But before she reached them, another man stepped smoothly into her path. “Ah! Lady Charlotte, I believe?”
She stopped in her tracks. The man was more than a head taller than Charlie and she had to crane her neck to look up at him. His hair, the color of damp sand, was tied back in a loose tail at the nape of his neck, revealing a strong, angular face that was more tanned than any Edinburgh resident’s had any right to be. His eyes were startling green, like the first leaves of spring after a long winter—and fixed on her. He’d opted for the traditional wedding gear—a tartan plaid that dropped to his knees and a sash over one shoulder—and she had to admit, he looked pretty damned fine in it.
“Forgive me for startling ye,” he said in a deep voice with a definite Scottish lilt.
“Um, no problem,” Charlie said, a little flustered. “What can I do for you?”
Oh, heck. Had he realized she wasn’t on the guest list and was going to throw her out? Well, that was just fine seeing as she wanted to leave anyway!
But he only smiled, revealing perfect white teeth that shone against his sun-kissed skin. “I’ve heard much about ye. I’m Niall Campbell. Delighted to meet ye, Countess.”
“Actually,” Charlie began, “There’s been a mistake—”
He snagged two goblets from a youth passing with a tray and handed one to Charlie. “Why dinna ye tell me all about it?”
Charlie took the goblet, swapping it for her empty one. It was, she realized, her third or fourth whisky in about five minutes. No wonder she was starting to feel a little fuzzy around the edges. She glanced around helplessly. This was not going according to plan. Not that shehada plan mind you, but if she did, this would not be it.
She lifted her cup and took a gulp of the whisky. It burned going down, a smoky trail of fire that warmed her from the inside out. It also blurred the edges of reality enough to take away a little of her unease. She downed the rest of the drink and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She was, she realized, already a little tipsy. Oops.
Niall Campbell watched her, a faint, amused smile curling the corners of his mouth. When her cup was empty, he took it from her and replaced it with a full one.
“A toast,” he said. “To Scotland’s new dawn!”
Charlie had no idea what that meant, but raised her goblet anyway and took a long draft of the golden liquid. She smiled weakly, feeling the effects of the alcohol spreading through her body like a welcome blanket.
“Which side are you on then?” she asked Niall, gesturing around the room.
To her surprise, Niall’s eyes narrowed, flashing with sudden suspicion. “Side? Why would ye ask that? Are we not all on the same side here? That’s why we’ve gathered isnae it? To oppose those who think they have the right to decide Scotland’s future?”
“Eh?” Charlie asked, blinking in confusion. “I meant which side are you on: the bride’s or the groom’s?”
He watched her for a second and then shook his head, the amused smile appearing once more. “I’m afraid ye have me at a disadvantage, madam. I’m not sure of what ye speak.”
Charlie rolled her eyes. “It’s not difficult. Are you here for the bride or the groom?” She had another swig of her whisky then tapped her lip with one finger as she studied him. “I’m going to guess you’re with the groom. Are you the best man? How did your speech go? Perhaps you can give me some tips. I’m going to be maid of honor at my cousin’s wedding in a few months and she wants me to make a speech! Stupid idea if you ask me. I mean, whoever heard of the maid of honor giving a speech?”
Niall blinked at her. He put down his cup and crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back slightly as he regarded her. “I must say, ye are not what I expected, Countess.”
Charlie let out an exasperated sigh, swaying slightly on her feet as she waved her empty goblet around in a rather dangerous manner. “That’s because this has all been a big mistake. I got locked in the bookshop, that’s all.”
His brow furrowed in confusion. “Bookshop?”
Charlie nodded emphatically. “That’s right. Got locked in. Now I need to find my way out. Has it stopped raining outside?”
“Aye,” he replied slowly, giving her a strange look. “It’s a beautiful sunny evening.”
“Really?” Charlie said, perking up a bit. “That’s the Scottish weather for you, eh?” She set her cup down on a nearby table, or rather, she tried to. She missed the first time and it took her several attempts before she managed it. Damn. How much whisky had she drank?
“At least I won’t get wet on the walk to the hotel. How do I get out of this place?”
Niall waved over one of the youths with the trays. “Escort the lady out, would ye?”
The youth nodded. “If ye would follow me, my lady.”
“Right. Will do.” She turned to Niall. “Thanks for your help.”
He inclined his head. “It was a pleasure, Charlotte.”
The way he said her name sent a delicious shiver across her skin. She turned and followed the youth as he wove his way through the crowd. Everything was starting to spin a little and it was all she could do not to stumble into wedding guests as they went.
