She was a reminder of simpler times. Of summers in Derbyshire. Of yellow and sunshine and the scents of lemon and honeysuckle.
He also wanted to scold her for what she had done.
“Her father left her a dowry.”
The simple statement brought Daniel out of his brief reverie, and he furrowed his brows. “So that’s how she can afford a room in New Town,” he murmured, glad she wasn’t in one of the crowded buildings in Old Town.
“Well, she is a seamstress,” Callum reminded him. “But that’s not why I mentioned it.”
Daniel took another bite of pie. “Oh? Why then?”
“You wish to build a house. Perhaps her dowry would be enough to pay for it.”
Scoffing softly, Daniel considered the suggestion. “I would have to marry her to gain the dowry,” he reasoned.
“You’re going to marry her anyway,” Callum replied, shrugging before he took another swallow of his ale.
Chuckling softly, Daniel said, “You sound terribly sure of yourself.”
“That’s because I am.”
Although Callum continued to eat his pie, Daniel set his fork on his plate and stared at his friend. “What do you know?”
Callum finished the last bite and used his napkin to dab the corners of his mouth. He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms over his chest. “I’ve heard the gossip about you. She may have been the one to initiate the kiss, but it’syoueveryone thinks is the rogue.”
Daniel sighed in response, wishing there was a way to turn back time. Since it was unlikely he would be able to do that, he pondered hiding for a week or two.
Surely the gossip would die down. It would simply take time, and hopefully not too much of it.
He had a business he wished to keep free from scandal.
CHAPTER 5
A VICTIM OF GOSSIP
The following morning
Opting to take his breakfast at the Tolbooth Tavern, Daniel ducked into the ancient building and inhaled the scents of bacon and freshly baked bread. Located in the Royal Mile in Old Town, the pub offered hearty fare as well as an opportunity to meet with potential clients.
He opted for a small table near the front, the latest copy ofThe Scotsmantucked under his arm. A waiter delivered his usual order only a few minutes later, but before he had a chance to lift his fork, he heard his name and glanced to up to see a middle-aged man in uniform approaching him. “Morning, Colonel Robertson,” he said, giving the man a nod.
“Sinclair, so good to see you again. What’s this I hear about you and a young lady?” Robertson asked, waggling his bushy brows as he was about to pass by his table.
The officer was in charge of the upkeep of some of the buildings at Edinburgh Castle, and he had hired Daniel in the past to provide his opinion on the fortifications necessary for the older structures. He had been most dismayed by the military’s use of St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in all of Scotland, to store gunpowder and other provisions for the personnel barracked at the castle.
“Uh, what have you heard?” Daniel countered, attempting to act as if it was news to him.
“That you kissed her in front of your place of business,” Robertson replied, punching Daniel’s shoulder. “Right out in the open for anyone to see?” He sighed dramatically. “I had quite forgotten how young love makes a man behave. Been thirty years since I did that with me wife.”
Daniel blinked. “I, uh?—”
“Courting her, are you?” Robertson interrupted, as if he wished to learn more so he would have first-hand information to share with his garrison.
Dipping his head, Daniel realized two things at the same time. If he denied courting the girl, his kiss would be seen as the socially unacceptable behavior of a rake. His business would no doubt suffer. Who would wish to hire an architect with a reputation as a rogue?
However, if he agreed, at least he would have an acceptable excuse for having participated in the kiss.
“You’ve sorted it perfectly, Colonel,” he replied, glad for the darkened interior that hid his reddening face. “Have you any other buildings requiring my expert evaluation?” he added, hoping to steer the conversation to work. “I’m drafting a house on a commission now, but I should have some time in a few weeks.”
