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“I a”

Was he? Meg asked herself Or was he si to put her at ease in the home that had once been his, to deflect her attention? He was still watching her, his amber eyes intent

“Will we be dining here alone?” he asked her abruptly

“Yes”

He s at his lips “And is that proper?”

Meg frowned and said sharply, “Why would it not be? I am no sheltered miss I am my ooman, Captain, and I do not dance to anyone’s tune but my own”

Now his srew broader Her sharp answer had evidently amused him He leaned down to her, as if to share a secret, and suddenly they were very close She felt his soft breath against her face, and she could see the texture of his skin, the dark stubble on his jaw, the mauve shadows under his eyes that spoke of weariness and recent illness The moment was intimate; took her by surprise Her heartbeat seemed to quicken, and her breath

“Does Abercauldy know that?” he asked her in a quiet, deep voice

Meg raised her eyebrows, refusing to step away, refusing to let hi her

“I informed him of it in no uncertain terms, Captain! But he cannot knoell, because I do not think he believedI did not deserve hi him in no doubt of her true character and opinions

He laughed

Meg was stunned Was there a gleaht hiue that pleased him, when so many other men preferred sweeter fruit?

Meg was not naturally bitter Her sharpothers at bay, or keeping herself inviolate She had never been beautiful, though any disappoint past She was different, unusual, a strong-willed wo in that that pleased hi ave her a sense of wonder

Captain Gregor Grant delighted in her—he enjoyed her

What does it mean?