Page 70 of The Trouble With Dukes
“I’m not—” Hamish began as Colin opened the door and swept a hand toward the corridor.
“The ledgers have given Hamish a megrim,” Colin said. “A predictable result of trying to keep up with all the bills you two generate. While you have a lie-in until noon, he’s out and about, wooing the fair young maid. I hear the coach, so let’s be on our way.”
“But Ham is theduke,” Rhona said, tossing her curls over her shoulder.
“How will it look,” Edana chimed in, “if the head of the family can’t be bothered to escort his own sisters, ladies in their first season, despite the fact that we’re nearly old enough to describe Noah’s ark? When a man acquires a title—”
“Speak for yourself, Eddie MacHugh,” Rhona shot back. “I’m not that old. Many women don’t make their come outs until—”
“That’sLadyEdana, if you please.”
“Enough!” Hamish snapped. “You comport yourselves like children rather than daughters of Clan MacHugh. Colin, I’ll thank you to see the ladies around tonight.”
An uneasy glance passed between the women. Hamish hated that glance, for he hadn’t even raised his voice.
Rhona stuck her nose in the air and flounced out. Edana cast Hamish a fretful sniff, then did likewise. Colin remained in the doorway, an odd smile lurking in his eyes.
“The world doesn’t come to an end because you occasionally have an evening at home,” he said. “I’ll keep them out of trouble.”
“Keep yourself out of trouble,” Hamish replied. “Lady Rothergild apparently enjoys making her husband jealous, and he’s accounted a good shot.”
Colin’s smile died. “I’ll take care of our sisters, Hamish, and I’m anexcellentshot. Get some rest. You need it.” He marched off, not bothering to close the door.
“I’ll go straight up to bed when I’ve finished here,” Hamish promised his brother’s retreating back.
Colin waved a dismissive hand and continued on his way to the front door.
“That went well,” Hamish muttered as he capped the ink bottle and stood the quill in the standish. He’d managed to offend three siblings in the space of five minutes, and also to tell a lie—two lies, actually.
For he’d not be finishing with the ledgers, nor would he be going straight up to bed.
Chapter Sixteen
You’re sure you’d rather stay home?” Aunt Esther asked, her gaze appraising. “You’ll be missed, Megs dear.”
Uncle Percy held up Aunt Esther’s cloak. “My love, every young lady is entitled to the occasional evening at home. Let the dashing swains pine for a change. Serves them right for all the times they dodge off to their clubs—or worse.”
Aunt and Uncle exchanged a look that included humor, a short contest of wills, and possibly a bit of flirtation—and at their ages.
“I’ll be fine,” Megan said. “I’ll read some poetry and go to bed early.”
Charlotte and Beth came down the stairs, resplendent in aubergine and raspberry.
“Megan has decided to sit out the evening,” Aunt said, raising her chin as Uncle Percy fastened the frogs of her cloak. “She needs to rest her feet, should anybody ask.”
Charlotte accepted the next cloak from Uncle Percy. “Megs is avoiding the watch. Those three leave a lady cousin no peace. My feet could certainly use a rest. Perhaps I’ll stay home.”
Damn Charlotte for her loyalty.
“And leave me to contend with our cousinsandthe bachelors?” Beth retorted. “I think not. At least our cousins dance wonderfully.” She peered into the mirror over the sideboard and touched the tips of her fourth and fifth fingers to a coiffure that blended demure elegance with russet tumbling curls. Charlotte, by contrast, was sporting a chignon worthy of a dowager Methodist.
“My boys get their nimbleness on the dance floor from my duchess,” Uncle said. “Ladies, I hear the coach. Shall we be on our way?”
Yes, please. “Have a wonderful time,” Megan said, holding the door for them. “Bring me back all the gossip.”
The ladies filed out, while Uncle Percy remained behind, tugging on his gloves. “You’ve never been interested in gossip, Megs.”
Well, no. She hadn’t, and she still wasn’t. “Perhaps I’m growing more social.”
