The Highlander Is All That (Untamed Highlanders #4)(12)

“Surely they will not allow them in.” Anne waved at Ranald in a thoroughly dismissive manner. Hamish did not miss his frown.

“Nonsense. Of course they shall.” She patted Hamish’s knee. “In fact, no doubt, our savage Scots will be the talk of the town.”

Hamish and Ranald exchanged wry glances. Aye. No doubt indeed.

Like a general to her troops, Esmeralda rose to her feet and bellowed, “Well, gels, what are you waiting for? Let’s get ready for the season to begin!”





Chapter Five


It wasn’t something Ranald often did, preparing for a formal event. It was a rare occurrence, even in his capacity as Baron of Bower. But that did not account for his nervousness tonight. Which was ironic, if one thought about it.

He was an outsider here, and the Brits didn’t pull any punches in reminding him of that. He’d been to London many times and was used to it. In fact, he hardly cared. But for some reason, Lady Anne’s scorn cut him to the quick.

He sighed as he attached his sporran to his kilt and tried to focus on his reflection rather than the lines of her beautiful face haunting his mind. He’d thought they’d made some progress in the library. He’d thought they’d come to an understanding, but her derision had risen again in the parlor as they’d gone through the schedule for the season.

It would be wise to give her time, he supposed.

Hell, he would be wise to forget about his attraction to her and focus on the job at hand.

The enmity between the English and Scottish had deep roots and, even in this day and age, some people could not see past their differences.

Hamish knocked on his door and entered without waiting for a response.

“Ach!” he said. “You look fine.”

Ranald gave his friend the once-over and nodded. “As do you. Do you think we’re intimidating enough?”

Hamish thought this over and said, “A claymore, perhaps?”

“A good idea. Do you suppose they have one in the attic?”

“This is the Duke of Caithness’s home.”

“That it is.” They both laughed at the thought of strolling into Almack’s with swords at their sides.

Hamish sobered. “I’m no’ looking forward to this evening,” he said with a sigh.

“Nor am I. But it’s important we make a good show of it. For the duke’s sake.”

“Aye. And for the girls as well.”

“Indeed.” Ranald’s thoughts flew back to Anne and he grimaced.

Hamish didn’t miss his expression. “What is it?”

“Nothing. I had a conversation with Lady Anne.”

Hamish barked a laugh. “I imagine that was fun.”

“Fun is no’ the word I was thinking. She’s not pleased to have Scotsmen in her home.”

“I would imagine so. Considering her past.”

Ranald stilled and glanced at his friend. “Do you care to elaborate?”

“A familiar story. A disastrous holiday romance.”

“With a Scotsman?”

“Aye. She was quite young.”

“That does explain a lot.” It did, but it frustrated him because he hated being tarred with another’s brush.

“Hopefully they will all come to see that we are honorable men.”

“Aye.” But how long would he have to wait? And would there be a chance for them at all?

Only time would tell.

*

“Well. I, for one, am glad they’re here,” Victoria said, and Elizabeth winced at the glee in her tone.

“They are quite handsome,” Catherine said as she buttoned up Elizabeth’s gown. It was a pallid white confection, one she quite abhorred, but when one attended Almack’s, one wore the uniform. “Especially him.”

Heat crawled up Elizabeth’s neck and she murmured, “Hmm?”

“Bower. He’s quite handsome, don’t you think?”

Bower? Her stomach unknotted. “Oh yes.”

“He’s a Scot,” Anne said. She was staring into the mirror and fluffing her hair.

Catherine laughed. “That doesn’t stop a man from being attractive.”

“It does in my eyes.”

“I like Hamish,” Victoria said, twirling around until her gown belled out. “Red hair is so . . . iconic for a Scotsman, don’t you think?”

It took everything in Elizabeth to keep from growling at her sister. Of all of them, Victoria was by far the most beautiful. If she set her sights on Hamish, Elizabeth wouldn’t have a chance.

Well, that thought caught her unawares.

Even though she hadn’t been able to think of much but him since this morning, she hadn’t realized her feelings were quite this strong.

Was it silly to fall so fast?

Was it silly to let one kiss blind her to all else?

Probably.

“I can’t wait to see them in their kilts,” Victoria said. “I hear they are half-naked in them.”

Catherine laughed. “Hardly naked. But their legs are bare.”

“And other things,” Anne muttered. Then, when everyone looked at her in shock, she added, “Or so I’ve heard.”

“Does Duncan wear anything under his kilt?” Victoria asked, and Catherine blushed.