Page 59 of Return to Wildsyde

Lyall muttered under his breath and closed his eyes, knowing he would never hear the end of it, but knowing too that these men were his friends and wanted the best for him. “It’s Lilith’s cousin, my ward. Luella.”

Silence reigned for approximately thirty seconds. Then they fell about laughing.

Lyall sighed, but he was smiling too, for he was going to get Luella back, no matter what he had to do or say to make that happen.

“I cannot believe they made the dress up so quickly,” Luella said for the third time, as her maid fastened the back of her dress.

“The perks of being disgustingly wealthy,” Helena said with a laugh. “They already had a gown half done for another client, but it’s not due for several weeks. They’ll simply start over—with a different design, of course. So they only had to tweak it a little and adjust the sizing for you and finish the beadwork, which I must say is simply stunning. You look quite wonderfully lovely.”

Luella turned this way and that in front of the full-length looking glass. She had worn nothing so beautiful in her life, or looked prettier, it was true. Yet it hardly mattered, for if Lyall was not here to see it, or to care about it, she didn’t care either. Lady Helena had seemed so keen for her to wear the gown tonight, however, and she had been so very kind that Luella could hardly protest.

“It seems a little much for a family dinner,” she remarked, though, at which Helena just smiled.

“Sometimes it is good to dress up, if only for our own benefit.” She came to stand behind Luella and put her hands on her shoulders, looking at her reflection in the mirror. “Just look at that young woman in front of you. How lovely she is, and how strong and brave. She deserves everything good in life, love and happiness, and a wonderful family. Don’t you agree?”

Luella nodded, though her throat felt tight. She remembered Jack and wondered what he was doing tonight. She hoped he was not angry with her for leaving as she had. Though she had written to him several times, it seemed far too long since she had seen him, and she missed him dreadfully… but she supposed she must get used to that now.

“Come along, then,” Helena said, guiding her from the room. “I need a drink before dinner, and I suspect you ought to have one too.”

Mr Knight and his son were already waiting for them and got to their feet as they entered.

“My word, Miss Fulbright!” Felix Knight’s expression was one of frank admiration as she entered the room. “You look exceptionally lovely tonight.”

Luella blushed, unused to such fulsome praise, especially from a man who looked like he did. “You are too kind, Mr Knight.”

“Indeed, I am not,” he replied with a laugh. “And do call me Felix when we are in private, it gets terribly confusing when Father is here.”

“Very well, Felix, if you will call me Luella.”

“Well, now you have that sorted, can I offer you a drink, Miss Fulbright?” Mr Knight asked with a smile. “We are very informal here, so if you would like a small brandy? My wife says it is good for the nerves. That’s her excuse, anyhow.”

Luella laughed and nodded. “Why not? Thank you, Mr Knight, I should like that.”

“Don’t bank on it,” Felix said with a wink. “I remember the first time I tried brandy. I thought it vile.”

“Sadly, it grew on him,” his father said, giving his son a speaking glance as he handed Luella a small measure of her own.

She sniffed it and gave a tentative sip. It stole her breath but left behind a rich taste that filled her mouth and set a warm puddle glowing in her belly. “I think it might grow on me too,” she admitted, pleased when Mr Knight laughed appreciatively.

Luella stared down into the glass, remembering the last time she had tried something alcoholic. She smiled sadly as she recalled the exhibition she’d made of herself on the beach, and the feel of Lyall’s powerful arms as he carried her home. Sipping her brandy, she warned herself sternly not to become maudlin.

“Lord Buchanan is here, my lady.”

“Ah, he’s early. I thought he might be. Show him in.”

Luella jolted out of her little reverie at the sound of his name, not having heard the butler knock. She stared at Lady Helena in shock, who returned a warm smile.

“Don’t let him off too easily, Luella, dear,” she advised with a wink.

A moment later, Lyall strode in. Lord, but he looked magnificent. Luella’s breath caught at the sight of him, filling the doorway and dressed magnificently in full Highland regalia. For once, he looked every inch the nobleman he was born to be, the son of an earl, and Luella wondered what on earth she had been thinking, considering for a moment she might have had a chance with such a man. And then he looked at her.

“Luella,” he said, his voice gravelly and low. His glittering gaze was full of warmth and relief and… was that regret? She hadn’t a moment to consider the significance or reality of his expression for the next moment he was striding towards her.

“Time for us to leave,” Helena said briskly, ushering her husband and son out of the room. “Cook will be serving any moment, in any case. It’s a big house, Luella, the dining room is miles away, and there is not the least need to join us, but you need only ask one of the staff if you need me or Gabriel. No one will disturb you here, though, so… take your time.” She winked at Luella, gave Lyall a look that seemed to promise retribution if he didn’t behave like a gentleman, and hurried after her family, closing the door behind her.

Luella swallowed and looked up into the whisky-coloured eyes of the man she had been dreaming of. “G-Good evening, my lord,” she managed, her courage failing a little as she saw him scowl.

“Dinnae my lord me, Luella. I’m Lyall, and I… Devil take it, I’m the biggest idiot that ever walked the earth. Can ye forgive me, mo leannan?”