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“I admire your fortitude, especially after such a dreadful experience,” Sabrina wryly said.
Kathleen smiled at her cousin. “We’re very relieved to be off the road. And you’ve made us feel so welcome that it’s like coming home after a long journey.”
Sabrina, seated next to Kathleen on the stylish Hepplewhite settee, reached for the silver teapot and refilled Kathleen’s cup.
“That is exactly how I want you to feel. Whatever you need, Graeme and I will do our best to provide it.” She smiled at Kathleen. “I know this wasn’t your first choice for social exile, but I do hope you will be comfortable here.”
Kathleen wrinkled her nose. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be ungrateful.”
Her cousin’s sapphire-blue gaze twinkled with good humor. “We all know where you’d like to be, if given a choice.”
“Ireland,” Jeannie said around a mouthful of scone.
“Well . . . true.” Kathleen cast an admiring glance around the drawing room. “But Lochnagar is splendid. You’ve done a bang-up job with the place, Sabrina.”
On their arrival a few hours ago, she’d discovered that Lochnagar was more than just a necessary port in a storm. A tower house in the classic Scottish style, it was sturdily built from lovely weathered stone. It stood on top of a gradual rise and commanded a splendid view over rolling glens and meadows, with craggy peaks looming in the distance. The old manor, with its tall, matching towers flanking the center hall, perfectly fit the rugged landscape.
While neither the house itself nor the surrounding countryside was anything like the lush and gentle environment of Kathleen’s childhood, Lochnagar held a stark beauty, nonetheless.
Still, it was mind-boggling to see her sophisticated cousin, always so comfortable in her luxurious Mayfair existence, in such a setting. As soon as Sabrina had rushed out of the house to greet them, Kathleen could tell that she was deliriously happy with her new life. Always a lovely and cheerful person, she now radiated joy and vitality. Sabrina was a wizard at organization, and had found her perfect life managing everything and everyone in her orbit, including her adoring husband.
And although they had yet to meet Sabrina’s baby son, since he was napping, it was clear motherhood agreed with her, as well. It was clear thateverythingagreed with her.
Kathleen was thrilled for her but couldn’t suppress a mild tinge of envy. Not over the husband and baby, of course. She hadnodesire for anything of that sort. But Kathleen longed for the day when she too would be where she most wished to be, finally in charge of her life and settling down in the place she loved most in the world.
“It’s taken quite a bit of work to get the place up to scratch,” Sabrina said as she offered Kathleen a scone from the generous tea service. “And we still have much to do in the oldest parts of the house.” She rolled her eyes. “Don’t even ask me about the water closets.”
Kathleen laughed. “I won’t. This room is beautiful, though.”
The main drawing room, which faced the front lawn and looked out over fields toward the road, was an elegant yet comfortable mix of antique and current styles. A pair of fashionable striped silk wing chairs flanked the fireplace on the opposite side of the room, along with a scattering of padded benches and another Hepplewhite settee.
The men were gathered on that side. The twins, along with Mr. Brown, were drinking whisky and discussing today’s events, keeping their voices low so as not to upset Jeannie.
“This room was utterly grim when we first arrived,” Sabrina drolly replied. “The curtains were in tatters, mice had got at the carpet, and the chimney gave off the most blood-curdling moans.”
Jeannie suddenly looked worried. “You don’t have ghosts, do you?”
“It was just from an old bird’s nest stuck in the chimney,” Sabrina replied. “There are no ghosts at Lochnagar. Graeme wouldn’t allow it. He says ghosts are bad-tempered morons who don’t have the brains to get themselves off to where they belong. He absolutely refuses to have one on the premises.”
“That’s a refreshing viewpoint,” Kathleen said.
Jeannie whooshed out a relieved sigh. “Good. It’s fun to think about ghosts, but I don’t think I’d like to stay if you actually had one.”
Sabrina held up a hand, as if taking an oath. “Word of a Kendrick. No ghosts, ghoulies, or anything else of a supernatural constitution.”
“Just obnoxious bandits, I’m afraid,” said Graeme, reaching down to swipe up a macaroon from a stacked plate of pastries.
Kathleen hadn’t even noticed him cross the room.
“Darling, you really shouldn’t creep up on us,” Sabrina gently scolded. “You’re worse than any ghost.”
“But I’m better looking than any ghost.” He popped the macaroon into his mouth.
Grant strolled over to join them, Reverend Brown trailing in his wake.
“Since ghosts are generally dressed in grave clothes and often missing an eyeball or various appendages,” Grant commented, “that’s no high bar even for you.”
“Och, dinna forget that I’m the good-looking one here, laddie,” his twin retorted.
