“What about it?” she asked. Her voice had become husky, and another shiver raved trough her.
Jack’s eyes searched hers, and the air around them tensed as she felt a pull draw her toward him.
“It shouldn’t have happened, and I am sorry that it did,” he said before he pulled back.
Isla watched him walk away as the heat that started a burning path through her suddenly faded away.
* * *
Hours had passed since her last encounter with Jack, and it was time for supper when she last saw him. It was her first time dining at the large table with him and the others in the Great Hall.
Isla was formally introduced to Aideen Lyons, the Laird’s first cousin, and she took a seat at Jack’s right side.
The servants served Cullen skink and vegetables. Isla watched as everyone enjoyed their meal while she selected out the vegetables to fill her empty stomach. She had filled her stomach with fruits all day and after looking forward to supper for hours, she still couldn’t eat what they served.
Aideen asked her questions about England, and at least talking to him distracted her.
“I always enjoy my time in London,” he said to her. “As a merchant I am there several times in the year. I love to visit the gentlemen clubs and drink fine wine.”
Isla smiled as Aideen continued talking about his adventures in England. She liked him already as he was chatty and more likeable in general than Jack’s man-at-arms who kept giving her a hard stare.
She turned to Jack’s side when she felt him tap her hand, and she noticed that he had selected out his own vegetables and meat for her to eat.
Jack exchanged their plates and placed his in front of her. “Eat,” he said before motioning for a servant to come to him.
“Bring the LadyForfar bridie, she should be able to enjoy that. Dinnae bring pudding, instead bring more fish and ham.”
“Aye, My Laird,” she replied with a curtsy then hurried away.
Isla’s heart warmed as she looked at him, and a smile curved out on her lips. Jack was an attentive man, and he had noticed that she could barely eat the haddock and pudding they had served, so she had opted for the vegetables instead.
Once the servant arrived with the meal and placed it in front of her, she picked up her cutlery and dug into the food, filling her appetite with it.
After supper, Jack left early, and she ended up talking with Aideen until late in the night when the stars had completely come out. They were standing in front of the Castle, and Aideen had handed her his coat to keep her warm.
“Why did ye journey this far?” Aideen finally asked after they had spent hours talking about England’s many festivals and the merchantry. Her father had been a very prosperous businessman too, so Isla understood most of what Aideen knew about importing through the borders and the exchanges with other countries in the East.
“For the Birlet Shallows Fair,” she replied to him. “I attend it every year with my faither, but he dinnae come this year.”
Isla knew she had to be careful with whatever information she let out anyone here. They could never find out she was not from their time; else it could pose a lot of problems for Jack. Especially if they found out their betrothal was a lie.
“But the fair doesnae happen until weeks from now.”
“I know,” she answered. “I wanted to explore the Highlands for a bit before then. I met Jack during my tour of Birlet Shallows and he was nice to me. It’s hard not to fall for a man as charming as he.”
Aideen smiled at her. “Aye, my cousin is a real charmer,” he agreed, and they both laughed.
“My Lady,” he heard Jack call for her, and Isla turned to see him come into the garden. “Ye should retire for the night,” he said. “I will walk ye.”
Isla bade Aideen goodnight, then she hooked her arm in Jack’s and let him walk her to her chamber.
“Thank you for tonight,” she told him. “At the table,” she added when his brows furrowed a bit.
“Ah… that,” he replied, then chuckled. “I cannae let ye starve, My Lady. Ye are my responsibility now.”
His last statement warmed her heart and made her grin too. “Does this mean ye will take care of me?”
Jack held her gaze for some time and surprised her when he reached out to stroke her chin. “Aye,” he said. “I will.”