Had I known were waiting, Miss MacFarlane, I would not have lingered,I assure you.Flattery was something she knew how to deal with, and it was much better than this odd heat that simmered between them. What a pretty compliment, Lord MacLean. I don't know what to say.He bowed. I merely speak the truth. I daresay you've heard such before.And I'm certain you've spoken such before.Amusement twitched his lips, though he said gravely, I am sorry if you were left waiting on my arrival. I hope you were not bored.Oh,I managed to keep busy.I'm certain you did, he replied, almost under his breath.
In this excerpt, Miss MacFarlane expresses a sense of anticipation regarding Lord MacLean's arrival. His apology for making her wait is accompanied by a compliment that highlights the tension and chemistry between them. Miss MacFarlane skillfully navigates the flattery, yet seems to prefer the electric atmosphere rather than conventional praise.
Lord MacLean acknowledges her wit with a touch of amusement, suggesting a deeper familiarity between them. Their dialogue dances around unspoken feelings, layered with shared understanding and playful banter. The interaction hints at a developing relationship, marked by both charm and an underlying tension that captivates both characters.