Page 42 of Forever My Lass

A small hand gently turned his over as Madeline quietly directed Ainslie where to press her thumb into Iain’s wrist. After a moment, his hand reached up to wrap his fingers around Madeline’s wrist.

“I feel better,” Iain croaked, the throbbing in his head having eased significantly. At his hoarse words, Madeline circled the bench to cup his elbow and urged him to stand. He waved her away with irritation. “I dinnae need any help walking back to the house.”

“Did you win first prize for being the most stubborn damn Scotsman in the country, Lord Glenburnie? Stop being an ass, and let us help you back to the house.” Madeline’s quiet words didn’t mask her fiery anger. Ainslie gasped and stared wide-eyed at her governess. The sound made Madeline jerk her head in his daughter’s direction. “And don’t think I’ll tolerate you talking like that young lady.”

At her stern warning, Ainslie bobbed her head in understanding. Madeline’s fingers gently, but firmly, pressed into his arm as she cupped his elbow and encouraged him to stand. Giving way to her resolute manner, Iain’s mouth twisted in a smile that was really little more than a grimace.

“I was nae wrong tae say ye must have Scottish blood in ye, Madeline Whitworth.”

“Oh shut up,” she muttered, her reply pulling another sound of amazement from his youngest. Madeline shot his daughter a warning look as she bobbed her head. “Ainslie, help me get your father back to the house.”

Madeline wrapped her arm about his waist, and his daughter did the same as the two of them walked him toward the manor. His headache continued to abate, and his awareness of the woman at his side sent a rush of pleasure through him. It was the first time his headaches had ever offered him a benefit.

For a third time today, he breathed in Madeline’s soft, feminine scent. If he’d not been feeling so uncomfortable, and they’d been alone, he would have pulled her into his arms and tasted her and most likely much more. The muscles in his jaw clenched. Clearly, the woman was even more of a problem for him than he’d thought yesterday.

Chapter 11

The morning sunshine warmed Madeline’s shoulders as she sat on one of the benches behind the manor watching Ainslie working with Angus as they trained one of the two young colts Iain had bought while in Aberdeen more than two weeks ago. Madeline’s gaze dropped to the thin book of nursing Iain had bought for her while in Aberdeen. He had presented the small volume to her at breakfast the morning after their croquet game. Heat immediately filled her cheeks as she remembered the events of that morning.

Without thinking, Madeline had accepted the gift with excitement, while impulsively kissing Iain’s cheek and thanking him profusely. Eager to peruse the book, she’d immediately sunk down into her chair and opened it. Several seconds later, Madeline realized the girls, with the exception of their soft giggling, were more quiet than normal.

Puzzled by their unusual silence, she raised her head, and barely suppressed an audible groan of embarrassment. Fire burned her cheeks as she saw the sly speculation in the eyes of her students as they continued to giggle, while their gazes darted between her and Iain.

If possible, her cheeks became hotter, as her gaze darted to Iain. The sinful smile curving his beautiful mouth made Madeline’s heart suddenly pound wildly in her chest. Something wicked flashed in his gaze and sent a frisson skimming over her skin. In that instant, she’d known that if they’d been alone, she would have been in his arms with that sexy voice of his arousing a host of emotions inside her.

Quickly jerking her gaze away from him, Madeline returned her attention to Iain’s daughters, her cheeks still burning with humiliation. Unwilling for the girls to get the wrong idea, she’d swallowed hard as she struggled to come up with a reasonable explanation for her reaction to Iain’s gift.

“Where I…I come from…it’s…we…we often thank someone with a kiss on the cheek.”

“Then I will remember to buy another book for you when I go to Aberdeen in a few weeks,” Iain said with a grin as he winked at his daughters before ordering the girls to continue eating. Mortified, Madeline managed to finish her meal quickly without shoveling food into her mouth. In minutes, she was on her feet.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have a few things to do in the classroom. Girls, I’ll see you when you’re done with breakfast.” She wasn’t about to add to her humiliation by saying anything to Iain, so she simply nodded her head in his direction and turned to flee.

“Before you go, Madeline,” his voice was a quiet command for her to stop where she was, and she obeyed without even thinking twice.

Slowly, she turned to face him. Eyebrows arched as if silently asking her what the hurry was, Madeline clutched the book he’d given her tight against her chest. The girls lifted their heads to watch the small exchange.

“Yes?” Madeline breathed a small sigh of relief at how steady her voice sounded.

“I forgot to mention yesterday that I have a friend and his wife coming to Muchalls Hall next week for several days.” Iain laid his napkin beside his plate. “I was hoping you would be kind enough to keep Lady Starling company while Sebastian and I visit several different properties in the area.”

Startled, Madeline stared at him for a long moment. First, he’d wrangled her into being a governess. Now he wanted her to play hostess. What was he going to ask her to do next? The sudden image of his mouth kissing every inch of her filled her head. It was enough to ignite invisible flames that engulfed her in a fiery heat. She swallowed hard.

“That might be a little…awkward,” she choked out. The moment she tried to say no without actually refusing his request, Iain reclined back in his chair, the fingers of one hand drumming softly on the arm of the table chair.

“Girls, you may be excused. Madeline will join you in the schoolroom shortly.”

“But—” Ainslie immediately stopped speaking as her father eyed her sternly.

Without another word, the two girls rose from the table and headed toward the doorway leading into the hall. Grace smiled cheerfully at Madeline, while Ainslie frowned with disappointment at being sent out of the room. Madeline winced at the girl’s expression, and she patted Ainslie on the shoulder as the girl paused next to her.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Do nae let him bully ye, Madeline.”

Ainslie’s words were so soft, Madeline almost didn’t hear the warning. Although she had no need of the child’s cautionary words, she nodded her understanding. Iain cleared his throat, and the child glanced over her shoulder at her father. With a gentle squeeze of Madeline’s hand, Ainslie hurried from the room. Iain rose from his seat and walked toward her.

“In my study, if you please.”