Page 106 of What a Highlander’s Got to Do

There was no reason for awkward silence. This was Nick.

“I thought you did verra well,” she told him.

He quirked a brow. “At what?”

“The inquisition.”

“Ah.” He grimaced. “Your father was verra thorough.”

She didn’t miss the fact that he’d slipped into a brogue. It surprised her how well it fit him and how much she liked it. “He always has been my protector, even before he knew he was my father.”

“For which I am glad. I understand you were a hellion as a child.”

“Pffft. I was a Dounreay.” She shot a smile at Papa. “Once, when I was climbing on the roof—”

“Once?”

“Aye.” She grinned. “He kept me from plunging to my death.”

His expression sobered. “I am verra glad he did.”

Her wink was far too playful for such a subject. “As am I.”

“Promise me you willna do anything as foolish as that again.”

* * *

Isobel’s response was thoroughly unsatisfying, and at the same time, mystifying. “Promises are dangerous things,” she said darkly.

His heart lurched. “How do you mean?”

But before she could answer, though he was certain she had no intention of doing so, Lady Esmeralda broke in. “What are you two talking about?” she barked, as though annoyed to be left out.

Isobel blinked. “Why, the betrothal ball, of course,” she lied.

“Och,” Mother sighed. “I canna wait. Susana and I have such plans.”

“Do you intend to invite the Swoffords?” Uncle Ewan asked sarcastically, and Mother pulled a face.

“I think not.”

Sorcha snorted. “Which means they will probably come anyway.”

Mother paled. “How awful would that be?”

Laughs rounded the table at her expression.

Lady Esmeralda snorted. “I would offer her the cut sublime.”

“Hand her her congé at the very least,” Sorcha added.

Mother sniffed. “You know I will do none of those things, because she will not come. She wouldn’t dare.”

Esmeralda gaped at her. “That woman knows no shame. No doubt she’s already in town, hissing her venom to all her cronies.”

“Which only makes it more essential that we send out the invitations as soon as we arrive home.” At a time like this, Mother was all business. And of course, the conversation then turned to the more intricate details of their plans, which thoroughly engaged all the women and utterly bored the men.

But Nick didn’t care, because none of them were paying attention to the fact that he was holding Isobel’s hand beneath the table. And she was letting him.