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He laid out some bread and jam on the table and joined her. She tucked into the food, slathering her bread with a thick layer of jam that smeared across her upper lip when she took a bite. Though he could not claim the tension in his gut had unwound, there was something pleasant about sharing breakfast across the table from Minerva.

“So,” she said between bites, “did you inherit your land? Or come about it some other way?”

He eyed the scarred table, the lines on it telling the history of its use over decades and decades. Sometimes, he felt a little like this table. The scars on his face would never be erased, and his story would always be there for everyone to see. On days like today, he did not feel as though that was such a bad thing, though.

“I bought the land. I have a successful business dealing in wool. I wanted to expand, so it seemed logical to purchase the land when it became available.”

“So, you are a self-made man,” she mused.

“Indeed.” He gave her a tilted smile. “A dirty title indeed. At least in your world.”

Minerva shook her head vigorously. “You would be surprised how many self-made men there are in London now.New moneyis no longer something our grandmothers can tut about. Especially not when they are trying to marry their granddaughters to self-made men.” She looked up at him through her lashes. “I imagine there are many Scottish grandmothers who wish you to marry their granddaughters.”

“There are a few,” he admitted.

“And before you were a self-made man? What did you do?”

“I worked a farm.”

Her lips curved. “No wonder you look so at home here.”

“Are you trying to say I do not look like a gentleman, lass?” he teased.

She clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh goodness, no. It is just that you… Well, you…”

“I take no offence, I swear. The truth is, I am likely far more at home here than in a ballroom.”

She sighed. “I think I understand that. Though I think I have proved that I do not belong on a farm either.” She motioned to the sink in which her burnt offerings remained.

“I would not say that. I think given time you would fit in perfectly here.” Lachlan didn’t know why he said such a thing, but it made her smile, so it was worth it. It was no lie either. Aye, the lass would likely burn many more breakfasts, but given her desire to improve herself, he could imagine she would end up fitting in anywhere in no time. As a man who had beendetermined to change his future, he could not help but admire that in her.

He could not help but admire her.

Chapter Six

Minerva slipped out of Mary’s room to find Lachlan waiting outside for her.

“How is she doing?” he asked.

“Much better. But the doctor said she must rest for a few more days.”

“At least you should be able to get some rest tonight.” He gestured toward the room that she now knew was next to his. “There is clean linen on the bed for you.”

She eyed him, a soft smile on her face. “Thank you. I am looking forward to sleeping in a proper bed. Unfortunately, your rocking chair is not that comfortable. But I think Mary does not need me by her side now.”

Lachlan nodded. “Yes, the doctor seemed to think she would recover quickly enough. I am glad it is nothing worse.”

“The tincture he gave her seems to have worked well, though she is still fatigued.”

Which put to mind the question as to what she would do about their journey. Though Lachlan had not complained of their presence, she could not help think they were invading his solitude. He had gone from being one man to gaining a sick maid, her groomsman, a driver who would eat the man out of house and home, and a woman who burned breakfasts. He seemed to take it very much in his stride, however. She imagined it was that sort of attitude that had made him the man he was today. Though he downplayed his wealth, she knew land such asthis was worth a great deal. If he owned several farms, he must have significant acreage. How strangely humble he was. How wonderfully appealing that was.

“Well, I shall leave you to rest.” He dipped his head and turned toward his bedroom.

“Lachlan—”

He turned, his gaze expectant. “Aye?”

“I… I just want to say thank you for your help. I know we are a burden, and I gave you little choice but to take us in, but I appreciate it greatly. As does Mary, I’m sure.”