The Taming of the Wolf Read Free Page B

usually goes on between a man and a woman?”
    “Aye, that and more. But yer husband will teach ye all ye need ta ken with regard ta that. You doona need the likes of me doin’ it.”
    A husband. “If I ever find one,” Cait said, holding up both hands in surrender. “Never mind… it’s no’ important.”
    “But this man…” Jeannie started.
    Cait shook her head. “He’s in Hampshire, and we’re on the way back ta Edinburgh. I’ll no’ see him again.” She laid her head back and feigned sleep, her heart a bit heavier than it had been before the conversation.
    ***
     
    The faint smell of honeysuckle tortured Dash all day. He growled as he peered out the window into the darkness surrounding the coach. All he needed was to follow Miss Macleod’s scent for a fortnight. That would make him go completely mad. He snorted to himself and leaned back against the squabs.
    Who was he fooling? He’d already lost his mind. Traveling to godforsaken Glasgow to ask a shipbuilder to teach him to heel, sit, and stay. A mentor. He snorted. It sounded insane. On the upside, if his father got wind of this, the news would probably push the old cur right over the edge. Perhaps Dash should post a letter informing his father of his plans.
    He shook his head at the thought. No reason to stir up that hornet’s nest. With any luck, the Marquess of Eynsford would forget he even had a son. After twenty-six years, the odds weren’t particularly in Dash’s favor in that regard, but a man could always hope.
    Perhaps Glasgow wouldn’t be so bad after all. Since Miss Macleod was headed there as well, he could keep an eye on her. Make sure no one snatched her from him before he had a chance to court her properly. An image of his Scottish angel flashed in his mind. Flaxen hair, so soft and long he wanted to wrap a curl around his finger and simply stroke it with his thumb. Light blue eyes the color of a cloudless sky. Lips so perfectly kissable that he grew hard just thinking about them.
    No, upon further thought, Glasgow could be exactly what he needed.
    The coach slowed, and Dash glanced out the window. He noticed a spot of light in the distance that grew brighter as the carriage approached. A coaching inn. Thank God. He could sleep for a sennight after the past few days he’d endured.
    The carriage rambled to a stop in the coaching yard, and Dash didn’t even wait for Renshaw to let down his steps. He threw open the door and bounded outside, stopping the instant the scent of honeysuckle tickled his nose. Miss Macleod was definitely here. She had to be. Her flowery scent was stronger here than it had been all day along the road.
    What a stroke of luck! They could have a conversation about what had transpired the previous evening and get a few things straightened out.
    Finally, with a purpose to his step he hadn’t had in quite a while, Dash strode straight into the taproom. Without a doubt, she was here. Miss Macleod’s scent was so overwhelming that he had to clench his teeth to keep from growling aloud for her.
    His eyes swept across the dark room, taking in a few locals who were well-foxed, a swarthy fellow with a child on his knee, a couple of buxom tavern wenches, and one portly barkeep who sported a bulbous nose and a bald pate. Ah, perfect. Dash smiled. Just the man he needed.
    He hailed the owner toward him with a wave of his hand.
    “Yes, sir?” The fellow scrambled forward.
    “I need accommodations for the evening.”
    “Of course.” The man nodded.
    “But first,” Dash began, “I’m looking for a woman.”
    The tavern-keeper’s dark eyes twinkled. “I’m sure I can find someone to keep you company, sir.” The man looked deeper into the taproom.
    Dash shook his head, which was certainly the first time he’d refused an offer of companionship. He was only interested in one woman at the moment. “You misunderstand me. I’m looking for a woman who is traveling this road as well. My cousin from the north. Miss