Page 39 of Highland Sword
It was a good thing he had sound self-esteem. She could cut the faint of heart to ribbons with her tongue. “Based on my observations, I’ve determined the appropriate approach.”
She was not trying to hide her growing skepticism. “What have you concluded from our few moments here?”
Aidan gestured toward the windows. “I’d say the house is set on approximately thirty acres, including the walled gardens, terraced lawns, and mature trees and rhododendrons we saw riding in. You must have noticed the old burial ground. I’m certain you’d find the fields covered with bluebells and daffodils every spring.”
“Important observations,” she scoffed, “if one were a botanist or considering leasing the estate.”
“Very well.” He let his gaze sweep slowly over the walls. “The books on the shelves indicate the political perspective of the residents. The furniture makes it clear that the women here are not suffering from any financial hardship. Note the new upholstery on these chairs. Indeed, they must have generous patrons. The painting over the fireplace tells us a great deal.”
“The painting.” She nodded skeptically. “What could you possibly learn from it?”
He took a deep breath. “I know that the house was built in 1754 by the Duncan family. A descendant donated theproperty to an order of nuns, I’d say about twenty years ago, with the stipulation that they offer a place of retirement for spinsters such as herself.”
Morrigan moved to the fireplace, studying the painting.
“How could you possibly know all that from…?”
A tap on the door drew their attention, and Aidan stood. A round-faced woman with silver hair and a florid complexion glided in, all smiles.
“I am positively elated at seeing you, Mr. Grant. It’s been far too long since we’ve had you here.”
He bowed. “Thank you for receiving us, Mrs. Goddard.”
She did not acknowledge Morrigan. She hadn’t noticed her. From their many meetings in the past, he knew the good-hearted woman was severely nearsighted.
“How is your brother?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “I’ve been following your legal successes through the newspapers mailed to me from Edinburgh. I do love seeing your name mentioned. This week, however, we were delighted to see an article about you in ourInverness Journal.”
“You don’t say?” He turned to introduce Morrigan, whose eyes were shooting daggers at him, sharper and more deadly than the sgian dubh she was so fond of.
“Aye, a lovely article. It was all about the upcoming trial of those poor men. The editor commented on how fortunate the Chattans were to have so excellent a barrister representing them.”
“Mrs. Goddard, allow me to intro—”
“Your eye, Mr. Grant! Oh, dear!” A pair of spectacles appeared, and the mistress of Barn Hill gaped as she drew closer to study the damage done to his face.
“Who would do this to you?” Again, she didn’t appear to expect an answer. “As soon as I read the article in the newspaper, I told Sister Martha that I feared for your life.The local yeomanry has become a gang of undisciplined brutes, of late.”
“They pose no threat to me.”
“Then who did this to you?”
Morrigan stepped toward them, and Mrs. Goddard turned, shocked to find another person in the room.
“Mrs. Goddard, allow me to introduce Miss Drummond.” He addressed Morrigan. “Mrs. Goddard is the mistress of Barn Hill.”
The elderly woman quickly overcame her surprise, and the two exchanged greetings and a little casual conversation about the unexpectedly warm weather. Aidan noted that Morrigan could be very pleasant and charming when she chose to be.
“I must admit,” she said to Mrs. Goddard, “I had no idea Mr. Grant was a friend of yours.”
“Much more than friends, my dear. The Grants have been patrons of Barn Hill for years.” She gestured toward the chairs. “Please make yourself comfortable. I’ll tell you all about it over tea and sandwiches.”
Without waiting for a response, Mrs. Goddard hurried out the door, calling to the servants.
Carrie House was only two days’ ride from Inverness. Even though Scotland was predominately Protestant, pockets of folk who still practiced the old faith remained in the Highlands and the islands in the west. A number of Aidan’s tenants were Catholic, and as Mrs. Goddard mentioned, the Grant family had maintained a relationship with Barn Hill for quite some time.
Today, when Searc mentioned the place, Aidan had been the one to suggest that he go along.
Morrigan came and stood beside him.
