Page 24 of The Widow Wore Plaid

“I care very much, sweetheart,” he said, shrugging off his banyan to reveal his naked body, ready as ever for her. He began unbuttoning her gown, becoming more aroused with each inch of Jane he uncovered. “But I also completely approve.”

Chapter Eleven

Attired in her favorite red riding habit and black hat, Jane arrived in the driveway next morning just as the shiny black landau with red side panels pulled up, both hoods folded back to give the passengers the best possible view. Kinellan was speaking to Nash, Charlotte’s husband, who was mounted on a roan gelding, one of Kinellan’s stable. All the other gentlemen were mounted as well, save Lord Brack, who was waiting to assist Elizabeth into the carriage. All her friends were laughing and talking gaily, obviously excited by the thought of the coming excursion. Suddenly, Jane wished she too was going with them. She was glad to accompany Kinellan, but it had occurred to her that after her wedding she might not see her friends for some time to come.

“You are sure you cannot come with us, Jane? It will not be the same without you.” Charlotte’s wheedling tone was inviting as she climbed into the forward-facing landau seat.

It would have carried more weight, except Jane suspected something was afoot with Kinellan. She’d wait and see what he really wanted her to do. The thought that he wanted to escort her back into the castle and into his bed had crossed her mind a time or two.

“I am afraid not, my dear. Kinellan said if we are to be married on Friday, we positively must speak to Mr. Ross without delay. I would not be the reason our wedding was postponed a minute more, so sadly I will have to forgo the pleasure of your company today.” In an attempt to convince Charlotte and her other friends, who were now clambering into the carriage, of her sincerity, she added a bit of wistfulness to her voice, and immediately regretted it. Did it sound as artificial to them as it did to her?

“Well, if you must, you must, my dear.” Fanny leaned on the side of the landau, more interested in waving to her husband up on his big bay hunter than listening to Jane’s explanations. “We will miss you, of course, but I daresay you will be able to make the trip whenever you wish now you will be resident on the estate permanently.”

Strange to think, but true. She would soon be Kinellan’s wife and mistress of the estate and lands. Tark had owned property, but it had always been let to tenants. They had lived their entire married life at Theale House or its myriad estates, so none of it had seemed hers. The bulk of the property she did now own was being held in trust until the children came of age to inherit it.

Perhaps it wasn’t so odd then that she would feel more a partner, more of an owner of this land than she did of any of Tark’s estates.

“The second carriage will follow behind”—Kinellan suddenly appeared out of nowhere—“with the picnic luncheon and all its accoutrements. That was an ingenious idea, my dear.”

“Well, it’s doesn’t take a genius to realize our friends were going to be hungry well before they could get to the Heights and return.” Jane put on her pouty face. “I do wish we were going to be part of this outing now.” Her spirits drooped at the thought of the fun her friends would have. Oh, why couldn’t she be in two places at once?

“If you will trust me, my love, I can promise you our little sojourn will be just as fun as theirs.” Something in Kinellan’s voice, or perhaps it was simply his little smirk that convinced her he wasn’t being exactly truthful with her. How else could he promise to turn a staid ride to the kirk a fun outing?

“You must be a man of extraordinary talents then,” Jane said, smiling and waving as the carriage pulled away.

“Oh, that I am, sweetheart.” Grinning, he waited until the landau cleared the bridge, then signaled a footman who waved a groom forward, leading their two horses. “The first talent is one of surprise.” He made a magician’s gesture before her face. “We are not going to the kirk, my dear.”

Laughing, she nodded. “I somehow suspected as much. So where are we going?”

“I’ll tell you as soon as we ride out. So come along and get mounted, woman.” His insistent tone was followed by a sharp smack to her bottom.

“Ouch.” She squealed and, laughing, hurried toward Penelope, her chestnut mare. “John,” she called to the groom who had brought the horses around, “give me a leg up, please.”

“I’ll do that.” Kinellan appeared at her side in an instant.

“But your injuries from your accident last night—” Trying to discern if he was in pain, she peered into his face.

“Are of little consequence.” He leaned toward her ear. “As I believe I proved to you last night several times.”

The rush of heat to her cheeks probably made them match her habit. “I suppose you did.”

Stooping slightly, he grabbed her leg and tossed her up on the horse as easily as he might a rag doll.

Adjusting her leg around the fixed pommel, Jane shot a glance at Kinellan only to find him staring at her, a self-satisfied smirk on his face. “I am fine, my dear. You should mount so we will not be late for whatever we are doing.”

“Oh, we won’t be late, have no fear.” He strode to his stallion Hector and, after securing a pair of carry bags over the cantle, mounted easily.

“So where are we going?”

He chuckled as he turned Hector toward the crushed gravel driveway. “You will have to wait a little longer, my dear, to discover that.” Easing the horse toward her, he lowered his voice and said, “I truly want you all to myself today. That is why I arranged for the excursion to Heights of Brae for our friends and suggested a jaunt into Strathpeffer for those few relatives who did not leave for home early this morning.”

The man was impossible, but so warm and loving in private moments. And it did sound rather delicious, to be alone with Kinellan for the entire day. Thank goodness she’d come to her senses and accepted him before he’d grown tired of her whims and stopped pursuing her. She gazed hungrily at the well-muscled figure sitting atop the tall horse. His deep green jacket and buckskin breeches gave him an elegance that enhanced his commanding air. Had Kinellan been in the army, his men would have followed him into battle, likely into the mouth of a cannon, without question. As would she.

“This way, my lady, if you please.” He tapped Hector’s flank and the horse broke into a brisk trot that took them down the driveway at a sharp clip.

Jane gathered her reins, touched Penelope, and spurted after them. The day’s adventure had begun.

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