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Chapter Nine
Eight days later, Emeline strolled arm in arm with Kendra and Skye through the elaborate gardens dividing Eytone Hall’s rolling lawns. Never in her life had she been so coddled. The food was excellent. The bedchamber with its molded plaster paneling and blue and white theme, was like something out of a fairytale, and the borrowed clothing—though not quite an exact fit—was far superior to anything she’d ever owned.
She, Kendra, and Skye were fast becoming good friends, too.
However, accustomed to being busy from the moment she awoke until she tumbled into bed, the idleness nearly drove her crazy. That and the speculative glances Lady Penderhaven, Broden, and Quinn sent her way on a regular basis. She was dying to know just what Liam had told them.
Why were his friends still here, anyway?
It certainly wasn’t her place to pose the question, but they seemed perfectly at home. Neither had mentioned their intent to leave any time soon.
Except for mealtimes, and occasionally seeing him in the distance at one task or another, she’d seen little of Liam since her arrival. He had taken her aside that first morning and informed her he’d sent his man of business to make discreet inquiries on her behalf. But other than that one instance, he’d kept his distance.
It hurt, though she scolded herself for permitting such a silly, feminine response. She assumed his duties as a feudal baron kept him occupied, but the truth was, she desired to speak to him. To spend time with him. How could she miss the company of a man she’d known but a fortnight and feel neglected by his lack of attention?
If he’d wanted to convince his family there was nothing between them, his avoidance of her and cool politesse when they did encounter each other, hadn’t been as successful as he’d hoped. Liam didn’t appear to have noticed, however.
Her need to return to Edinburgh weighed heavily upon her as well. Furthermore, how to explain the gap in time between when the floods occurred and when they’d arrived at Eytone Hall plagued her. Thanks to the divine powers, not another word had been mentioned about the matter.
Very peculiar, that.
For all of their obvious curiosity, Liam’s family and friends had become remarkably uninterested in that succulent tidbit.
She could only assume he’d provided a satisfactory explanation. One he’d yet to share with her, and she feared she’d blunder and undo whatever it was he’d done to appease the others’ inquisitiveness.
It really was most inconsiderate of him to not elucidate to her and to ignore her like a ratty cat he’d dragged home.
Why, even Prince—truly the homeliest, but sweetest dog she’d ever laid eyes upon—received more attention than she did. The bedraggled beast was constantly at his side, and several times she’d caught him passing Prince a tasty morsel or stopping to pet his shaggy, mottled head.
Sighing, she bit the inside of her cheek in self-reproach and pretended to pick a speck of lint off the light green silk gown she wore.
“Och, I’m sure it grieves ye greatly to think about yer aunt.” Kendra cast her a sidelong, sympathetic glance. “Liam mentioned that ye intend to return to Edinburgh to set her affairs in order.”
“Aye, but I’m no’ sure when that will happen.” He’d warned Emeline he couldn’t leave straightaway, but worry and edginess bared their tiny sharp claws and regularly dug them into shoulders and spine, shredding her patience.
Skye, her eyes as clear and bright blue as the September sky above, smiled gently. “I cannot imagine how lost you must feel, Emeline. I’ve only been away from my parents for a mite over a week. I think of them constantly and miss them dreadfully.” She exchanged a serious glance with Kendra. “I’m an only child, and Liam is my guardian if something should happen to them.”
“Nothin’ is goin’ to happen to Aunt Martha or Uncle Charles, Skye.” Kendra’s no-nonsense tone brooked no argument. “Yer father will make a full recovery. He’s too stubborn to do otherwise. Just ye wait and see.”
“I pray so, and I’m so thankful I have you, Kendra, and Aunt Louisa and Liam.” Skye’s bravado faltered, and tears swam in her eyes. She produced a brave, if somewhat tremulous smile. “Was your aunt your only remaining relation?”
“I have distant relatives in France, but I’ve never met them,” Emeline said. “Honestly, I have nae desire to.”
“What will ye do?” Kendra’s dove-gray eyes shone with concern. Who’d have thought this spirited woman would be so considerate and generous to a stranger?
I think…” Emeline stared across the tidy, manicured gardens, contemplating the decision she’d arrived at early this morning. Musings of a certain brawny Highlander kept her thoughts tumbling pell-mell around in her head and also had kept sleep at bay. “I think I shall sell my aunt’s modiste shop.” She hitched a shoulder. “I have neither the skill nor the desire to operate such an establishment.”
She’d sell if she was the beneficiary of her aunt’s will. If not…
“Emeline?”
Arms linked, the three women turned as one as Liam skirted a rose-smothered arbor.
He strode across the terrace, approaching with sinuous grace, that made her insides tumble and her knees unhinge. Why must he have this effect on her? His hopelessly long legs covered the distance between them in short order, and he bowed his head in greeting. “Emeline, may I have a few moments of yer time, please?”
Emeline’s heart leaped with excitement and pleasure. “Of course. Please excuse me, Kendra, Skye.”
The cousins linked arms and continued on their way, their heads bent near.
