Page 274 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I did not compose the guest list, Lady Rhoslyn,” he said.

Lochland glanced curiously at her and a faint blush crept up her cheeks.

“That minstrel of yours seems to know only two songs,” Lochland said. “Did ye bring him from England, St. Claire? He sings only of your exploits in Wales.” The earl rose. “I think I will see if he knows any Scottish ballads.”

He left and Talbot braced himself for Rhoslyn’s fury, but was saved—if saved it could be named—when Lady Isobel approached.

“I willna’ have that woman in my home,” Rhoslyn said under her breath.

“Is she a friend to the bride and groom?” Talbot asked.

Rhoslyn snorted in derision. “If she is a friend to the groom it is for one reason only.”

Talbot privately agreed.

Isobel reached them and he feared Rhoslyn would leap out of her chair and pummel the lady.

“What are ye doing here?” Rhoslyn demanded.

Surprise flickered in Isobel’s eyes. “I am here to celebrate the happy couple’s marriage. I have known Lady Sine since she was a child. It would be rude not to come.”

“Ye didna’ think it was rude to seduce my husband.”

Isobel gave her a curious look. “Are ye that naive, Lady Rhoslyn?”

Rhoslyn shoved to her feet. A group standing nearby stopped talking and looked at her.

Rhoslyn said to Isobel under her breath, “Are ye saying my husband is the guilty party?”

“He was a complete gentleman.” Isobel looked at him. “To my disappointment.”

Rhoslyn took a step closer to her. “Then ye admit ye intended to bed him in the room next to mine.”

“It was a kiss. Nothing more.” Isobel glanced at him. “I suppose I can understand why ye would complain about sharing St. Claire and no’—”

Talbot came to his feet. “Lady Isobel that is enough.”

She lifted her brows, and Rhoslyn looked from her to him. Talbot saw the wheels turning in her mind.

Elizabeth appeared at her side. “Rhoslyn, where did ye find your new cook? The deer stew is delicious.”

Everyone looked at her.

She lifted her brows. “I am sorry, am I interrupting?”

She was, and knew it, and Talbot would later express his gratitude.

“Lady Isobel, I have no’ seen you in some time,” Elizabeth said. “Things are well with you?”

“Things are very good,” she replied.

Elizabeth turned her attention to Rhoslyn. “Have you met Lady Sine’s cousin Raleigh?”

Rhoslyn frowned. “Who?”

“Lady Sine’s cousin. He has come from the Isle of Lewis and brought wool as a wedding present, which he says is the finest is all of Scotland. He is wearing a jerkin made of the wool, and it is magnificent. You must come see.”

“What do I care about wool?” Rhoslyn said.