“I didna think about how that would look to others. ’Twas verra selfish of me.”
She spun on him. “Is this really what ye are apologizing for?”
His brows furrowed. “Is that no’ what ye are upset about? Rightfully so, might I add,” he said quickly.
She threw her hands up in the air and started walking. “Ye are insufferable. Almost as bad as my brother.”
“That is no’ how ye were acting yesterday.”
She stopped and turned back to him. He was close on her heels, and she did the only thing that came to mind. She put her hands on his broad chest and gave him a shove, knowing she was stepping out of line. “That was afore I found out I was just a pawn in some stupid game ye were playing.”
“What are ye talking about?” he asked, eyes dark.
She laughed. “I heard ye. The conversation ye had in the gardens.” She watched as what she said sunk in.
“I am sorry ye had to hear that. He had no right to propose such a thing. I can see why that would upset ye. But what I dinna understand is why ye are taking your anger out on me?”
She shook her head in disbelief. “Ye canna be serious. Why wouldna I be upset? To be used in that way. I’m supposed to be happy about that?”
Alexander pushed his hands through his dark hair, stress evident on his face.
“I think there has been a misunderstanding.” He looked around, for what, she didn’t know. “Let’s talk in my study.”
“I’ve no interest in such a discussion. “It was quite clear that ye are willing to barter me to regain possession of your flock.”
He smirked. Which only caused her temper to rise. She could feel her face heating up.
“I find naught comical about this.”
“Well, ye would if ye actuallykennedwhat was actually going on instead of jumping to conclusions.”
This time it was her turn to be confused. “Ikenjust fine. I heard him make the offer. One night and ye will get your sheep back. No money needed.”
“Aye, the louse did make that offer.”
“See?”
“See what? I didna accept it. I told him to go to hell.” Alexander looked flustered. “Jesus, Clarissa. What kind of man do ye think I am that I would agree to such a thing?”
Was it true? She hadn’t stayed long enough to hear what Alexander had said afterward. He’d agreed after the proposal was put forth. There was no denying that.
“Ye agreed after he stated what he wanted. Ye said, ‘aye, right’.”
“Aye, I did.” He tugged at the cravat around his neck, loosening the knot. “Because I couldna believe what I had heard. Once it sunk in, and I told him I would ne’er agree to such a disgusting deal, I came in to find ye and was told ye’d left upset.”
Oh dear, had she really gotten everything so misconstrued?
“Wouldna ye be upset if ye’d just overheard such a proposal?
“Aye, but why were ye out there in the first place? Were ye alone?”
It was her turn to be flustered. “Dinna put this back on me. I did naught wrong. I was tired of everyone looking at me like I’d grown two heads after ye left like ye couldna get away from me fast enough. I needed some fresh air.”
“I,” Alexander paused. “I am sorry ye had to hear such a vile offer. I hope ye ken I would ne’er, I repeat, ne’er treat ye like property to be bartered.”
He reached for her hand, and after a moment’s pause, she slipped her hand in his.
Tugging her closer, she was flush to his chest, his warmth enveloping her. “Ye are much too precious to me. I would ne’er do anything to harm ye in any way. To dishonor ye.”
