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Her sister was plopped down in front of the grand chimneypiece—marble, in the Adam style if Kathleen wasn’t mistaken—to play with the family dogs. The two Skye terriers, messy mopheads, were snuggled close to Jeannie, one of them drooling on the hem of her gown. Helen would have fainted dead away at the sight, but since no one else seemed perturbed by such casual behavior, Kathleen refrained from comment.
In fact, Kade, the youngest of the Kendricks, who’d respectfully stood when Kathleen entered the room, settled back down on the floor next to Jeannie. Although a tall, dignified young man in his early twenties, Kade seemed comfortable sitting cross-legged on the carpet, playing with dogs.
The Kendricks were a warm and welcoming clan—with one exception, whom she refused to think further about at the moment.
Kathleen smiled at Jeannie, steadfastly ignoring the paw print on her sister’s white cambric skirts. They’d managed to pick up a few dresses for the girl while on the road, but the need for a shopping expedition was urgent. As informally charming as the Kendrick family appeared, Kathleen was determined that she and her sister make a good impression. Their arrival had already kicked up a bit of a fuss. Causing trouble could result in unpleasant consequences for both of them.
Lord Arnprior, a distinguished man in his early forties, escorted her to the chaise where his wife and Gillian sat.
With her usual unaffected grace, Gillian hopped to her feet. “Kathleen, sit and have a nice chat with Vicky. You’ve barely had a moment to exchange more than a few words, what with all the bustling about. Such a commotion we caused.”
“That’s because you two brought so much luggage,” Jeannie cheekily said, as if there’d been nothing awkward about her unexpected arrival.
“Piles and piles of it,” Gillian agreed, sliding over the moment. “We are rather like the Viking hordes.”
“Except no longboats.” Kathleen heaved a dramatic sigh. “And I am sorry to say I misplaced my axe somewhere on the road.”
“I could lend you one of my knives,” Gillian replied. “I always pack extra.”
Lady Arnprior laughed. “In that case, I must be sure to warn the maids, so as to avoid any unfortunate accidents.”
The countess obviously thought her cousin was joking, but Kathleen would bet a bob that Gillian did pack extra knives amongst her stockings and stays.
“Gillian has been telling me how much you’ve been looking forward to this visit to Glasgow,” Lady Arnprior said as Kathleen sat down next to her.
“Indeed,” said Gillian with a mischievous twinkle. “A verylongvisit.”
As usual, the duchess was as subtle as a sledgehammer.
“Although I’m sure Sabrina is eager to see you, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like,” said Lady Arnprior. “Glasgow isn’t London, but it can be quite charming this time of year.”
Kade rolled his eyes. “Charming might be a bit much. Still, there are some interesting places to visit, both in town and the surrounding countryside.”
“I do hope you’ll be able to show us,” Jeannie enthused. “All the best spots, if you please.”
Kade flashed her a very engaging grin. “It would be my honor, Miss Jeanette.”
“Please call me Jeannie,” her sister responded, gazing at the young man with rapt attention. “Everyone does.”
Although quite a bit younger than his brother, Kade bore a great resemblance to Lord Arnprior. With a vague sense of alarm, Kathleen realized that his dark good looks were just the sort to make a powerful impression on a sensitive girl like Jeannie.
Lady Arnprior darted a glance at Kathleen before nodding at her brother-in-law. “Kade, would you fetch Miss Calvert a sherry?”
“I’ll get it,” Lord Arnprior said, crossing to the chinoiserie-style sideboard that held a collection of crystal decanters and goblets.
“May I have a sherry, too?” Jeannie asked.
“No,” Kathleen firmly said.
When her sister scowled, Kade touched her hand. “Do you want me to tell you where I think we should visit first?”
Jeannie was instantly diverted. “Yes, please.” Her big, cornflower-blue eyes shone with what could only be described as burgeoning hero worship.
Gillian, observing from a chair next to the chaise, tapped her chin. “That could turn into a bit of a problem,” she quietly said, as Jeannie and Kade chatted away.
Kathleen sighed. “Drat.”
Lady Arnprior patted her hand. “Kade is the most decent young man in Scotland. He would never engage in inappropriate behavior.”
