Page 90 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I would rather be home,” she said.

His expression remained passive as he said, “No need to worry, Miss Crenshaw. I promise, you will not be abandoned here in Scotland.”

Grace glanced sharply at Eve.

“Of course not,” Eve said in a level voice. “Who would think such a thing?”

“Not I,” he replied.

The coach passed through the gate and moments later, the carriage halted at the front steps. Lord Rushton opened the door and stepped to the ground with Lord Somerset behind him. Eve went first and Lord Rushton grasped her hand and helped her down, then did the same for Grace.

“What of Oscar?” Eve asked. He hadn’t dismounted from up top with the driver.

“Oscar, you must do your duty. Please accompany your charges into the castle.”

Oscar alighted from the carriage and Lord Rushton led them up the three steps to the entrance and through the archway. He pushed open a heavy wooden door and stood aside for everyone to enter.

“You have no butler?” Grace asked as she went first, Eve close behind.

“My father employs a most competent housekeeper. She could run the Royal Navy. I doubt she would tolerate a butler.”

A maid appeared from a corridor and gave a start. “Laird,” she cried.

He smiled. “Hello, Leslie. Is one of the parlors perchance warm enough to settle our guests while we ready chambers for them?”

“Aye. Your father instructed us to have the pink parlor ready, along with rooms for your guests.”

“My father?” he murmured.

“He arrived last night,” the maid replied.

“He must have ridden like the wind.”

Fear lanced through Eve. Had the marquess’ mad ride to Ravenhall anything to do with the duel? Did the marquess bring news of Lord Halifax’s death? Excited female chatter came from the stairwell on the right and, an instant later, two young girls stepped into the foyer.

“Rush!” The youngest flew into his arms. “We have been in pins and needles waiting for you.”

He caught her and swung her around. “Camilla, my love.”

He put her down and she pushed back. “Papa is very cross with you.”

“What would you know of your father’s moods?”

“You have done something very wicked this time. Mamma had to speak kindly in order to calm him.”

“Ah, so our mother is here as well?”

The marchioness? Eve feared she would be sick.

“She arrived this morning,” Camilla went on. “Papa expected you before this. He was getting angrier as the hours passed. I think he was of a mind you were not coming after all, but I am so glad you came.”

“As am I,” he replied. “Now I must say hello to your sister.”

“Juliet is too grown up to be excited,” Camilla said.

“Of course she is.” He looked at the taller girl, who stood quietly. “Juliet. Are you not pleased to see me?”

“Of course I am.”