Chapter Fifteen

Clarissa's hand rested in the crook of Alexander's arm as they made their way to the square to promenade. The contact sending jolts of warmth through him that he found hard to ignore. Behind them, he could feel Nicholas's eyes boring into his back as he strolled with Gwen, watching his every move.

What did Nicholas think he was going to do? They weren't the only couples promenading and he and Clarissa were not promised to each other. He refused to do anything that would compromise her in any way. Not in such a public place anyway. He was well aware that if they had been caught previously, they would have been surrounded in scandal.

He had done his fair share of ruining lasses for marriage, but he was not that man anymore.

"I thank ye for accompanying me," Clarissa said quietly.

"Of course. It has been quite some time since I have promenaded and ne'er with such a beautiful lass."

She ducked her head shyly, trying to hide the pink tinging her cheeks.

A lass and her mother passed them, the girl meeting his eyes and fluttering her lashes. Did these lasses never cease in their constant search for a suitable husband? Apparently, his reputation wasn't as widespread as he thought. If it was, they would well know he was most definitely not suitable. Not wanting to encourage the lass, he just dipped his head in greeting and carried on. Being a single duke was exhausting when it came to the fairer sex. The constant attention, of which there was plenty—whether he wanted it or not, was off-putting. Now he knew how Nicholas felt when his mother played matchmaker.

With his mother long passed, that was one thing he didn't need to concern himself with. Though, admittedly, he would enjoy having his mother here. He was young when she died giving birth to Christopher and over the years the image of her face had faded more and more. Her painting hung in Millwool's hall but, even so, it was no replacement for being there. He missed her dearly.

"I ken 'tis no' my place to e'en ask, but how did things go this morn? With Baron Kitt?" Her voice was low as she spoke.

Clarissa's question pulled him back to the present. Grinding his teeth, his eyes fixed onto the walking path in front of them. The very thought of Kitt set his blood on fire. The nerve of the cretin to spew the threats he had. He had huge bollocks to do so. Of course, he couldn't speak such crude words to Clarissa, so he pondered his response before answering.

"He stated his terms, but no agreement was made."

She frowned. "So, ye willna be taking possession of your sheep?" Her eyes darkened.

"Och, I will. I can promise ye that. I just need to work out some logistics afore I do."

Nodding, she continued walking, pointing to a duck on the shore of the pond they passed. Laughing as the male joined his partner and they waddled away together.

"I am glad ye are getting them back."

He nodded curtly. "Thank ye. 'Twill take some time, but I will be verra happy when they are once again on Campbell lands." He glanced down at her. Her blue bonnet covered her curls that fell loosely to frame her porcelain skin. Her beauty took his breath away and he kicked himself for not noticing it sooner. But she was young and that wouldn't have been right, so he dismissed the thought. What was important was the here and now. And now?

Now there was no denying her beauty, even if she didn't realize how beautiful she was. He'd climb to the highest peak of Castle Millwool and shout it from the rooftops until she didn't question it.

"Alexander, Clarissa," Nicholas called from behind them. "Are ye ready to return?" Nicholas pierced him with a look, eyebrows raised. "I believe we have pressing matters to attend."

Alexander sighed. Nicholas was right, of course, but he didn't want to end the walk. He dipped down and whispered to Clarissa. "What do ye think? Should we listen to your brother or go rogue?"

Twinkling eyes, filled with mirth, met his. "I would verra much like that," she stated as she looked over her shoulder to her brother. "But I fear we willna help our cause to defy my brother at this time. I think we should be thankful he allowed this promenade at all, considering how against a match between us he has been."

Covering her hand that was tucked into the crook of his arm, he smiled. "Ye are right. 'Tis best if we dinna push him."

The smile she blessed him with nearly brought him to his knees. What he would give to be the receiver of that smile every day. He would be the happiest man on earth.

As they walked back to Millwool, Alexander let his mind wander to a future he wanted to manifest. A future with the lass currently at his side.

To say he was infatuated was an understatement.