This was a glimpse of the vitally beating heart Lyrica had mentioned.“Flashes of it come out at uncertain times.”Without a doubt, this was Leith Buchanan at his best.
“I don’t know what to say.” She looked up at him, her eyes damp. “Thank you, Leith.”
She said his forename so rarely that even he looked startled.
“If you’re wondering why I’m home so early, my barber is due. ’Tis nearly the Sabbath and I canna go to kirk bewhiskered ... even if you prefer it.” His gaze canted to the window as if searching for the tradesman in question. “And while I’m waiting, there’s another matter that needs discussing.”
“Oh?” Was it time to return to Ardraigh Hall with the twins?
He sat down on the edge of his desk while she took a chair facing him. “My brother is besotted with your sister.”
She almost laughed at the absurdity of his words. “I knew that from the moment they met.”
“Aye, but things are not progressing as well as Niall had hoped.”
“And you want me to help move any fine feeling along.”
“In truth, I ken little about romantic matters, including my own.” His stoicism faded to perplexity as he passed a hand over his bewhiskered jaw. “So I ask your help, aye.”
“Then you shall have it.”
“Is she holding out for a title? I heard Lord Talisker’s heir has been by.”
“Loveday cares nothing for titles,” she said quickly. “But my sister does have a mind of her own.”
“A family trait.” He winked—or did she only imagine it? “Niall doesna want to press her if she’s not so inclined, but at the same time he doesna want to lose his place in line, quite literally.”
“She’s been besieged by suitors, truly, and he’s been very patient. I will do what I can, though these matters are somewhat ... delicate.”
“Delicate is the word, aye. I hardly ken where to begin.”
Was he implying more than Loveday and Niall? There seemed a sudden ruddy cast to his tanned features, or perhaps it was just a play of the light through the tall windows. Heat tingled about her neck and reached her ears and left her wishing for a hand fan.
“Lastly...” He looked at her as if keeping secrets. “Your father and stepmother are here, along with the domestic servants from Royal Vale.”
“What?” She stood, elated. “When?”
“Their ship has docked at Greenock, and once their baggage is dealt with they should arrive here shortly.”
She stared at him, coming to terms with the magnitudeof what he’d done. He, as the new owner of Royal Vale, had arranged for the servants to come to Britain. “You’re aware that as soon as any enslaved man—or woman—sets foot on English soil, they are free.”
“Aye.” He met her damp eyes, and the steel in his softened. “I ken.”
50
A flower cannot blossom without sunshine nor a garden without love.
Chinese proverb
“I hope you don’t think me a meddling sister,” Juliet began as she and Loveday dressed for church the next Sabbath. “But I do hope you give special consideration to Niall Buchanan.”
Loveday paused before the looking glass to adjust her garnet necklace. “And why would I?”
Juliet warmed to the teasing in her tone. “Because we would not only be sisters but sisters-in-law?”
Laughing, Loveday turned to face her. “What does he have to recommend him in your eyes?”
“’Tis not my eyes but yours that matter.”
