She smiled tightly. “Merely making conversation.”
“What can I do for you, Connor?” Ethan asked.
“Were ye planning tae visit the worksite today? I’ve heard from the workers, and Mr. Macdonell seems tae have sent ahead a list of ideas about changing the building already,” Connor said.
Ethan gulped the last of his tea, then wiped his mouth on a napkin. “We are going by today, yes. And don’ worry about Macdonell. I brought him in this early in the project for exactly that reason. If the building won’ work for what he needs, better we find out now when we can build tae suit, aye?” He stood and made his way to Lottie’s seat. He kissed her cheek and said, “I need tae grab a few things before we go. Take your time. I’ll wait in the library.”
She and Connor watched him go. At the last minute, Ethan called over his shoulder, “And for the record, I think green is a grand idea.”
Lottie chuckled, then returned to her breakfast before she remembered that Connor remained in the room. “Have you eaten? The water is still hot if you’d like some tea.”
Crossing his arms, he studied her. “No thank ye, milady.”
Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, she set her utensils on her plate and dabbed her mouth with a linen napkin. “I’d best join his lordship.”
“How long do ye plan tae stay, your ladyship?”
Lottie smoothed a curl in place, trying to determine how to handle him. Connor and Ethan had a special, complicated relationship, but she didn’t quite know what to do with him—especially when his direct way of speaking came across as rudeness. “We haven’t set a date for our return to London yet. I’m sure Lord Amesbury will inform you when we know.”
Connor gave her a short nod, then headed for the door. “I only ask because this brewery is important. We don’ need our viscount gallivanting off in Lon’on when he’s needed here. You’re an expensive distraction, and ye already hurt ’im before.”
Well that put her in her place, although it was a confusing version of their history. The door closed behind Connor, leaving her alone. Standing by the table, she plucked the last sausage off her plate, then finished her tea and wiped her fingers on the napkin. Glancing around her, she said, “It really is too blue.”
* * *
It may have been his plan to include Lottie in his business in order to show her how she might fit in here at Woodrest, but today hadn’t been the best day to bring her along. Connor was in a mood, the arrival of Macdonell had thrown the masons and carpenters into chaos, and Lottie rode beside him, suspiciously quiet for the last hour. “What’s on your mind, lass?”
“Connor doesn’t like me, does he?”
He furrowed his brow. “Connor is grumpy today. Don’ take it personally. Was he rude tae you? I’ll no’ let him make you feel unwelcome, Lottie.” If Connor and Lottie didn’t figure out how to get along, there could be problems ahead—assuming he brought her around to the idea of a shared future.
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe it was nothing.”
They’d just left the Thatchers’ house—where Mrs. Thatcher seemed beyond ready to have the baby, if only the baby would cooperate—when Lottie spoke again. “Is the local midwife one you trust, or should we bring someone in for the baby’s birth? I was going over the date calculations with Mrs. Thatcher, and the babe is overdue. With such a large child, there could be complications.”
“The midwife in the village is very experienced. Mrs. Thatcher is in good hands.” Watching Lottie interact with the building crew and tenants was a new way to get to know her. It was obvious she felt deeply, cared about details—and yes, sometimes managed everyone around her. Usually those people needed managing, though, so he could hardly blame her.
He reined Ezra under a tree. When he dismounted and held his arms open to her, she slid off her horse without protest. The dip of her waist seemed custom made for his hands. Flashes of memories from last night flickered behind his eyes, as they had all day. How Lottie had looked when she’d come apart in his arms—her long throat working for breath as she cried out, causing her neck to vibrate under his mouth. The satisfied expression she’d worn when she’d made him come in return—an endearing blend of sexy smugness and fascination at the process. “I’ve been thinking about what you said last night. About being lovers.”
“From your tone, I feel I won’t like where this is going.”
This had been running through his brain all day, but it was still a tangle to speak the words in order. “I want you. Don’ doubt that. Ever. Not ever, you hear me, lass? I can’t believe I’m even saying this. But as long as our agreement stands and this engagement ends in three weeks, we won’ be needin’ those French letters.” Tightening his grip on her waist, he drew her closer. “I want so badly tae be the dishonorable bastard you used tae know. If I were, I’d tup you on the grass right now and not leave your thighs for days.”
She remained quiet, but Lottie was rarely still. Her fingers worked the linen of his cravat, adjusting the folds of the knot while he spoke.
“Maybe it’s splitting hairs, tae assuage my conscience. But here’s what I offer instead. We explore other ways tae bring each other pleasure. My body is yours tae enjoy. But I won’ do anything that risks a babe.” If she fell pregnant, they’d have to marry, and the last thing he wanted was to force her hand. Even though the hands in question felt better than anything he’d ever experienced—and there he went, back down the hot slide
