Ransom by Julie Garwood

what she was telling him. Gideon hadn’t exaggerated. She was an extraordinary woman.
    â€œAnd why did I fish you out?”
    â€œI was drowning.”
    â€œDidn’t you know how to swim, lass?” Gideon asked.
    â€œMuch to my surprise, I didn’t.”
    She smiled again, and Ramsey’s heartbeat began to race. He was stunned by his own reaction to the woman, for he couldn’t seem to get past the fact that she was so damned pretty. It wasn’t like him to behave like this—he wasn’t a boy and he had certainly been in the presence of comely women before. It was her smile, he decided then. It was really quite infectious.
    He wondered if Gideon was experiencing a similar response to the lass, and just as soon as he could find the discipline to stop gawking at her, he’d look at his commander.
    â€œIf you didn’t know how to swim, why did you go in the lake?” Gideon asked, trying to make sense out of such an illogical act.
    She shrugged. “Swimming didn’t look difficult, and I was sure I could figure it out, but alas, I was mistaken.”
    â€œYou were a bold lass,” Gideon commented.
    â€œNay, I was stupid.”
    â€œYou were young,” Ramsey offered.
    â€œYou must have turned your parents’ hair white,” Gideon said.
    â€œI was accused of doing just that on several occasions,” she replied before turning her attention to Ramsey again. “I understand why you don’t remember. I’ve changed in my appearance and it has been a long while. I’m grown up now, but I’m not obstinate, Laird. Truly I’m not.”
    â€œYou should have married by now,” Ramsey said. “And it would seem to me that you are being difficult. All of the men who have proposed marriage are fine and worthy soldiers.”
    â€œYes, I’m certain they are good men,” she agreed.
    Ramsey took a step toward her. She took a step back, for she knew what was coming and wanted to be close to the opening of the tent so she could make a quick exit.
    Ramsey noticed her glancing over her shoulder and thought she might be judging the distance to freedom. He maintained his serious demeanor, but it was difficult. Her panic made him want to laugh. Was marriage that repulsive to her?
    â€œNow another soldier has stepped forward to ask for your hand in marriage,” he said. “His name is Dunstan. Do you know him?”
    She shook her head. “No, I don’t.”
    â€œHe’s a good man, Bridgid, and he would certainly treat you well.”
    â€œWhy?” she asked.
    â€œWhy what?” he countered.
    â€œWhy does he want to marry me? Did he give you a reason?”
    Since Ramsey hadn’t spoken to Dunstan personally, he turned to Gideon. “Did he give you a reason?”
    The commander nodded. “He wants you.”
    Ramsey could tell from the hesitation in Gideon’s voice that he wasn’t telling her the full story. “Give her his exact words,” he ordered.
    Gideon’s face colored. “Surely the lass doesn’t wish to hear every word, Laird.”
    â€œI think she does,” Ramsey countered. “And Dunstan expects us to speak for him.”
    The commander scowled to cover his embarrassment. “Very well then. Bridgid KirkConnell, Dunstan swears his love for you. He treasures your beauty and worships the very ground you . . . float upon. . . . As God is my witness, those were his very words.”
    Ramsey smiled, but Bridgid wasn’t the least bit amused. Insulted by the declaration, she tried to hide her feelings, knowing that her laird wouldn’t understand. How could he? He was a man and, therefore, couldn’t possibly know what was in her heart.
    â€œHow can this be?” she asked. “I have not even met this man, yet he declares his love for me?”
    â€œDunstan is a good man,” Gideon told her. “And I believe he means