A Most Dangerous Profession(49)

Robert bowed. “Good afternoon. I am Robert Hurst. I take it you are Carmichael?”

“Aye, so I am.” The man bowed and said with a soft burr, “I’m Sir Lachlan Ross’s man o’ business.” He cast an uncertain glance at Moira.

Robert flicked a careless finger in her direction. “My wife, Mrs. Hurst.”

He offered no other introduction and after an awkward pause, the solicitor bowed in her direction and mumbled, “Pleased to meet ye.”

She curtsied, then looked expectantly at Robert for a more formal introduction.

Robert pretended not to notice, studying the tip of his cane, as if the silver wasn’t as polished as he liked.

Mr. Carmichael broke the silence with an awkward laugh. “I’m certain ye’re both tired from yer trip. Sir Lachlan wished to see a colt he’s thinkin’ o’ purchasing, so he came as well. He’ll be most anxious to—”

Heavy footsteps in the hallway announced the approach of Sir Lachlan. Robert stepped to the side, blocking Moira from the man’s view.

Ross was expensively dressed, his boots polished until they shone. He was tall with broad shoulders, and gave off a vigorous air. His reddish brown hair was faded and streaked with white at each temple. His eyes were a startling blue, his nose beaked over a firm mouth, giving him the air of a hawk.

Ross’s gaze flickered over Robert, touching upon the sapphire pin in his cravat and lingering on the sheen of his boots.

Robert didn’t display any interest other than a mild lift of his brows.

Mr. Carmichael cleared his throat in a ponderous manner. “Sir Lachlan, this is Mr. Hurst, who has come to see about the artifact.”

“Mr. Hurst.” Ross bowed.

“Ross.” Robert inclined his head with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.

Ross reddened, his jaw tightening in an ominous fashion. “I came to see a colt I’m purchasing or I’d have met you at my castle.”

Robert shrugged. “This is as good of a place as any. Did you bring the box?”

“No, of course not. I didn’t think you’d want to conduct business in a common taproom.”

Ross’s air of superiority disappeared when Robert looked about him in apparent surprise. “A taproom?” Robert pulled out his monocle and peered about the room, moving a few paces as he did so. “My dear Ross, you’ve been too long gone from town if you consider this a taproom.”

Ross’s heavy eyebrows lowered. “Now see here, Hurst, I didn’t come here to—” His gaze locked on something past Robert’s shoulder and all words disappeared from his lips.

Robert hid a smile and followed the man’s gaze to where Moira stood, the sunlight from the window catching the red of her hair and limning the pure line of her cheek. “Oh. My wife, Mrs. Hurst. Moira, this is Ross of Balnagown Castle.”

Ross bowed. “Mrs. Hurst, I didn’t realize you were attending.”

Moira dipped into a curtsy, looking engagingly graceful while holding out her left hand for Ross to kiss.

To Robert’s astonishment, a simple gold wedding ring sparkled in the light. Where the hell did she get that? It was a masterly touch, one he hadn’t thought of.

Ross hurried forward to take the proffered hand. Moira held her curtsy a moment longer than necessary, giving his lordship a nice look down her décolletage.

You are good, ma chère. Very good.

Moira stood, looking up at Ross through her lashes as if shy. “I shouldn’t be here. I fear I foisted myself upon my poor husband.”

“Yes, she did,” Robert drawled in a bored tone.

“Sir Lachlan, I hope you don’t mind, but I couldn’t resist the chance to see your beautiful countryside. The highlands are so romantic! The mountains and lochs, even this little inn looks as if it belongs in a painting.”

Ross beamed at the seemingly artless speech.

Robert smoothed the lace at his wrists and sighed impatiently. “Moira, please, don’t monopolize Sir Lachlan.” To Robert’s amusement, Ross was still holding Moira’s hand, one thumb rubbing her wedding ring, as if he was desirous of erasing it completely.

Ross collected himself with a visible effort. “Well, perhaps we should stay here a bit before we continue on. You must be tired from your journey.”

Though Ross spoke to Moira, Robert said, “An excellent idea. I am a bit fatigued.” He crossed to the fire and took the seat closest to it. “Ross, pray have a seat.”