That made Daisy pause and some of the dread settling in her stomach lightened. “He’s smitten?”
Colin shrugged. “Isn’t it obvious? He’s concerned with helping her, escorting her on walks, jealous of the likes of Lord Price.”
Rose raised her brows, stepping toward her sister and reaching for her hand. “And how do you feel about him?”
Daisy twisted her own hands together, pulling on her shoulder, but she wasn’t certain she cared about the twinge of pain. “I don’t feel about him the way I’ve felt about any of the others. He makes me feel…” She shifted. “I suppose he not only makes me have that light feeling deep in my stomach but also safe and willing to share and…”
“Oh!” Rose cried. “You’re in love. Really in love this time.”
Love? She let out a small cry. “No. It can’t be.”
Rose smiled at that. “Now I know you are because usually you’re loudly declaring your affection.”
Daisy shook her head, heaviness settling in her limbs. “But this almost hurts.”
Colin scratched his neck. “That’s love.”
She pressed her fingers to her cheeks, the heat radiating from them almost alarming. “But I’ve only known him for a day.”
“And he swept you into his arms and kept you warm and took off your—” Rose stopped as Colin glared again.
Daisy gazed over the large lawn that surrounded the house. In the distance, the cliffs dropped away down the to the harbor.
“Hello,” a woman’s voice called. “What’s everyone looking at?”
Daisy’s head snapped up to see their friend, and Colin’s cousin, standing next to her carriage with her husband. “Oh. Thank goodness. It’s Fiona.” Without waiting, she started toward the carriage, waving to her. Surely Fiona would know what to do.
Rose fell in step beside Daisy. “It’s so good to see you!”
Fiona picked up her skirts and started making her way toward them. “It’s good to see you too.” She met them halfway, her eyes scanning both women. “What’s wrong that you’re walking so slow? I ken ye both and nothing slows either of ye down.”
Rose pointed at Daisy. “Her shoulder is all bruised because she got knocked by a horse.”
“Oh dear.” Fiona reached out and gave her a gentle hug. Leaning her cheek down on Fiona’s shoulder, she hugged her friend back. “That isn’t the half of it.”
Fiona’s gaze narrowed. “Tell me everything.”
And so Daisy did. Starting from the beginning, she told Fiona and Rose the truth about Lord Price, and how she’d somehow believed he was supposed to be have rescued her three years prior, and about the way Laird Abbott had kissed her. They walked together as Colin and Tom had their own discussion. When she’d finished, both women were silent.
Fiona finally spoke, rubbing her fingers together. “I get the impression something, or someone, has hurt him. Ye’ve told him all about yerself. Maybe it’s time to learn a little more about his past.”
“Fiona.” She stopped, staring at her friend. “You’re brilliant. You know that?”
“I try my best,” Fiona said, winking.
Rose clapped her hands. “You can surely have a private conversation with him at dinner. We’ll make sure it happens one way or the other.”
She had to hope that it did.
* * *
Blake watched Daisy as she sat in the library, chatting with her sister and Mrs. Mayweather. There was an effortless grace in all her movement that made his heart race in his throat.
He needed to apologize. Once again, he’d acted rashly when he’d walked away from the group. There’d been no promises between them. She was free to pursue whomever she chose. He wasn’t entirely certain he’d trust her with his feelings but he’d no right to be angry either.
He’d asked Ailish to marry him almost exactly two years ago. They’d had a whirlwind romance of only a few months, but he’d been swept up in her passionate nature, her zest for life. She’d go riding in thunderstorms, swig ale with men, make love in a barn in the middle of the day.
His father had warned him that she was no good. Like the rest of his decisions, she was one based on fun and excitement, not good solid principle.
He grimaced at the memory. He hated when his father was right. Ailish had appealed to his need for action and adventure, not his desire to be a strong and solid laird. He looked over at Daisy. What kind of woman was she?
She must have felt his gaze because she turned to glance at him then, her eyes holding a question.
In answer, he began crossing the room toward her. If nothing else, he’d apologize for his behavior. As he reached the halfway point, however, a fellow stopped him.
“Hello,” the man said with a smile. “Thomas Mayweather. Friends call me Tom. Nice to meet you. I hear you have some wool you’d like to sell me.”
Blake paused. As a general rule, he didn’t pay attention to the looks of other men, but even he could tell this man was handsome. Jealousy once again stuttered in his stomach. Which was ridiculous. This man was married. Still, his heart wanted to move around the man and talk with Daisy but his head knew the smarter business choice was to talk with this man. “Blake Abbott.” He stuck out his hand. “Pleased to meet ye.”
Thomas gave his hand a firm pump. “Let’s step outside and chat.”
He straightened but gave a quick jerk of his chin. Daisy watched them and he gave her a small smile, hoping to apologize without words.
Thomas led him outside into the cool evening air and started down one of the garden paths and they stopped walking when they’d reached a more open veranda. “I’m eager to see the quality of your product.”
“I’m eager to show it to you,” Blake said. “If ye’re so inclined, we can look first thing in the morning.”
Thomas nodded. “Excellent.” He clasped his hands behind his back, rocking a bit on his feet.
