The perfect distraction, Niall got down on all fours and gave a great growl, sending the twins shrieking with delight into the far corner, their former fracas forgotten.
When Leith entered Paisley’s ballroom, all conversation stopped, if only for a trice. Heads turned and a great many sideways glances were given him. In that instant he wished himself anywhere else, even aboard a reeking, reeling ship. He felt certain these guests were reliving Havilah’s death over in their minds, with all the accompanying scandal. Euan’s wife, Lyrica, hastened to his side, while his brother looked at him from where he stood by the marble hearth at the far end of the room.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come.” Lyrica kissed him on both cheeks, hasty pecks that conveyed a warm welcome nonetheless.
“What is Hector Cochrane doing here?” he asked, his mood souring.
“I’m merely trying to keep the peace, Leith.”
“And sully your drawing room in the process.”
Lyrica pouted prettily behind her extended fan. “I ken what’s said about him, but he is one of your fellow tobacco lords, after all.”
“I’ve cut all business ties with him, as you well know, based on his reputation alone.”
“I understand. But Euan insists we maintain some semblance of cordiality.”
Leith looked across the room, where his brother conversed with the man in question. Their shared laughter grated. Sailing to the colonies would save him from seeing Cochrane, at least. “I’ll soon be done with society.”
“Euan says your leaving is imminent.”
“Aye.” He hadn’t had much time to dwell on it, settling his affairs with a finality akin to sealing his coffin instead. “Mylatest will and testament is in order, so if I perish at sea, let your last memory be of me here at Paisley.”
“Nonsense.” Tucking her arm in his, she smiled up at him, the worry in her eyes undimmed. “Thankfully, the voyage is far shorter to the colonies these days on your latest ship of the line, is it not?”
“Shorter, aye, with a passenger list of indentured convicts this time, not regiments of Highlanders meant for garrison duty in North America.”
She frowned. “I’ve never seen anyone court risk and danger as you do even on a cruise. Perhaps that’s what makes you the most envied man in the ballroom.”
“Envied, nae. Gossiped about, aye.”
“Well, I must say I’m glad you’re not wearing mourning anymore. It just drew attention to the tragedy.”
He took a cup of punch from a liveried footman, turning so that his back was to the paneled wall. Many of the guests he knew, a few he didn’t. When the music started, he let out a relieved breath as everyone’s sly staring ended and the dancing began. He hated dancing. He was not a man given to mincing steps or delicate maneuvers.
Lyrica studied him warily. “You look bored already.”
He stifled a yawn till his jaw ached. “Who said dancing is a very trifling, silly thing but one of those established follies to which people of sense are sometimes obliged to conform, and then they should be able to do it well?”
“I believe that was Lord Chesterfield.” She took a sip of punch. “Promise me you won’t behave as a merchant tonight. I won’t have this ball turned into a business meeting.”
“You ken it’s all I’m thinking about—business.”
“I don’t doubt it, but even you need a diversion. We shall miss you when you’re gone. I’ve not been to America nor have any wish to go. Such heat and snakes!” Lyrica gave anexaggerated shudder. “I pray you don’t succumb to some fever there. There seem to be as many maladies as mosquitoes.”
“I’ll land in the cool season where fevers aren’t as virulent and wildlife is at a minimum.”
“Ha! Hurricane season is no safer.” She took another sip of punch. “Remember, pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Leith smirked. “You are too often in kirk.”
“Well, you commissioned it, after all, and would do well to darken its door more than an occasional Sabbath or two.”
Euan joined them as their youngest brother entered the room at the far end, impeccably attired, a small sword at his side. “I must warn you. Niall’s of a mind to journey with Leith.”
Alarm scored Lyrica’s heavily rouged face. “Why on earth would he?”
Euan shrugged, his expression resuming its hard lines. “He’s not been to the colonies yet, remember, and wants to see the rebels firsthand.”
