He still thought she was a thief, maddening as that was. She was certain no matter how many times she explained, the only way he would ever believe her was when they arrived at Tolton Hall and he saw the picture of her grandmama.
Then, and only then, would it be clear.
She sighed and closed the book on her lap. “Can we stop soon, please? I need to stretch my legs.”
Malcolm assessed her with a raised brow. No doubt trying to figure out if she was making excuses.
“I also need to attend to personal matters, mind ye.” She didn’t, but if he was looking for excuses, there was one. Surely, he wouldn’t deny her the stop when such things were needed to be tended to.
He knocked sharply on the carriage wall and she heard the footman call out to the horses as they began to slow.
Space was what was needed. Space from Malcolm so she could think clearly.
His presence soaked up the entirety of the carriage. So much so it was as if she were suffocating on his scent.
Even if it was a most pleasing scent.
Since their conversation in the dining hall at the inn, it was like he’d erected an invisible barrier around himself to keep her at a distance.
The carriage halted, rocking them back and forth and when the door swung open, Malcolm stepped out.
Poking his head back in, he addressed them. “Both of ye stay put whilst I check the surrounding area. I will let ye ken if ’tis safe to wander.”
“Where do ye think we are,” Mary asked after Malcolm had shut the door.
Lizzie shrugged. “I’ve no’ any idea.” She glanced out the window and could see naught but trees on either side. “It looks as if we are in the middle of the forest.”
“Do ye think we are safe? There could be reivers about.”
“The earl willna let us out of his sight if it isna. Whether he likes it or no’, we are his responsibility. ’Tis his duty to ensure our safety.”
Mary frowned. “What do ye mean by that, Miss?”
“We are in his care for this journey, Mary. If any harm came to us, he would have my parents to answer to. Papa wouldna take kindly to that.”
“That part is understood, Miss. Why do ye say whether he likes it or no’? As if he had no choice and if he did, he would choose differently.”
Mary hadn’t seen or heard the conversation she’d shared with Malcolm earlier. When Lizzie thought back on it, she tried to assess where exactly it went wrong. Mayhap it was her questions about whether or not he was married.
They seemed to touch a sensitive spot, though she didn’t ken why. Mayhap he lost a wife that he loved dearly. She kenned better not to pry. Her mama always told her that her inquisitive manner would get her into trouble.
The door opened and Malcolm stuck his head in.
“All is clear, ladies. Stay together and stay close. I will remain at the edge of the woods. If anything spooks ye, call out.”
His voice was clipped as he spoke and he didn’t meet her gaze when he offered her his hand to step out.
“Dinna tarry. Make haste and we will be back on our way.”
Lizzie remained silent as she stepped past him, Mary at her side. Looking over her shoulder she saw Malcolm following them. True to his word, he stopped at the edge of the trees as they entered thick brush.
“I dinna care for this, Miss.”
“’Tis fine, Mary. We are just walking and stretching our legs. Ye must admit after being cramped into the carriage for the past two days the freedom feels nice.”
“Verra true, but let us no’ venture too deep.”
“Och, Mary, ye fash for naught. But we willna go far.” She turned toward the spot they’d entered in the woods, and she could just barely see the outline of the earl as he, true to his word, stood guard.
