"Nay."
She rolled her eyes and swam off.
He easily kept up with her. He had missed her foul mood and was happy to see it back. The outdoors seemed to do that for her and maybe he should let her out more. Besides, she was driving his sister-in-law daft.
She treaded water again. "You need not protect me in the loch, I swim quite well."
"I can see that, but 'tis cold and you may soon be in pain."
"Are you in pain?"
"Not yet, however I suggest we get out soon. You might try to drown me when I rescue you."
"That is a tempting thought."
"Bridget, go back now!"
She didn't want to, but he was right; she would be cramping soon. She did as he said and at length, she walked out of the water. Fully feeling the weight of the wet wool, she sat down on a rock and started to wring the water out of her skirt. "I am unhappy here."
Blair sat down beside her. "I know."
She tried not to notice when he peeled off his shirt and exposed his bare chest. "I would be safe at home. Kevin could protect me."
"How long would you have been happy if Kevin kept you inside the wall?"
"I would have been happier than I am here."
He unlaced the straps and pulled off one of his wet leather shoes. "Since the war with the Fergusons, many people know about the hidden doors in the wall. A determined man could get in and harm you. Kevin could guard the doors, guard your cottage, guard every step you took, but if no one knows where you are, you do not need to be so closely guarded."
The sun was starting to warm her and she turned her face upward to soak it in. "I am to be a prisoner no matter where I go."
"Kevin said you are a gift from the King of England."
"What else did he tell you?"
"He said you would hate me."
"I hate all lads. They gawk at me, they follow me and they are constantly asking me to marry them."
"There, you see, that is one plague you do not have here."
Her mouth started to curl into a smile. "And I do not have Kenna and Julie pestering me."
"Who are they?"
"When we get back, I will introduce you to them. They want a husband desperately and they do not care who. You would do nicely."
"And you think I will choose just any lass? You are wrong; I wait for a very pleasing lass."