Page 119 of The Highlander Who Loved Me
“I will be on that vessel, as well. Ye see, Egyptian antiquities are a passion of mine. There is a group in Philadelphia—a coterie, if you will—that holds great interest for me. Mrs. Sara Yorke Stevenson’s lectures on Egyptology are said to be electrifying.” Excitement colored Serena’s voice. “I understand ye have knowledge of the city and its people.”
“Philadelphia was my home before I ventured to London. How might I be of service?”
Serena’s fingers laced together. The young woman who’d seemed supremely confident searching a book for hidden messages now appeared flustered. “I’d hoped ye might help me navigate the city upon arrival. I willnae be needing a chaperone. But I’d be obliged if ye could spare the time to show me about just a bit.”
The look of trepidation on the calm, blunt-spoken young Scotswoman’s face was surprising, but Johanna could certainly understand Serena’s show of nerves. The prospect of embarking on a journey across the Atlantic was daunting enough. But the challenge of making her way about a bustling, crowded city after living in the rugged Highlands might trigger a bit of apprehension in the bravest of souls.
“It would be my pleasure.” She’d welcome the opportunity to show Serena the city she’d long loved.
“Verrae well, that’s perfect.” Serena nibbled another bite of scone. “We’ll have a grand time. I’m sure of that.”
“Indeed.” Pity the anticipation didn’t soothe the relentless pain in Johanna’s heart.
Hurried footfalls thudded down the corridor, rushing toward Johanna’s study. She didn’t even have to glance at the door to identify the source.
“Auntie Jo, we have a guest.” Excitement brimmed in Laurel’s girlish tones as she bustled through the door. She stopped in her tracks and placed her hands on her hips, inspecting Serena with eyes that were perceptive beyond her youth. “Oooh, I love your hat. May I get one like that?”
“When you are a young lady who’s made her debut,” Johanna said with a smile. “Miss MacMasters, this is my niece, Laurel.”
“My, I’d know that wee lass anywhere. The girl is a miniature of ye,” Serena said with a smile.
“You are his sister, aren’t you?” Laurel asked quite matter-of-factly.
“I presume ye’re referring to Connor. The rascal is indeed my brother.” Serena’s reply came easily.
Laurel scanned the room, then rushed to peek into the hall. “Is he here?”
Serena’s brows quirked, but she met the question with a knowing smile. “Nay, lass. I’m sorry. He is not.”
“Oh.” Laurel’s expression went suddenly glum. Was it Johanna’s imagination, or was the child disappointed by his absence?
Serena finished the last bite of the biscuit. “I’m sorry to be rushing off, but I am expected at the Savoy. Would ye care to join me?”
The thought was tempting, but one glance at Laurel doused the notion with thoughts of bathwater and clean clothing. The girl looked as if she’d been digging ditches all day.
“What’s happened—why do you look…like that?”
Laurel grinned. “You mean the dirt on my dress, don’t you?”
“You know quite well that’s what I mean. What happened to you?”
“I’ve been tending the flowers in my garden. They looked rather neglected.”
Johanna felt her brows pinch. “Your garden is in pots, darling. However did you manage to get half their contents on you?”
Laurel’s shrug looked distinctly evasive. Somehow, she wasn’t telling the entire story. Of that, Johanna was certain.
Serena smiled. “Ah, ’tis nothing hot water and a clean dress won’t cure. I’ll have my driver wait.”
“But your engagement at the Savoy…it would be impolite to delay you.”
“Think nothing of it.” Serena fixed her attention on Laurel. “Now go clean yerself up, lass, and find something pretty to wear.”
“But a child? At the Savoy?”
Serena shrugged and flashed a smile. “I’m a MacMasters, Johanna. I’m used to stirring things up a bit.”
“Auntie Jo, what should I wear?” Laurel nearly bounced with excitement. Johanna realized she’d already lost the battle.
