AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m simply trying to understand,” he continued in a gentle tone. “She’s been running you in circles for the last two weeks.”
“Running all of us, quite frankly,” Gillian said with a sympathetic grimace.
Kathleen breathed out a heavy sigh. “I know, and Iamworried about that. But Helen will just make the poor girl utterly miserable if Jeannie goes home. I can’t bear the thought of it.”
“I suspect you’re also afraid she’ll do something foolish if you send her back to London,” Victoria added.
“It’s more than likely,” Kathleen replied.
“But wouldn’t it be better if the two of you simply stayed with us?” Grant couldn’t help asking. “We won’t let anyone pester you.”
He’d bloody well start breaking heads if anyone tried.
Kathleen gave him a smile so warmhearted and sweet that it made his heart twist.
“You’re all so incredibly kind,” she said. “Still, Helen will be furious if we stay in Glasgow any longer, especially after today’s incident. She might even travel up here to drag Jeannie back herself.”
“What about Kinglas then?” Victoria suggested.
“Since my parents made it clear I’m to go to Lochnagar at some point, I think it’s best to go there. Helen is very fond of Sabrina, so she’ll be more inclined to let Jeannie stay. I simply need to get my sister out of Glasgow before Mr. Trim or anyone else has a chance to write to my stepmother. She might still pitch a fit, but I’m fairly convinced she’ll let Jeannie stay if we’re at Lochnagar.” She flashed a wry smile. “After all, itisrather remote.”
“So, it’s off to the Highlands for the lassies, eh?” Angus said. “Well, ye’ll have a grand time with Sabrina and Graeme.”
Kathleen dredged up a polite smile. Though clearly not thrilled with the idea, she was loyal to the bone and would not abandon her sister.
“It makes perfect sense when you explain it like that,” Vicky said. “But we’ll still miss you.”
“Well then,” Nick said. “I suppose the only question is who will escort you to Lochnagar.”
Kathleen waved a hand. “I’ll hire a coach. I was hoping you could lend us one of your footmen to attend us, though we’re quite capable of looking after ourselves.”
“Nonsense,” Nick said. “You’ll be going in our traveling carriage.”
“That’s kind of you, but—”
“And you will certainly need an escort,” Vicky added. “It’s not safe for young ladies to travel unattended.”
“And who do you have in mind?” Gillian asked, glancing at Grant with a sly smile.
Oh, hell.
“Angus can go, if he’s so inclined,” Nick said.
But before Grant could let out a relieved breath, his brother looked straight at him. “And Grant, of course. I think we can all agree on that.”
Kathleen cast Grant a horrified glance. He could only assume he was wearing a similar—if not identical—expression.
“I . . . I . . .” she stammered.
“Well, that’s settled,” Gillian cheerfully said. “Goodness, it’s getting late, and there’s so much packing to do.”
The duchess hauled Kathleen to her feet. “Come along, pet. We’ll have a nice little chat while we get organized.”
Vicky also stood. “Excellent. We can leave the men to make all the necessary arrangements.”
Kathleen, whom Gillian was dragging inexorably toward the door, cast Grant a panicked look over her shoulder.
“Vicky,” Gillian said, looking back, “fetch that decanter of brandy, will you? Since it’s our last night together, we might as well make the best of it.”
