“Ye look lovely, Lass.”
She curtsied in thanks. She grabbed Mary’s hand. “We will go downstairs and await ye there.”
“I shan’t be long.”
Nodding, she didn’t say a word as they left the room and Mary closed the door shut behind them.
“That look was pure lust if I’ve e’er seen it,” Mary whispered.
“Hush, Mary! Dinna say such things,” Lizzie snapped. But inside, deep inside her belly, was a warm sensation she couldn’t ignore.
It only happened when the earl was near. Her skin heated as if it were on fire and her stomach knotted. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to eat when Malcolm finished washing up.
Hopefully her stomach had time to calm before he joined them. As they waited, they sat and sipped tea.
A lass, appearing to be about Lizzie’s age, smiled and waved her over. Not wanting to be rude, Lizzie picked up her tea and saucer and walked over.
“I’m Rosalie. Ye look a wee bit lonely and thought I’d offer companionship. Are ye waiting for someone?” She pointed to the chair across from her. “Please, sit.”
Lizzie slipped into the chair. “Lizzie. ’Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Mary stayed behind standing near the wall.
“Is she your attendant?” Rosalie asked, dipping her head to Mary.
“Aye.”
“She can join mine to sup. She’s with the other’s near the kitchen.”
Mary gave a curtsy. “Aye, miss. I shall do that. If ye need anything, please call for me.”
Lizzie watched her walk out of the room and disappear down the hall.
“Where are ye traveling from?” Rosalie asked, her eyes darting toward the door.
“Stonehaven. I’m returning home from a brief trip to Twynholm.”
“Is that so? How did ye like it?”
“Pardon?”
“Twynholm. Did ye enjoy it?”
“Oh, well, I wasna there verra long. I just attended a party of a family friend.”
Lizzie couldn’t explain why, but the woman made her uneasy. The conversation, whilst could be considered small talk, seemed a bit intrusive.
“I am making my way back to Edinburgh.”
“That’s nice,” Lizzie said, unsure of what she was supposed to say.
She wished Malcolm would hurry up and save her from whatever this was.
Her prayers were answered when a few moments later, cleaned up from their travels, dressed in clean breeches, shiny black boots, a white linen shirt, and black waistcoat, Malcolmentered through the door. His eyes searching the room, until they landed on her and he smiled.
His honey hair was still damp, and even though it was short, it had a slight wave to it.
“Well, what have we here?” Rosalie commented as she watched Malcolm approach, licking her lips.
