Never Seduce a Scot (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #1)(28)

“I’d prefer to discuss your attitudes toward Eveline,” Graeme said, directing the conversation back to the matter at hand. “I want your promise that you’ll ease her transition and show her a friendly face among many hostile ones.”

“Very well,” Teague said grudgingly.

“I like her,” Rorie piped up.

All three of her brothers turned to her in surprise. She’d said nothing until now about her judgment of Eveline. She’d only given an account as to what had happened earlier.

Rorie shrugged. “There’s just something about her. She seems … determined. I expected to find her cowering in a corner or facedown on her bed in tears. Instead, I found her dragging trunks into the hall and demanding I tell her where Graeme’s chamber was. I found it all rather amusing.”

Then she turned her gaze on Graeme. “I know not whether she’s afflicted or daft or whatever it is that’s said about her. I only know that she’s courageous. And whether she speaks or doesn’t has little to do with the fact that she can communicate because she made it very clear what she wanted—nay, demanded—from me.”

“And if she’s not daft, then what the hell is she?” Graeme murmured.

CHAPTER 14

Graeme awoke to a female body snuggled up tight against his side. Eveline’s arm was draped over his chest and she was tucked securely underneath his shoulder.

For a moment he didn’t even breathe. God’s teeth, but this was awkward. The night before, he’d eased onto his bed after warring with himself about whether to even sleep in his own chamber. He’d positioned himself on the very edge so there was plenty of space between him and Eveline, who at the time was scooted all the way over against the wall.

But now? She’d gravitated across the bed and was flush against him. Perhaps she’d grown cold during the night and sought out his heat.

He ground his teeth when his morning erection went more rigid than was normal. Guilt plagued him, no matter that it was a normal male response to having a woman’s body pressed against his. He had no business thinking of her in that way. Surely it was a sin.

The dilemma that presented itself was how was he to extricate himself from her hold without waking her and causing even more awkwardness? The last thing he wanted was for her to come to sudden awareness and be terrified.

After pondering the matter for another long moment, he slowly inched his way toward the edge of the bed, lifting her arm just enough that he could move away.

He held his breath when she stirred, but then she rolled to her other side. Sighing in relief, he rose and dressed hurriedly so she wouldn’t awaken while he was still here.

Just as he was about to leave, he turned suddenly, staring at the bare hearth. She’d moved against him during the night, likely because she was cold. There was a distinct chill to the morning and she’d awaken to chattering teeth.

He maneuvered his way across the chamber, shoving aside one of her trunks and being mindful not to knock her things from where they were draped across his chair and one of the benches. Gathering wood from the floor where it was stacked next to the hearth, he laid a fire and used one of the half burned candles to put flame to wood.

Soon a healthy fire licked over the logs and warmth began emanating from the hearth. At least she could dress by the fire without turning blue.

Satisfied that he’d done his duty, he left the chamber to go in search of Rorie. He checked her chamber first, but knew she was likely already below stairs either breaking her fast or in their father’s accounting room trying to teach herself to read.

He shook his head. Not a pursuit he’d normally encourage, but it seemed to mean a lot to her, though he wasn’t certain why. He didn’t see the harm in having Father Drummond instruct her if it was what would make her truly happy. And he wasn’t above using it as a measure to keep her agreeable to his demands when it came to Eveline.

As it was, she was at the table bickering with Teague—a normal event on any day.

Graeme took his seat and rolled his eyes when his siblings didn’t even pause long enough in their argument to acknowledge his presence. He cleared his throat and when that got no response, he banged his fist down on the table.

Teague and Rorie jerked their heads in Graeme’s direction.

“Where is Bowen?” he asked calmly.

Rorie shrugged. “He’s already broken his fast. He said he’d be out with the men.”

Graeme held silent while he was given his trencher of food, and when the serving woman moved away, he directed his gaze back on Rorie.

“I’d like for you to go up after Eveline. Make sure she has something to eat. She didn’t eat for most of yesterday, so she’ll likely be hungry. I’d also like for you to keep her company and perhaps offer your assistance in putting away her belongings.”

Rorie wrinkled her nose. “So you’re allowing her to stay in your chamber?”

Graeme frowned. “ ’Tis none of your affair. However, I see no reason to toss her right back out, at least until she’s more settled and comfortable in her surroundings. Who knows what odd ideas she may have formed or why she refused to remain in her own chamber. For now, I want her to be at ease, and if remaining in my chamber accomplishes that, then I can survive a few days.”

Rorie turned and gave Teague an impish smile. “I believe I won our wager.”