She rubbed an ache in her neck, trying to ease the tension. “What time is it?”
“’Tis after three.”
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? The day has seemed to have disappeared on me.”
He smiled, the gesture softening the hard planes of his face.
“It seems so. I’ve had Cook prepare us a light meal to hold us o’er until supper. It should be waiting for us in the dining room.”
Standing, she straightened her skirts. “Thank you. It is very thoughtful of you to pay such attention. You needn’t worry, however. I would have realized soon enough.”
He lifted a brow, a smirk dancing on his lips. “I dinna think e’en ye believe that wee fib that just slipped out of your mouth. Come on. Ye must be ravenous.”
Just as he finished speaking her stomach growled loudly, the noise amplified in the small space.
“See.” He dipped his head in her direction. “Your belly is giving ye away.” He chuckled and spun on his heel, heading down the hall to the dining room she assumed.
Hurrying, she caught up to him. His long strides meant she had to take two steps to his every one to have any semblance of keeping pace with him.
Once they were settled at a table in the dining room, cups of steaming tea were poured, and a servant brought over a tiered tray filled with finger sandwiches.
Jocelyn’s stomach rumbled again.
“It appears I saved ye just in time. If I’d waited any longer ye surely would have wilted away at your desk. I canna be blamed for working ye to death. I willna have it.” His voice was light, welcoming, and dare she say, held an undertone of flirting.
