Her skin prickled. Was her sister playing matchmaker? She knew Rose wanted her to stay in Scotland, but that man was…she struggled for the words. Large…handsome… decidedly nice to touch. She swiped away those thoughts. Something about him was unsettling in an irritating way. “What was his name again?”
Rose tsked. “Laird Blake Abbot.” She straightened. “You were introduced, remember?”
“I know.” Daisy played with the coverlet. “But at the time I was focused on Lord Price. Besides.” She nibbled the inside of her lips as she told a little white lie. “I am still interested in pursuing a courtship with Lord Price, despite what you think. Just because he didn’t remember me doesn’t mean he’s ill-intentioned.”
Rose stomped her foot. “Stubborn girl. You’ve always been too willful for your own good.”
Daisy narrowed her eyes at her sister. “And you’re too bossy. I never told you who you should court or not court. Why don’t you let me make my own decisions?”
Her sister sniffed but Daisy was spared her reply when a knock came at the door.
Rose turned to answer it, and Colin came into the room followed by the very Scot they’d been discussing. Laird Abbott.
His presence seemed to take all the air from the room and she tried to catch her breath. “What did the doctor say?” he asked, looking not to her but to Rose.
She pulled herself up straighter, not wanting to be ignored then winced when her shoulder pulled in pain.
“Bad bruising. She’s to stay in bed for a few days,” Rose replied. “Which is exceedingly difficult for her.”
Colin chuckled. “For me too.” Then he crossed over the bed and leaned down, inspecting her arm. “I can see bruises coming out from the neck of your night rail. Did the doctor leave laudanum for the night?”
“He did,” Rose answered. “Though Daisy may not take it. She doesn’t like her reaction to it.”
“I have strange dreams.” She tried to discreetly peak around Colin, wanting to see Laird Abbott again. Funny, she’d been trying to look around him an hour earlier.
“I don’t like the stuff either,” Blake said, coming to stand next to Colin. “I’m glad to hear yer injuries aren’t too serious and I’d like to apologize in front of yer family fer causing them. If there’s anything I can do…”
She gave a nod as she shifted on the bed. Just looking at the man made her uncomfortable. “Thank you for the apology.” She looked at his hands, her insides growing soft as she studied them. Large, she remembered the way they’d felt holding her body, cradling her head. They’d been surprisingly gentle for being so big and strong. Heat flushed her cheeks. “I should likely get some rest.”
He nodded, taking a step back. “And we should finally begin our discussions.” He gave a stiff bow to Daisy. “I hope ye have a smooth recovery.” He turned and walked back out the door.
Uncomfortable as he made her, she thrummed with disappointment as she watched him go.
* * *
Blake sat with his fists clenched, listening to the ceaseless prattle of men intent upon proving their own importance. He’d never been the best in these types of situations. His skin itched for action. He wanted the conversation to cease and, in this case, he wished to sign contracts and begin moving product.
His impatience was one of the many reasons his father had never thought he’d make a good laird. If he were honest, though, he was even more distracted than usual. A little blonde covered in mud kept invading his thoughts. He’d like to see her again.
Instead, he listened to Lord Price tell yet another story about one of his wildly successful endeavors. “Then the Duke of Maddox commended my tactical mind. So believe me, gentleman, I am asset you want to have.”
A rumble started deep in his throat, moving up into his mouth. “Lord Price, remind me what role you play in this endeavor again?” The man was an insufferable know-it-all. Blake didn’t think the lord had any purpose and his stories were an attempt to secure a spot when he actually brought no value to the transactions.
Price blustered, his chest puffing up, “My home village will be the landing point of his ships and your wool.”
Finally. A straight answer. “Ah. That was far more useful than yer story about the duke.”
Colin covered his mouth, clearly hiding a smile. “My cousin-in-law will be here shortly. My guess is he’ll wish to inspect yer wool before he agrees to anything. I have to warn ye, he’s very picky.”
“The wagon with the samples should have arrived already.” He stood, needing to stretch his legs. “Perhaps I should go check on its arrival.”
Colin nodded, standing as well. “Good idea. I’ll come with ye. I could use a bit of a stretch.”
“Me too,” Price called, standing. “Men of our physical stamina need exercise and fresh air.”
Blake nearly bit his tongue to keep from challenging the man to a contest. Any contest. “All right then. McCreevy?”
The other man shook his head. “No thank ye, lads. I’m a wee bit older than ye and would enjoy a quiet smoke. Ye all ken my part in this deal. I’ll provide the horses and wagons ye need to get yer product from yer lands to the coast.” Then he settled back in his chair and pulled out his pipe.
Blake smiled, wishing he could have a bit of time alone. He could confess, at least to himself, that he’d spend it reliving the moments he’d held Daisy in his arms. Undressed her. Hell, he’d even skimmed the back of his knuckles down her outer thighs. His body tightened just thinking about it.
“So tell me,” Price called from just behind Blake as they made their way out the door. “How did the Morningstar women end up in Scotland?”
Blake twisted his neck and it gave a menacing crack. Somehow, he didn’t want Price discussing Daisy.
Colin cleared his throat. “When their father passed—”
“Heard about that. It was days after
