Page 71 of The Highlander Is All That

Henley, however, did not smile. He reared back and stared at her with an outraged expression. This was, of course, the equivalent of her invading his private kingdom. “Lady Elizabeth,” he barked. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes.” She nodded effusively. “Aunt Esmeralda would like more cakes.”

“Is there something wrong with the bellpull?” But it was a rhetorical question. He knew there was not. He hustled into the pantry to fill a new tray.

Elizabeth sashayed over to Hamish’s side. She didn’t touch him, because it would probably scandalize Cook, who was watching her warily from the corner of her eye. “That’s a lot of eggs,” she observed.

“I’m hungry.” He winked. “For some reason.”

Her grin matched his. “I cannot imagine why.”

“Was there something wrong with the bellpull?” he asked curiously.

“No. I needed to leave the room or I might have killed someone.”

His eyes widened and he laughed through a mouthful. “That bad?”

“Worse, actually. Apparently word’s gotten out that we have a trained monkey and all the ladies want to see him perform.”

His beautiful brow quirked. “I dinna realize we had a monkey.”

She leaned closer and whispered, “A Scotsman.”

“Ah.” He took another bite and chewed. “Should I come in then and perform for them?”

“Please don’t. I don’t want to give them the satisfaction. Besides, judging from Lady Jersey’s response to your overwhelming manliness, you might not be safe.”

“Really?”

“Ladies on the hunt are a frightening prospect.”

“So I’ve noticed.” His grin was wicked. He sobered, was silent for a moment, and then asked, under his breath, “I don’t suppose you’ve had a chance to talk with your aunt yet?”

Elizabeth made a face. “Not even close. We’ve been inundated with visitors. And it will probably get worse before it gets better.”

“Pity that. I should probably go hide in my room.” He stood and hovered over her, and she had the distinct impression he was going to kiss her. But then he recalled himself, nodded to Cook, and said, “My thanks for breakfast. I shall . . . ah . . . see you later, Lady Elizabeth?”

“Of course,” she said in a blasé tone.

But damn, she hated this.

She hated pretending.

And she hated the fact that they could not kiss.

But soon.

Soon she would talk to Aunt Esmeralda and everything would be sorted out.

Then they could kiss as often as they wanted.

* * *

Anne thought it patently unfair that Elizabeth got to escape from the drawing room and she had to stay. She’d been on pins and needles ever since Hamish returned, because Ranald was expected at any moment.

Her heart fluttered with each carriage that passed the bow window, each time Henley entered the room, and, well, whenever she thought of him.

It was said that absence made the heart grow fonder and frankly, she’d never believed that platitude. Now she wasn’t so sure. She couldn’t wait to see Ranald again. But she was nervous and excited at the same time.