fine decision,” she told him. “There is much to be taught in caring for a pet.
He angled his head as if to see her from another perspective. “They are quick learners.”
The light shining in his eyes did not go unnoticed by her. He cared for the children. Another man’s children.
“They will be compassionate leaders,” she pointed out.
His gaze on her warmed, going a deeper, richer shade of green. “Would ye care to wait ootside the door with me?”
She shouldn’t. She mustn’t. “I…I cannot…” she stopped. She couldn’t finish. She opened her mouth to say a quick Hail Mary. It wasn’t what came out. “Of course, Captain. I would enjoy waiting with you.”
His smile widened. He bowed slightly, making her feel as if she were the princess on some far-off land in a more ancient time.
“Thank ye,” he said in a low, quiet voice as he straightened and then leaned against the door frame.
“Tell me more about yourself, Captain,” she said to keep herself from thinking of melting against him. “Tell me more please about your vow of chastity.”
He crooked his mouth to one side. “I took my vows at St. Michael’s in Edinburgh six years ago.”
Fascinating. She wondered what kind of man made such promises. “May I ask you why you did it?”
He paused, looking as if he were thinking of his answer. “Israel’s King David vowed chastity before every battle. We all agreed ’twas a good practice. I needed the most discipline.”
“You?” she asked, chuckling with disbelief. “Not Will?”
He feigned insult. “Ye think Will more handsome than me?”
“Nay,” she vowed with a shake of her head. “He seems more confident with women.”
“Ah.”
“I like that you are not like that,” she told him. “I think if you let your charm fall full force on others, you would have crowds of women after you. You hold back.”
His smile widened, deepening his dimple, making his lavishly green eyes dance. He wasn’t holding back now.
They heard the children running through his chambers and something crashing to the ground. He hunched his shoulders and shook his head.
“Why did you not take the kitten to the barn? There is a barn in Dundonald,” she said. “I remember it.”
“I dinna think a baby cat would be safe withoot its mother in the barn.”
“Nay,” she agreed, “you are correct. But will you leave your duties to be here to let the children in and out. Daffodil should be let out three times a day at least. She needs food at all times and, mostly, she need attention.”
“What d’ye suggest, lass?”
“I could help.”
“Aye—”
“Sister Silene!” a women’s voice called from down the hall. It was Lady Matilda. “What are ye doin’ here alone at the captain’s door?”
“Lady Matilda—” the captain tried.
“It looks indecent, Captain. Are ye tryin’ to ruin John’s position?”
“Of course not,” he said, insulted.
“Ye will give account of this to my husband this evenin’.” Matilda didn’t give him time to answer. Nor did she look inside his room to find her children inside. “Come away,” she said, tugging on Silene’s arm.
“Ye must be cautious of Captain MacPherson,” she said when they were out of earshot. “Dinna let him beguile ye—”
“What are you talking about?” Silene dug her heals into the wood floors and stopped Matilda from dragging her around. “Is he some kind of terrible monster that I do not know about? Will he try to force himself on me?”
“Nay!” Matilda gasped. “Captain MacPherson would never—”
“Then what is it?”
“People will whisper. Yer good name could suffer.”
And her husband’s name, of course.
“The captain has been kind to me, my lady. He is my friend. Should I just forget him and everything he has done for me because of a few wagging tongues?”
“Aye. Forget it all,” Matilda warned. “Captain MacPherson is…mesmerizin’. ’Tis understandable that ye could be taken with him. As I told ye, everyone is.”
Silene’s eyes widened. “I do not know what to say.”
“His vow of celibacy is almost over,” Matilda went on as if she hadn’t heard her. “Ye must—”
Silene held up her hand to stop her. She didn’t want to hear another word. “Your words insult me, my lady.”
Matilda’s eyes opened wide. “I am tryin’ to save ye from further insult.”
Silene nodded. Her uncle’s wife was correct. But staying away from the captain was already impossible.
“How is Lizzie feeling?” she asked, cutting off the bickering. And she was genuinely concerned for the child.
“She seems better, Silene.” Matilda’s smile softened on her. “She was up and playin’ fer a bit this mornin’. Will ye not come and