AllFreeNovel
Share Us
In unison, the Kendrick brothers ticked up their eyebrows to register polite incredulity. Angus, on the other hand, let out a frankly derisive snort. Disaster loomed and the party had barely started.
“That’s because I insisted on playing hostess tonight,” Bathsheba said, smoothly stepping in. “Samantha was going to be so busy, since we’re expecting such a splendid turnout.” She gave the old goat a winsome smile. “And I was especially happy to have you as my escort upstairs. You did me a great honor, sir.”
Beath tried to hold on to his irritation, but even he couldn’t resist Bathsheba’s charm. “It’s always a pleasure to see you, Mrs. Blackmore, although I cannot say the same for your husband.”
Bathsheba didn’t blink an eye. “Then let’s just ignore him, shall we? John will no doubt wish to talk about his work, which is utterly dreary at a party. I’d much rather chat with you.”
That her outrageous flattery worked wasn’t truly a surprise. Beath was arrogant enough to believe that any person of taste would prefer his company.
“We shall see, Mrs. Blackmore,” he replied, unbending a bit. “I must say I was relieved to see that Samantha has employed appropriate staff for the evening, including properly attired footmen and a quite respectable butler.”
“Aye, our Will is a prime one,” said Angus. “A nice, modest fellow, too, unlike some I could mention.”
Braden discreetly elbowed his grandfather.
“The Kendricks very kindly loaned us their staff for the evening,” Samantha hastily interjected. “They have been extremely generous. And Mr. Kade Kendrick will be performing a special recital for us, which is really splendid.”
Beath harrumphed, seeming, if not impressed, at least slightly mollified. “I suppose you’d best introduce me, Samantha.”
She quickly made the introductions. Braden and his brothers were the soul of courtesy, although Angus remained brusque. Clearly, separating the old men for the rest of the evening was an imperative.
A silence then ensued, its awkwardness amplified by the cheerful bustle around them.
Donella finally broke the ice. “Lord Beath, I do hope you’re enjoying your stay in town. The weather, fortunately, has not been overly cold.”
“I find Edinburgh exceedingly damp and unpleasant in the winter months,” he replied in a blighting tone. “Family matters,” he added, glaring at Braden, “required that I make this visit.”
Samantha found herself wishing for an earthquake that would crack open the floor and send Beath straight down to the netherworld. She was, however, impressed with Braden’s calm under such withering fire. His entire manner suggested nothing but polite interest.
“I entirely sympathize, my lord,” said Logan in a hearty tone. “I have a touch of rheumatics, myself. A good flannel waistcoat is just the thing, I find.”
That did get an amused rise out of Braden. “You should have told me, Logan. I’ve got an excellent liniment for that.”
“Och, Logan’s never worn a flannel waistcoat in his entire bloody life,” Angus said. “He’s just—”
“My lord, what do you think of the decorations?” Samantha desperately cut in. “The building is quite transformed, don’t you think?”
Beath looked even more annoyed now, which was quite a feat. “I have never approved of this building as suitable for a foundation associated with my family. Dressing it up with silly decorations does not detract from its location in a highly undesirable part of town.”
Hopeless.
“I know, sir. But I’m most grateful that you made the trip, regardless.”
Of course, that trip involved a carriage ride of only ten minutes.
“You can be sure that my grooms are well armed. Very unsavory characters frequent this area, Samantha. I do not approve.”
Since he never approved of anything she did, she simply nodded.
“It’s true that Old Town isn’t what it used to be,” said Logan, gamely trying to carry on. “That’s why we built our house up in New Town. Safe and very modern, you understand. Very elegant, too.”
Beath sniffed, as if scenting a noxious odor. “The most distinguished families in Scotland have always lived near Holyrood Palace. Whilst in the city, the Penwith family resides in our mansion in Canongate, not in a newfangled neighborhood full of upstarts and merchants.”
Angus bristled like an offended hedgehog. “Now, see here, ye jumped up—”
Braden’s hand landed on his grandfather’s shoulder. “I think you’d best go with Kade and help him set up. He needs to get his music organized.”
“Good idea.” Kade hastily sketched a bow. “Lord Beath, ladies, I’ll see you after the recital.”
