“His name is Mr. Pence. He knew one of my previous employers, that’s all.”
“I’m not familiar with the name. I’ll see what I can find out about him.”
“Thank you, but I’m sure it’s nothing.” Though he could be ridiculously overprotective, she was secretly glad of it.
Arnprior tipped her chin up with a finger. “By the way, what are you doing wandering the halls by yourself, waiting to be accosted by strange men?”
Now he was just being silly. “The Glasgow Assembly Rooms are hardly the stews of London, sir.”
“Still—”
“I believe she was looking for me, Lord Arnprior,” said a clipped voice.
They turned to see Ainsley regarding them with her usual imperious manner.
Victoria went to her. “My lady, are you feeling better? You looked a bit unwell when you left the table.”
She scoffed. “That’s one way of putting it. But I’m perfectly fine now.”
Victoria winced. “I’m sorry if—”
She held up a hand. “No need to apologize. If you don’t mind, I’ll rejoin the Gilbrides.” She gave them a brusque nod and sailed off in the direction of the supper room.
“What was that all about?” Arnprior asked.
“I’m afraid Royal insulted her.”
“Good God,” he said, sounding disgusted.
“It wasn’t entirely his fault. Lady Ainsley was just as rude. More so, actually.” She studied his frown. “I didn’t realize they knew each other.”
He nodded. “They seemed to get along quite well when they first met, but then they had a falling out. Royal refused to talk about it.”
She pressed a dramatic hand to her chest. “I’m deeply shocked to hear that.”
When he laughed, she took his arm and started forward. “We’d best go back and try to prevent further hostilities from breaking out.”
He gently reeled her back into his embrace.
“Lord Arnprior!” She glanced around the hall. Fortunately, no one was about at the moment. “This is most inappropriate.”
He ignored her objection and feathered a kiss across her lips. “I think you’ve had enough of my family for one night.”
She had to swallow before she could reply. “Sir, your family is my job.”
His smile was infinitely arousing. “Not tonight, lass. Tonight, your job is to take care of me.”
Chapter Eighteen
His seductive smile was all but impossible to resist. Still, Victoria felt compelled to make an effort. “Lord Arnprior, I do not believe that falls under the description of my duties.”
“Then I suppose I should amend them,” he said with a roguish twinkle. When she disengaged from his loose embrace, his smile faded. “Lass, I’m only teasing. You never have to do anything you don’t wish to do.”
“Thank you,” she said, now feeling foolish.
He studied her for a long moment. “Tell me what troubles you.”
She hesitated for a moment before answering. “I suppose I’m not sure of my standing in your household anymore.”
