Remembering their shared moment beneath the dining table, Belle glanced at Henry. She had felt more heat from the briefest touch of his lips than she had from this stranger's full kiss.
Henry's eyes were fixed on her hand. A tick had set up in the corner of his jaw, flashing just afore his ear.
"Pardon me," the man corrected, as he straightened and released her. "I should say Lady Henderson, but Sir Gregory's letters always referred to you by your Christian name. It is hard for me to adjust."
Always be accommodating...
Etiquette lessons of the privileged surfaced in Belle's mind. They were spoken in Henry's voice, deep and comforting.
"It is no worry, sir. Call me Arabelle, if that is easier."
From the corner of her eye, Belle saw Henry stiffen.
Always give visitors your full and direct attention...
Trying to keep her stare upon the visitor's face, Belle was surprised at the pretty symmetry of his features. Brilliant blue eyes, carefully arranged hair, and a smile that was bright and white. She felt herself blush just from being close to a man so handsome.
"And...what should I callyou,sir?"
The man seemed surprised for a moment. His blonde brows shot up, and he turned to the thin man by the fireplace.
"I arrived back at the castle only yesterevening," the thin man said. "I have yet to speak with the lady of our correspondence or its intention."
This was, apparently, not what the large man with feathers in his hat wanted to hear.
"Then how can you be assured that you have not brought us here under false promises, Gregory?" he spat, clearly annoyed.
The man Belle now knew to be Sir Gregory was neither rushed nor flustered. He seemed totally unflappable in the face of the other man's frustration and just raised one of his hawkish eyebrows.
"I have spoken with Laird Henderson on the matter for weeks. Ever since his ill health was known to us. He will be accepting of the arrangement. Legally she cannot assume the role of provincial leader without it."
Arrangement?
Wait a moment... She could not be the laird of the land withoutwhat?
"Is Lady Henderson's choice so succinctly ignored?"
This last was from Henry. They were the first words he had spoken since Belle had entered the room, and they were different from his normal, calming tone. They were strained. Rumbling and angry.
Confused by the conversation though she was, Belle had the distinct impression that he was defending her.
"She may voice her opinion," Sir Gregory replied as if she were not personally in the room. "But it is her father's decision that matters, as well you know, Munro. You have a sister to whom you are guardian, no? You should understand this."
A sister?
Belle's stare shot to Henry, but he was not looking her way. In fact, he seemed to be deliberately looking at anythingbuther.
"I do. But I would not see her thoughts disregarded for so significant an event."
So, he had a sister. A sister he had never mentioned to her. Not even when they had spoken of Elliott.
Who else did he have waiting for him in the Lowlands? A wife? A family?
Did he have children?
Her heart aching, Belle was thankful when the blonde gentleman took up the conversation and drew focus. For a moment, as ridiculous as it was, she had feared she might cry. His energy was a highly necessary distraction.
"Gentlemen! We are confusing the lady present. We should correct ourselves." The blonde took up her hand once more and deliberately repeated his greeting. "Lady Arabelle, my name is Lord Lachlan Hunter. This is my uncle, Laird Murdock Hunter. We were brought here at the behest of your father, via Sir Gregory's word, to acquaint ourselves once more with you and your family."
