Page 80 of The Icy Highlander's Virgin

Erica considered this, noting how he'd asked for her opinion rather than giving orders. "Aye, that makes sense. Those are the most vulnerable times." She turned back to the captain. "Implement the doubled watch immediately. Draw men from the southern border if needed—that area's been quiet."

"Yes, m'lady."

As they rode to the next checkpoint, Erica felt a flutter of confidence. Lachlan had made his suggestion seem like her decision, reinforcing her authority while offering his experience.

At the next farm, the pattern continued. "The crop yield here looks poor," Lachlan observed quietly to her.

Erica dismounted to examine the struggling plants more closely. "What do ye think is causin' it?" she asked the farmer directly.

"Hard to say, m'lady. Soil's been gettin' worse each year."

She looked to Lachlan questioningly, and he knelt beside her, scooping up a handful of earth. "See how it crumbles? Too dry, nae enough nutrients." He straightened. "What does yerladyship think about crop rotation here? Rotatin' with clover next season would help restore the soil."

"Aye," Erica said, understanding his guidance.

The farmer nodded eagerly. "What are yer orders, m'lady?"

"Start rotatin' with clover next season. It'll help restore the soil."

The farmer's face brightened. "Thank ye, m'lady. We'll start preparin' right away.”

By midday, Erica was feeling more confident with each interaction. When a young guard at the eastern border post smiled warmly at her approach, she began to smile back—until she caught Lachlan's subtle head shake. Immediately, she composed her expression into something more formal, though her voice remained kind.

"Report."

"All quiet, m'lady. Nay unusual activity."

"Good. Maintain vigilance."

The guard's demeanor shifted appropriately, becoming more respectful. As they rode away, Erica realized why Lachlan had corrected her. Too much familiarity could undermine herauthority, especially with younger men who might mistake kindness for weakness.

It was late when they stopped for their midday meal by a stream. Lachlan spread out bread, dried meat, and cheese while Erica knelt by the water to drink.

"Ye're doin' well," he said, settling beside her on the grass. "Much better than this mornin'."

"I feel like I'm finally learnin' to be a proper lady outside the castle walls," she admitted.

"Ye are," he said, settling beside her on the grass. "But there's always more to learn. Every season brings new challenges.

Erica nodded, then gestured toward the countryside around them. "The soil quality varies so much across McLaren lands. Some fields thrive while others struggle, even when they're close together."

"Aye, that's common in the Highlands." He scooped up earth from near the stream bank. "See this soil here? It's rich, dark—full of nutrients because it's near the water. But over there—" he pointed to a patch near the road "—it's pale, crumbly. Gets too much sun and not enough moisture."

"Is there anythin' we can do for the poor soil?"

"At Kinnaird, we use an old remedy for patches like that. Mix crushed mint and a bit of honey into the earth by the crop roots. The mint helps retain moisture while the honey feeds beneficial insects. Sounds simple, but it works for small problem areas."

Erica nodded, filing the information away. "And for larger areas?"

"That's when ye use the clover rotation we discussed earlier. But sometimes ye need both approaches."

Erica nodded, filing the information away. "What else should I be watchin' for?"

"People." His voice grew serious. "Keep watchin' everyone in yer close circle. Only the most trusted should come within arm's reach of ye." He nodded toward their escort. "See that guard there? Third from the left?"

She followed his gaze to a dark-haired man who stood slightly apart from the others. "Aye?"

"Watch his face when he looks at ye. See how his expression changes?"