Ciar’s gaze. The bare flesh of her leg was akin to the call of temptation, pleading for a caress—just one wee stoke of his fingertips across pure satin.
Blinking, he shook his head and pushed away his thoughts, lightly brushing the back of her hand. “Please. Allow me.”
“But—”
“No exceptions. You have my word I will never speak of this.” He drew the pink hose away from her grasp. “Since Betty isn’t here, I will play your lady’s maid whenever you should require it.”
“Humph.” Propping her hands behind her, she raised her foot. A fine-boned, slender foot. Even her wiggling toes were bonny. “I was flustered is all. I am fully capable of dressing myself.”
Ciar shook out the stocking and rolled it down, then slipped it over her lovely foot. “I’ll venture you rarely do.”
“Nonetheless, I’ve donned my stockings many times.”
He rolled it up her leg, his knuckle brushing skin every bit as soft as he’d imagined. Such a travesty to cover such beauty. “But not when a man was standing but four feet away whilst you were trying to rush.”
Another blush sprang to her cheeks as he reached for a pink ribbon. “Do not remind me.”
He quickly tied the garter in place and started on the second stocking. “I thought I’d take you and Albert for a stroll. There’s quite a bit to see…er…the way you see.”
She laughed out loud. “I’m certain there is. And do not assume just because I’m blind I don’t see. The world is what we make of it, and to me it’s a labyrinth of maps, a treasure trove of textures, tastes, and sounds.”
He slipped on her boots. “After spending the afternoon with you in Achnacarry’s garden, I have no doubt.”
“I’ve been blind all my life. And therefore I don’t miss it like people who can see and lose their sight. I ken I’m not the same as everyone else, but I’ve found my way.” She took his hands and slid to her feet.
“Agreed. Though I recall you were not comfortable at Achnacarry and preferred to be at home.”
“How could I forget? I thank you for being thoughtful and showing me the chamber before you left. While you were gone, Albert and I counted steps.”
Ciar remembered her calling off the number of steps at Fort William. “How did you memorize all those paces at the fort? Had you been there before?”
“Nay, after I visited you I asked the sentinel to take us around the perimeter to exercise Albert.”
“And he didn’t gripe?”
“It is all in the asking. If you are polite, people will usually be friendly in return.”
Ciar led her to the passageway. “I wouldn’t be so certain, especially when it comes to dragoons. They’re an ornery lot.”
“I shall keep that in mind the next time I pick the lock to your gaol cell.” Emma chuckled. “Come, Albert.”
* * *
As soon as they stepped out from the tunnel, Emma felt as if a heavy weight had lifted from her shoulders. A cool breeze washed over her face while a tern cried overhead. “Is the day fine?”
“Pleasant, though there’s a cloud covering.”
Ciar kept hold of her hand and led her down an incline. “Would you prefer to practice walking with Albert?”
“Why not let him run?” She smiled, hoping he wouldn’t know how much she wanted to feel Ciar’s strong fingers around hers. He made her feel so secure. Wanted. “If you don’t mind leading me about.”
“Not at all.”
“I hear the rush of the sea—it must be only paces away.”
“’Tis just down the slope. Would you like to walk on the shore?”
“Is it safe?”
“Aye, the cove is hidden, though I’ll still keep a watchful eye for ships.”
“I love the smell of the water.”
“How would you describe it?”
“Clean with an overtone of salt, and today there’s grass and a hint of coal intermixed.”
“You smell the coal?”
“A bit, aye.”
He stopped and turned. “She’s still burning clear.”
“Thank heavens.”
When they stepped from the grass onto the stones, she teetered against Ciar’s arm. “Pardon me.”
“I should have told you we were about to step onto the beach.”
“Is it not sand?”
“Not here. ’Tis covered with smooth rocks. Would you prefer to return to the grass?”
“Nay.” Once Emma steadied her footing, the going was fine, especially with a braw Highlander at her side.
When they stopped, she faced the rush of the waves, raised her arms, and took in a deep breath. Albert splashed through the water and then came and sat beside her, his tail brushing the rocks. She knew he was wet from head to