Page 27 of The Nabob's Designing Daughter
“I was with Rolly.”
“Who was no protection on the road nor from that madman I saw rushing toward the cottage.”
His breath heated her lips. “Yes, you’re probably right. It wasn’t a sensible thing to do. But most of the grooms had gone out with the shooting party, and I didn’t think to ask a footman.”
“Brave girl,” he whispered, and his nose touched her cheek. “But foolish.”
Oh aye, she was that. She set a hand to the back of his head and pulled him into a kiss.
“Halloo,” a woman called.
They jumped apart and saw two riders approaching.
“We are just in time, Urjit.”
The fierce man who’d accompanied Penelope from India leaped from his horse and Penelope slid from her saddle into his arms.
“Is that your mount tied to the back of the gig, Dr. Robillard? Yes? Well, here is what happened. Ann took the gig out to the village to… shop? Or to visit someone?” She snapped her fingers. “The vicar’s daughter, remembering before she arrived that the young lady has gone off to an aunt’s until Hogmanay. Dr. Robillard you were…” She tapped her chin, thinking.
“Visiting Mounth Tower,” Errol said.
“Really? Well, in any case, I decided to go riding and of course, Urjit accompanied me. We encountered Ann first and then you came along. We all stopped to spy out yule logs and holly so we can return tomorrow with a wagon. Most likely all the men have returned from stalking. Ann, I believe it would be good for you to arrive at the castle with me seated beside you in the gig, instead of Dr. Robillard.”
“Yes,” Errol said. “Ann—”
“Don’t say you’re sorry,” she whispered. “I certainly am not.”
He grimaced. “We must talk.”
A wave of guilt hit her. She’d let another chance to speak with him slip through her fingers. She’d become not just a sneak, but a coward as well.
Upon their arrivalat Castle Kinmarty, Urjit saw to the gig and the horses, while Errol escorted Ann and Mrs. MacDonal into the hall where a footman took their cloaks.
Strachney strolled out of the great hall. “Where have you been, Ann?”
Errol’s fists curled at the bullying tone.
Ann sent her father a tight smile. “We’ve been looking for a good place to collect pine boughs and holly. Oh, and a yule log.”
“We’ll be going out with our clippers and axes tomorrow,” Mrs. MacDonal said. “I’m hoping we can get some of the energetic younger men to come with us.”
Strachney harrumphed. “And you were out there looking at trees, eh, Robillard?”
“No. I was paying a call at Mounth Tower. I happened to encounter the ladies on the road. Now, I’m going to seek out the duchess.”
Mrs. MacDonal put her hand on his arm. “Then you may escort us up the stairs and I’ll peek into Minny’s sitting room after I change.”
“And I will stop there first,” he said.
Errol found the duchess alone, propped on a chaise longue, a book lying open on the empty chair beside her.
“Your grace,” he said, drawing nearer.
“Dr. Robillard.” She smiled wanly. “How did you find Mounth Tower?”
“I suppose the duke tells you everything?”
“All but the boring bits. So will you stay on as baron and our local physician?”
