Lady Watson nodded, and her hand slipped into the crook of his elbow. He could feel the warmth of her hand through the material of his shirt and jacket. A feeling he did not realize he needed, but would long for forevermore.
Once outside, he leaned in close. “I felt like I should perform a duty and save ye from those monsters inside.”
She laughed, a soft melodic sound that was pleasing to his ears. He could listen to her laughter all day long.
“My lord, I am certain that I could have handled any situation they may have thrown my way. But I thank ye, nonetheless. Neither of them are very interesting when it comes to Lords Wingot, Graham and Kelly. And Battersby? What was my cousin thinking? He is practically a child.”
“I believe he was thinking that ye need to marry, and from my understanding, time is of the essence from what I could gather.”
“My cousin said that?”
“Aye. Is there a reason for the…” he let the sentence trail off. How could he delicately ask what sprang to mind without insulting the woman?
She sighed, keeping her eyes straightforward as they continued along the gravel path, tall hedges enveloping them on each side. “I dinna ken why he said such a thing. I am in no rush to marry.”
He tilted his head to the side. “Really? That was no’ the impression I was given.”
She pressed her lips together and he felt her hand ball into a small fist in the crook of his arm. “Contrary to what my cousin has said, I am no’ in search of a husband. So, if that is your intention, we can end this now, and both of us may continue on with our days as if this ne’er happened.”
He stiffened. She was upset. The prospect of marrying was off-putting to her. It was apparent by the clouds darkening her eyes. The slightest pull of her shoulders.
“I apologize, my lady. I really would like to continue our walk if ye dinna mind?”
She looked back at Joan and then met his eyes and blew out an exasperated breath. “I do need to marry. However, I do no’ want to.”
