Page 61 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I doubt that,” he replied.

“Propriety would have been satisfied had we hired a maid and let Oscar take us home,” Eve said.

Lord Somerset snorted. “Propriety fled our company long ago.”

Fear lanced though her. Was Lord Somerset angry? Had he changed his mind about wanting to marry her?

“Well said, Somerset,” Lord Rushton laughed.

Suddenly Eve felt less like a trip into the city than she had earlier. “I think I would rather return to the ship.”

“We are already on our way,” he said.

“Never mind Eve,” Grace said. “She didn’t sleep well last night.”

Eve looked sharply at her sister. Grace had barely stirred throughout the night and had woken bright-eyed and in excellent spirits, a testament to a restful night. How did she know Eve had lain awake, eyes wide in the darkness?

“I am sorry to hear you didn’t sleep well,” Lord Rushton said.

“You slept like a baby, I presume?”

“I barely have my land legs back. The roll of the ship always lulls me.”

He almost sounded wistful.

“Where will we go first?” Grace asked.

“To the bank,” Lord Rushton answered. “I sent word that I would be arriving.”

Grace beamed. “Very wise of you, my lord.”

“Thank you,” he replied, and Eve was sure he was thinking that if he hadn’t made sure to procure funds Grace would have mutinied. “After the bank, we will break our fast,” he went on. ”Then I hope to deposit you ladies at a boutique where you can find everything you need for your stay in Scotland.”

“How long a stay do you anticipate?” Eve asked.

He flashed a smile. “If you are asking how much money you can spend, spend to your heart’s content.”

“How generous of you,” Grace cried. “Is he not kind, Eve?”

“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,” Eve muttered.

His brow lifted. “I am no Greek.”

“Oh, but you could be.”

“Never fear, my lord,” Grace said. “We promise not to send you into penury.”

He canted his head. “That is much appreciated.”

“Have you been to Belfast before, my lord?” Grace asked.

“I have.”

Of course, he had, Eve reflected as Grace quizzed him about the city. Belfast was an easy stop on the voyage between England and the Isle of Mull. He likely knew the banker, the dressmaker…the dressmaker. He would know the dressmaker if he had brought other ladies there. She cut off the thought. Lord, she’d lost her mind. Who cared why he knew anything or anyone.

He pointed out landmarks as they appeared. He spoke in soft tones and Grace replied in kind. He smiled when she clapped in delight at the sight of a confectionary shop he promised they would visit on the return trip to the ship. He explained how Belfast had become a center for the manufacture of linen and Grace…well, Grace was actually listening with seeming interest. And Lord Rushton seemed to like her interest.

Was Grace right, would the two of them get on well together? He had no desire to marry, but was obligated to carry on the title, as well as manage the estates that supported so many people. But who would manage him? Manage? Eve inwardly grimaced. Tame would be a better word.