A Highland Folly by Jo Ann Ferguson Page A

wish to speak with Lord Chesterburgh.” She hoped if she could convince the marquess to share his thoughts with her on this project, she would have a better sense of how best to handle the heated tempers in the village.
    When he did not answer, she realized he was looking past her to Lucais.
    â€œThis is Mr. MacFarlane, who is the chief engineer with the road project,” she added. “May we speak with the marquess?”
    The footman gulped, then replied, “Lady Kinloch, Lord Chesterburgh is not in.”
    â€œDo you expect him to return soon?”
    â€œHe should be back from Edinburgh within the next few days.”
    Anice glanced from the footman, who was still staring at Lucais, to Lucais, who seemed indifferent to the man’s curiosity and obvious disquiet. Mayhap Lucais had called here before. Soothing her curiosity about what he had learned on his visit must wait until they could speak without others overhearing.
    â€œPlease let the marquess know that I have called,” she said. Drawing out a card, she handed it to the nonplussed footman. “I will be glad to call again at his convenience.”
    â€œYes … yes, my lady.” The footman stumbled backward a step as Lucais offered his arm to her. “But don’t you want to—?”
    â€œLady Kinloch will call again,” Lucais said, “when Lord Chesterburgh is at home.”
    â€œYes … of course—”
    â€œMr. MacFarlane,” he supplied when the footman faltered. “Good day.”
    Anice kept her mouth shut until the door had closed behind them and they were a few paces along the road back to the gate. Then the laugh she had been trying to restrain broke loose.
    â€œWhat is so amusing?” Lucais asked, his voice still rigid.
    â€œI shall never complain about the incompetence of the servants at Ardkinloch.” She laughed again. “That young man barely could say two words in a row. I suspect he was left behind when the marquess went into Edinburgh because he would be a problem there.”
    â€œHe seemed amazed to see you.” His smile returned as they reached the gate. Untying his horse, he led it along the road after them as he added, “Mayhap the poor chap was simply dazzled by your beauty, Anice.”
    â€œYou need not ply me with useless compliments.”
    â€œThe truth is never useless.” His expression became grim for a moment. “It is pleasurable to speak the truth.”
    â€œI know you must guard your words in the village.”
    He paused and tipped her chin toward him. “But not with you, Anice? Can I tell you how I look forward to each minute I can steal with you? Can I say how the thoughts of your warm smile ease my frustrations after a hard day of overseeing that crew? Can I dare to speak of how I wish to taste your soft mouth?”
    Slowly her hand rose to curve along his cheek. His skin was weatherworn, offering a myriad of sensations to flow along her. As her quivering fingers swept up through his hair, she whispered, “You dare me to be as honest.”
    â€œAnd own that you share these thoughts and these cravings?”
    â€œI am not sure I can be that honest!” She laughed softly. “Not yet.”
    â€œBecause I am the chief engineer on this project?”
    â€œPartly.”
    â€œOnly partly?”
    She gripped his arms. “Lucais, for now, those who are wavering will speak with me. Those who hate the project trust me to listen to them and consider their points. If it were known that you and I shared more than an acquaintance, I would lose any influence I might have in Killiebige.”
    â€œI think it is clear from the rumors that have reached my ears that there is supposition already that we are more than acquaintances.”
    â€œBut they still trust me and respect the name of Kinloch.”
    His smile vanished. “And that is what is important to you? Your family’s