Page 32 of The Beastly Earl

“I assume McCallum has provided you with everything you need for the schoolroom.”

“Yes, he’s been exceedingly helpful. He had Finn and Brown carry up a large desk for my use as well as table and chairs for the boys.”

The mention of Brown made his muscles tighten before he relaxed. He’d hired the tall, burly Scot shortly after his return from the Sudan. As a deaf mute, he’d been the perfect choice for the responsibility Ewan had assigned to him. The Scot also assisted with the occasional odd task about the keep when necessity demanded it.

When she said nothing else, he remained silent as well. They continued along the burn for a few more minutes until the bridge came into view. Ewan was beginning to feel the weight of the awkward silence between them, and he cleared his throat.

“So you still intend to remain here for Christmas?” He tried to convince himself he was simply making small talk, but he heard a snort of laughter in the back of his head.

“Yes, McCallum has made arrangements for Finn to accompany us on Saturday to find tree.”

“I find it surprising you want to remain here for the holiday,” he murmured as he reflected on the manner in which Louisa had said goodbye to her brother a few days ago.

“Why?” The bewilderment in her voice made him glance in her direction.

“It was apparent the other day that you and your brother are quite close.” Ewan eyed her with curiosity.

“I’m close with all my siblings. My parents died when I was extremely young. As the oldest, Sebastian took over as head of the family. I’ve always turned to him the most.”

“And that makes it all the more puzzling as to why you would choose to remain here for the holiday.” At his observation, Louisa pulled Morag to a halt, and eyed him with a look of disdain as he stopped Lachlan as well.

“At the risk of arousing your anger again, let me be blunt.” The sharp words were emphasized by the stubborn set of her full, pink lips and the defiance in her large, hazel eyes. “Ross is desperate for attention—love. It’s unnatural for a child his age to be so quiet and reserved. And if you, or anyone in this house, think I’m about to leave him alone on a day that should be filled with laughter and merriment then you’re sadly mistaken.”

Ewan frowned at the accusatory note in her voice. The woman didn’t understand why he was incapable of loving the boy, and he had no intention of discussing the matter with her. Angered by her condemnation, he remained silent and simply nudged Lachlan into a fast trot. A few seconds later, Louisa was riding beside him again. This time the silence wasn’t awkward, it reverberated with angry tension. Once more he reminded himself that he’d known it was dangerous to let Louisa stay. He was victim to his own ineptitude.

“I’m sorry.” At her apology, he glanced in her direction. Louisa was studying him with clear remorse, and he released a breath of exasperation.

“I find that difficult to believe when you continue to challenge me on how I raise the boy.”

“It’s a family trait, although I think I have more of it than the rest of my siblings.”

“Then I’m glad the rest of your family aren't here,” he growled.

She didn’t respond, and he found himself grateful for it. He nudged Lachlan into a slow canter eager to distance himself from Louisa and the effect she had on him. The woman had him in knots, until he didn’t know which way he was going. Louisa made Morag match Lachlan’s pace until they rode into the stable yard.

As the horses came to a halt, she waited for him to dismount and help her off the mare. In silence, he wrapped his good arm around her waist to lift her off her horse while stabilizing her descent with his mechanical limb. Her hands pressed down into his shoulders causing the leather contraption he wore to bite into his skin. The instant he drew in a sharp breath of discomfort, she jerked her hands off his shoulders.

To prevent her from collapsing at his feet, he tightened his grip on her waist and used his body to ease her off of Morag. Soft womanly curves pressed into him as she slid down the length of his body. The scent of roses filled his nostrils as her hair brushed against his face. It took him several seconds after her feet touched the ground to release his hold on her. Hazel eyes were wide with confusion, Louisa quickly averted her gaze.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you,” she murmured with remorse.

“It was nothing.”

The reply was only partially true. He was hurting a great deal more in other parts of his body. Ewan turned and grabbed the reins of both horses intending to take them into the stable. This was the last time he intended on riding with Louisa Morehouse. In fact, he was going to do his very best to stay away from her. He’d taken only a couple of steps toward the barn when she pressed her hand into his arm.

“I would like to go into the village tomorrow to do some shopping.”

“Take McCallum with you then.” If she expected him to accompany her, she’d lost her mind. He took another step forward only to have her stop him again.

“Actually, I wanted to ask if I might have a small advance on my salary.”

“Tell McCallum what you need, and he’ll see to it.” With a sharp nod, he led the horses into the stable. At this moment, he wanted to put as much distance between him and Louisa Morehouse as he could and as fast as possible.

Chapter 8

The sound of children’s voices outside his study door pulled Ewan’s attention away from the account log he’d been reviewing. A second later, there was a knock on the door, and before he could call out a command to enter, the door swung open. Without even glancing in his direction, Louisa stormed his study without so much of a by-your-leave or other explanation. Following in her wake were all three boys carrying cutlery, plates, and cups.

Completely blind-sided, he watched in stunned disbelief as his private sanctuary erupted into a place of chaos. Pointing toward the table where he took his meals, Louisa issued orders much in the same way he had while leading the soldiers of the Black Watch regiment in the Sudan. Just like the men under his command, the children obeyed her orders without question.