Faith smiled warily.
“We were having a riding lesson when we got caught in the storm,” Jeanne said, sipping her tea. “It’s dreadful outside and the rain will not stop.”
“Ah, well, Scottish springs can be like that, I suppose,” he said, motioning to a chair beside him. “Come, Miss Sharpe. It has been ages since I’ve met someone new. Tell me, how does your aunt fare? I’ve always enjoyed her visits.”
Faith stood up and went to him.
“She’s faring quite well, although I didn’t know she visited here.”
“Oh, only sparingly,” he said with a cheerful grin, not unlike his daughter. “But then again, not recently either.”
“We were away, I’m afraid. On an extended holiday in Italy.”
“Italy? You don’t say.”
“Yes.”
“Hmm,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “I never much cared for the Mediterranean. Much too warm for my liking.Now, tell me about this riding lesson. You were caught in this storm, were you?”
Jeanne spoke, giving Faith a reprieve as she watched the old man. Arabella was correct. He did not look particularly well and was dressed in clothing that had been out of style for nearly twenty years. But he was kindly, and he showed an earnest concern when he heard about their plight. He kept giving Faith curious glances, and though she was sure he didn’t mean to make her uncomfortable, she felt somewhat uneasy beneath his inquisitive gaze.
“—which is why I insist that they stay the night,” Arabella said as another roll of thunder bellowed around them.
“Absolutely, absolutely. I should hate to think what Lady Belle would do to me if I let one of her nieces go traipsing about the Highlands in a storm such as this.”
Faith tried to smile. It seemed she would not be leaving, much to her discontent. And once again, her displeasure must have been displayed on her face, for a frowning Arabella leaned toward her.
“If it would please you, my brother has quite an extensive art gallery here. He’s terribly proud of it and I’m sure he would be most eager to share it with you.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose on your brother.”
“Oh, it would be no imposition. Logan is vastly proud of it. Why, in fact, just yesterday he acquired a piece—”
“Who in the world has come to visit on such a day?” Logan’s deep voice echoed throughout the room, causing Faith to spin around.
There, beneath the marble archway, stood Logan, his body frozen at the sight of her. His solid form was tense and commanding, as if he were still serving in a regiment, flanked by his faithful mutt, Jaco. The dog’s tail wagged happily at seeing them, but Logan’s demeanor was the opposite. The recognitionin his eyes sent Faith’s heart aflutter. Though she tried to ignore such a foolish reaction, waiting for his impending frown, she was surprised to realize that he only stared at her with wide-eyed fascination, as if seeing something about her for the first time.
How curious.
“You,” he said softly.
Swallowing hard at the low, accusatory whisper, Faith hoped against hope that he wouldn’t begin sparring with her in front of the present company.
“I’m sorry to intrude,” she said, stepping toward him. “But Jeanne and I were out riding and were caught in the storm. Your sister here has provided us with warm clothes and shelter, and if it pleases you, we shall be leaving shortly.”
“No, you really mustn’t,” Arabella protested.
“I’m afraid she is correct, Faith,” Jeanne said. “The storm is too boisterous.”
Faith persisted.
“If Mr. Harris doesn’t wish for us to be here—”
“Of course he doesn’t mind,” Arabella said, scowling at her brother. “Isn’t that right, Logan?”
“—then we should leave.”
“You will stay,” Logan interrupted suddenly, causing the rest of them to stop talking. “The weather will not permit you to do otherwise.”
