Page 36 of The Highlander Is All That

“It’s simply unfair how Scotsmen are treated in London. Don’t you agree, Peter?”

“Oh yes. Of course I do,” he said. Of course he did. He would have agreed that the king’s hair was blue if Victoria suggested it.

“Lady Jersey insisted that Hamish and Ranald remain outside the ballroom,” she continued.

“Of course she did,” Catherine said with a nod.

Victoria sighed. “But that is so unfair.”

“Indeed it is. However, she cannot set a precedent. Did you know she once refused Beau Brummell entrance?”

“I had heard that,” Esmeralda said. “But he was late, not a Scotsman.”

“My point is, she has standards to uphold.”

Victoria put out a lip. “They are supercilious standards.”

“I am not arguing that point. And where on earth did you learn a word like that, Victoria?”

Peter smiled at his sister. “She reads the dictionary,” he said in the tone of someone observing that Victoria could fly through the air.

“Oh, does she? How charming.” Catherine leaned over and whispered to Elizabeth, “How long has this been going on?”

“First I’ve noticed. Aunt Esmeralda doesn’t seem to mind.”

“Well, thank God for small favors. I for one would love having you as a sister.”

“What a lovely thing to say.”

“It’s true.”

Elizabeth eyed her friend for a moment. “Why are you so cheerful?”

“Am I not allowed?”

“Don’t be silly. But it’s . . .”

“What?”

“It’s not natural.” Also, it was annoying, because Elizabeth was decidedly uncheerful.

“Well, first of all,” she ticked off on her fingers, “I did not have to attend Almack’s last night.”

“That was something of a coup.”

“Believe me, I know. And then, my megrim is gone.” She nodded to Aunt Esmeralda. “And finally . . .” She took Elizabeth’s hand in a tight grip. “I’m seeing Duncan today. That is, I’m fairly certain he’s coming to call.”

Ah. True love. That was what it was.

When Duncan Mackay had arrived at Ross House, having bought Peter’s vowels and taken over the property—along with his sister. Catherine had come to live at Sinclair House while the banns were read, which was only proper. Duncan made it a point to visit as often as he could—which usually meant morning calls. But the process had been frustrating for both. It was clear they simply wanted to be alone together.

Unfortunately, Aunt Esmeralda took great joy in keeping them apart.

It was like a hobby for her.

“Well, there he is himself. The most popular man in London.” At Esmeralda’s dry jest, Elizabeth glanced up and caught sight of Hamish and Ranald standing in the doorway. Her stomach lurched.

Why did he have to be so handsome?