Somewhere in the back of Robert’s mind a tickle annoyed him—told him to stop—but he paid it no mind. Ever since he’d kissed Janet in the bothy, he’d hungered to have her wrapped in his embrace again, and now that she was there, he was unable to step away. Bless the stars, the lass took to kissing like a goddess. Everything about her was soft. Soft hair, soft skin, soft hips, soft…mmm…soft breasts.
He swirled his tongue deeper, imagining entering her. God save him, with a tug of her skirts he’d slip between those creamy thighs he’d admired in the bothy. Moving his lips to the mounds of her breasts peeking above her neckline, he grasped her kirtle and inched it higher.
“Robert?” Emma’s call came from the doorway.
Moving with lightning speed, he released his hold on Miss Janet. After taking a deep breath, he spun around, clasping his hands behind his back, his eyes wide. “Ah…Emma.” Dear Lord, he sounded as guilty as sin.
She moved inside, turning her ear as she oft did. “Is all well? I thought I heard a moan of pain. Is Miss Janet still here?”
“I’m here and quite well,” the lass responded, also sounding a bit flustered—Good God, her appearance alone broadcast what they’d been up to. Janet’s hair had come undone on one side and hung draped over her shoulder, making a glaring announcement that she’d just been ravished…which she might have been had Emma not interrupted. For the first time in Robert’s life, his sister’s blindness proved a blessing.
“Thank heavens,” Emma said, smiling and clapping her hands. “I just had the most wonderful idea.”
Janet’s gaze flickered with guilt before she quickly averted her eyes and wiped a hand across her swollen lips. Was she wiping away the sensation of their kiss? I hope not. “What is it?” he asked, trying to sound unperturbed.
“It will be the Sabbath three days hence, and after services I thought we might take the pony cart along the river. Miss Janet hasn’t been to Moriston Falls, and Jimmy says the snow on the path has melted—if the outing will not be too taxing for Miss Janet.”
Robert glanced at the Cameron lass, wishing he could have a word with her without his sister’s prying ears. “Ah—”
Janet recovered her wits and smiled graciously. “’Tis a fine idea, and shouldn’t pain my arm overmuch. Would your cook be able to pack a basket for our midday meal?”
“Indeed, I’ll speak to him straightaway.” He retrieved the missives from the writing table. “I left the courier in the kitchen. May as well take these to him whilst I’m at it.” He bowed to Janet, watching her expression, but she remained a picture of good form and returned his gesture with a polite curtsy.
* * *
While he strode out of the library, Janet watched the hem of Robert’s kilt slap the backs of his knees, his well-formed calves flexing beneath his woolen hose. Good heavens, that man had turned her wanton. Her fingers still trembled. His Lairdship had rendered her completely senseless. Drawing her hands to her lips, she recalled the thrill of Robert’s kisses. Then she clutched her palms to her stomach—how she’d come undone when he’d urged open her knees and brushed himself against her most private place.
I shall be accursed for the rest of my days.
“Truly, are you well, Miss Janet?” asked Emma, as if she could sense her unease.
Snapping from her reverie, she faced the lass. “Quite well, thank you. ’Tis very thoughtful of you to suggest an outing to the falls. I think it is exactly what I need to refresh my sensibilities.”
“Och, your arm must be bothering you terribly. I thought a diversion would be just the thing to help.”
To be honest, since Robert brought Janet into the library, she’d experienced many sensations, though physical pain was not one of them. “I’m certain with this new splint I will heal faster by the day.” She hastened over to the shelves and pulled out a couple of books, jostling them in her hand. “Shall I read to you? I love stories—they’re so entertaining.”
“I’d like that. Robert rarely has time to read anymore. And he’s forever away.” Emma touched her way to the door. “Let us retire to the parlor. There’s nothing more comfortable than the overstuffed couch—and there’s even a French-made ottoman to prop our feet upon.”
Janet let out a long breath, her nerves finally settling. She certainly didn’t want to be in the library when Robert returned. “How do you fill your days, Emma?”
Robert’s sister ran her fingers along the wall, though she was very sure of where she was headed. “Every morning I meet with Mrs. Tweedie and Cook and discuss the day’s menu and housekeeping duties, as well as approve purchases of supplies for the house.”
“Oh my, you are gaining such valuable experience running the entire household.”
“I suppose I am.”
“But what do you do for enjoyment?”
“I love music.”
“Do you sing?”
“I do. And play the harp.” Emma opened the parlor door. “Are you musical?”
“I sing a little, though I can’t claim any proficiency with an instrument.”
“Perhaps we can practice a duet.”
“That might be diverting.” Janet followed the lass inside, and they both sat in the downy comfort of the couch while a question needled the back of her mind. Biting her lip, she decided to ask, “You said Robert is oft away. Do you ken if he has plans to travel anytime soon?”