“I’d cuff you around the ear again if I didn’t agree with you. You will write? And come back when you can?”
“Of course. You’ll let me borrow the carriage?”
“For weeks? Absolutely not. You’ll take a coach.”
“But they’re so uncomfortable.”
“Orpheus never complained.”
“Orpheus never had to ride in a post coach for days.”
“You are not having the carriage. Bother Michael.”
A soft knock interrupted our lazy debate. Kate popped her head in. “Tom? It seems as though your letter was posted. Sara said it was already addressed.”
“I thought as much. Thank you for confirming.”
“You seem… more relaxed.”
“I am. Say, Kate, do you suppose I might borrow your carriage?”
“Of course!” she replied at the same time that Hugh interjected with, “Absolutely not.”
At his wife’s confused expression, he added, “He wishes to take it to Scotland.”
Her head tipped to one side, considering me, before she seemingly made a decision. “The weather is fine, we can use the curricle. And if the weather turns, I’m sure Michael and Juliet will have no concerns with us borrowing theirs.”
When I turned back to him with a smirk, Hugh had thrown his hands up in exasperation. “No one mind me. I’m only the viscount, it’s only my carriage.”
“Oh, good. We shan’t,” I retorted, knocking back the last dregs of scotch. “If you’ll both excuse me, I have packing to do.”
“When will you be back?” Kate asked. “Before it snows?”
“Perhaps,” I murmured, rising to stand.
“He’s in love,” Hugh singsonged in a tone I’d never heard from him and hoped never to hear again. “He’s off to win hearts.” I shuddered, rounding the desk to cuffhimaround the ear before making for the door. His laugh followed me until I reached his wife’s side.
“Oh Tom,” she whispered, reaching up to cup my cheek. Once I recognized her intent, I had to dip at the knees so shecould reach. “Supper, tomorrow. I’ll invite everyone—well, do you wish for your mother to attend?”
“Not particularly.”
She gnawed on her lower lip, wavering. “Oh, you should see her before you leave.”
I dropped a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll take tea with her. Spare everyone else the pleasantness.”
“My favorite brother,” she called after me as I made my way down the hall, much calmer than before.
“I’m certain you say that to all your brothers.”
“I do!”
Twenty-Three
KILMARNOCK ABBEY, EDINBURGH - JULY 15, 1816
Xander,
I am enjoying the season. Your concern for my well-being is truly touching.
