between the two, and they both straightened.
“We only just?—”
