Page 35 of The Highlander Is All That

Childish fancy.

How hideous.

She wanted to hide in her room and never see him again, but she was hardly the hiding sort. Besides, around ten her maid, Elaine, scratched on the door and announced that they had visitors.

So she would rise.

She would dress.

She would attend morning calls with her head held high.

And she would never speak to Hamish Robb again.

* * *

How annoying was it that when Elizabeth entered the parlor, the only caller in attendance was Peter Ross, Catherine’s brother. She’d bestirred herself just for him? He and Victoria sat on the divan chatting and sipping tea. Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice the shine in Victoria’s eyes.

She glanced at Peter.

Dear heavens. There was a shine in his eyes too, which was, all things considered, a tad concerning because according to Catherine, Peter liked to gamble. He had, in fact, gambled his way into penury and it was only by the grace of Catherine’s betrothed, Duncan Mackay, that he was not in Newgate for his debts.

Elizabeth nodded to Anne and Mary, who were doing needlepoint, took a seat by Aunt Esmeralda, and said in a whisper, “You approve of this?”

“This?”

She nodded to the couple on the divan.

“Bah. He’s a good lad.”

“He gambles.”

Aunt Esmeralda’s grin was savage. “Not. Anymore.”

Her tone was so certain, Elizabeth did not dare gainsay her. Indeed, given Peter’s expression when he glanced at the matron, he would probably be afraid to consider it.

“Good morning, all,” Catherine chirped as she swanned into the room.

“Good morning.” A chorus.

“I see you’re feeling better,” Esmeralda said drily.

“Oh much, thank you.”

“Those megrims are a menace.” Dry as dust.

“Yes, they are.”

“Cake?” Elizabeth held up a plate.

“Don’t mind if I do.” Catherine helped herself and then poured her own cup of tea, because the rules did not apply when one was at home. At least, they had decided it to be so. “How was your evening at Almack’s?”

Silence rounded the room. Elizabeth glanced at Esmeralda in invitation. “It was charming,” she finally said.

“Lady Jersey has a penchant for Scotsmen, apparently,” Victoria said.

Catherine blinked. “Oh really?”

“My dear, I wouldn’t repeat that in company,” Esmeralda advised.