Chapter 16

At least Ian hadn’t asked why Uncle Aiden was in such a rush to have the ball because Davina would be hard pressed to come up with a reasonable excuse that wasn’t a lie. She certainly couldn’t tell Ian the truth. That would come soon enough.

“It’s magnificent what ye’ve accomplished in so short of time.”

“Thank ye.” It was kind of him to say, but it really hadn’t been so difficult, not that she could tell him that since she wanted Ian to think that was the reason for what he probably perceived as her irrational behavior. “I am pleased that so many could attend on such short notice.”

Ian snorted. “There isna much else to do in these parts.”

That was true. There was very little entertainment in their village. It wasn’t as if they were in London or Edinburgh, or even close to a larger city.

Ian took her glass and set it on a table with his own then offered her his arm. “Let’s walk.”

She slipped her gloved hand into the crook of his arm and allowed Ian to lead her outside onto the terrace.

It was good to be away from the crowd for a short bit, and to be with Ian. All she could hope was that all he wanted to do was kiss her, but Davina feared he wished to question her further, away from the prying ears of their neighbors.

Too many people mingled on the terrace and in the gardens, making it impossible to have a private conversation, or steal kisses. She nodded greetings and smiled, and to any observer, they were simply taking a turn in the gardens, but she wanted to be away from everyone and led him to a sheltered sitting area. Davina recalled that years before her Aunt Meg had enjoyed sitting and reading within the flowering bushes. With Meg’s passing, nobody else came here, and the path had nearly disappeared until Davina had rediscovered it once again when she and Rose were choosing flowers for the ball. As they rounded the corner, away from the more public portions of the garden, the music and voices from the ball faded away into quietness.

Ian stopped before her and even though there were no lamps nearby, the moon was enough for her to see the warmth of his green eyes.

“I meant what I said earlier, Davina.”

“What?”

“Ye are a vision.”

Her face heated. “It’s only a ball gown.”

“Aye, but I’ve never seen ye in silk or with yer hair curled.” Ian wrapped his arms about her waist and pulled her close. “Not that I doona like yer braid and sensible dresses.” The corner of his mouth quirked. “I do believe I enjoy them equally as much.”

Davina laughed. “No wonder the lasses couldna resist ye with such a silver tongue.”

“I speak the truth,” he defended.

In her heart, she knew he did. “Thank ye, but if I were to be honest, I’m more myself in homespun and wool.”

“Plus I doubt ye could shoot a straight arrow while wearin’ silk.”

Davina pulled away from him. “Is that a challenge, Ian Grant?” Oh, if only she could take her bow and head into the fields and shoot. To put this night behind them and not think about what tomorrow might bring.

Ian laughed and drew her back into his arms. “Perhaps another time. Right now, I have a much better idea.”

“What would that be?” On that, Davina tilted her chin and puckered her lips.

“If ye think a peck is goin’ to suffice, ye’ve underestimated me again, lass.” With that he pulled her as close as two people could be while still clothed and lowered his mouth to hers. For the first time, all of her cares did not melt away at the touch of his lips. In fact, her needs became more urgent. Grasping him to her, Davina kissed him back with a longing so strong she never wished to leave the safety of his arms. He in turn, matched her passion and drew her flush against his body, their heartbeats pounding with the same rhythm.

This was what she needed and wanted and knowing it may never again be hers made the ache inside all the more deep.

Was there a chance that Ian would forgive her? Forgive her family and Uncle Aiden, or would the bond their families once shared be shattered when the Grants learned what they had done?

Ian pulled back and smiled down at her. “I must stop before I forget myself.”

“What if I wish to forget myself?”

“Nay, Davina. I willna ruin ye, and if we continue, I’m afraid my passion will dissolve all of my self-restraint.”

“Very well.” She pulled away from him. Even though Davina needed him in a way she didn’t fully understand herself, being ruined would only make matters worse. He’d feel honor-bound to marry her. If the kidnapping of Lady Bentley wasn’t hanging over their heads, Davina wouldn’t care, but she would not trap Ian when he didn’t know all the facts.

Soon, very soon, Davina would be his. There’d be no more reasons to sneak off to the darkest part of the gardens or be forced to leave her at night. Once he spoke with Aiden, he’d court Davina openly and marry her as soon as possible. Then, finally, all of his pent up passion and frustration would be freed.

“As soon as I have the opportunity, I plan on speaking with yer uncle.”

Davina stiffened. “When?”

“Tonight. I see no need to wait until tomorrow.”

“Nay,” she said as if almost panicked.

“Davina,” he warned. She’d led him on a merry chase, one he was willing to take part in at first, but not anymore.

“He is holdin’ a ball.”

The longer she argued and tried to put him off, the more irritated Ian became. “I doona see why that should make a difference.”

Davina bit her bottom lip and Ian tried to figure out what was going on in the workings of her mind.

“I doona want ye to pull him away from the entertainment when what ye have to say and ask can wait a day or two.”

So, she wasn’t putting him off indefinitely. At least there was that.

“Have ye seen how he is with Lady Bentley?”

“Aye.”

“I think they’re in love. At least I hope, and I would have his focus be on her and courtin’ her and no’ thinkin’ about ye courtin’ me. I wouldna have him distracted.”

In Davina’s mind, all of this probably made sense.

Ian thrust his fingers through his hair. Of course it did to her. Davina didn’t feel she could leave her uncle’s home unless Aiden was settled with a wife. If that occurred, then Davina would have no further argument to put off their match.

“Two days,” he finally said.

Davina blew out a sigh and relaxed. “Two days.”

Then he offered his arm. “Doona think to put me off again.”

“I willna. I promise.”

“Because if ye do, it will be ye who is tryin’ to court me.”

She drew back and blinked up at him in confusion.

“Lass, I’ve chased yer skirts long enough and bowed to yer wishes. If ye put me off again, I’ll assume ye no longer wish to have me.”

“That isna true,” she cried.

“Then ye will have to prove it.”

“Are ye callin’ my honor into question?”

Ian smiled down at her. “It’s no different than when ye sent me off to London.” He turned to her. “If we arena officially courtin’ in two days’ time, it will be ye who must prove to me that ye haven’t been toyin’ with my affections, Davina MacGregor.”

“I wouldna do such a thin’.”

He knew she wouldn’t but it was time that Davina quit putting off their match. “I have a partiality to wildflowers,” he said thoughtfully after a moment.

“What?”

“Wildflowers.” he answered. “It is proper to bring flowers when courtin’.”

“If ye think’ I’m goin’ to be courtin ye, Ian Grant, ye are sorely mistaken,” she huffed.

“Bluebells to be specific and ye ken exactly where to find them.” He grinned down at her. “A nice bow around them would be lovely as well.”

Davina huffed and then pursed her lips. “Bluebells, indeed.”

Ian just grinned. Now, he knew without a doubt that they’d be all but betrothed in a few days. Davina’s pride would never allow her to be the one chasing him.