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Rhona chuckled. “Aye. Whoever ye’re so eager to meet will be pleased at the sight of ye. Ye’re a bonnie lass.”

“Thank you.” Her cheeks flushed at the thought of being so transparent.

“I’ll get yer shawl.”

Ailie rose and Rhona slipped the blue tartan shawl over her shoulders. “No need to wait up for me tonight, Rhona. I’ll ready myself for bed.”

By the time Ailie entered the parlor, Nash was surrounded by their guests engaged in lively conversation. All were present, save Nash’s brother Robbie. Her work at the shipyard that morning had kept her from joining them in their pursuits. She had been so consumed by Nash’s kiss in the library, she had forgotten to ask him if he’d been reading all morning.

She looked toward Nash, the only man in the room she wanted to see. He must have been waiting for her, as he smiled and crossed the room with two glasses of wine in hand.

“The claret I promised you,” he said, passing her one of the glasses.

“You don’t mind everyone else is drinking wassail?” She had noticed the distinctive smell of apples and cinnamon when she’d first arrived.

“Not at all.” His gaze shifted to her hair. “You’ve fixed your hair differently. Most becoming.” He lifted a long strand, curled at the end, touching her skin at the base of her neck in the process. “Very pretty.”

A shiver ran through her. “It was my maid’s creation,” Ailie said, trying to recover from the touch of his fingers. “I did not mean for it to take so long.”

“No matter. The effect is splendid and worth the wait. Shall we join the others?”

“Aye. But where is Robbie? When we were in the library, you mentioned he had not gone far.”

Nash hesitated. “Oh, I’m sure he’ll be down in a bit. He is changing for dinner.”

“He’s probably freezing if he’s been outside. Was he gone long?”

Nash appeared to hesitate. “I didn’t ask.”

“Next time, he might try the orangery.”

“Robbie? I don’t think so. He’d prefer the woods, cold though they may be.”

She gave him a lopsided grin. “So would I if I were with you.”

“I shall remember that,” he said, gently taking her elbow. He led her toward the cluster of people gathered in front of the fire, the dancing flames casting a warm glow over their faces.

Emily was the first to greet them. “Why Ailie, you look lovely.”

“Doesn’t she?” agreed Will.

Ailie felt herself blushing at the compliments.

Smiling at Nash, Emily said, “Good evening.”

Since Emily had not added a name, Ailie felt the need to say, “He is Nash, Emily; Robbie has yet to appear.”

“I do apologize, Nash, for not recognizing you.”

“Worry not,” Nash quipped. “It happens quite often, I can assure you.”

Emily gazed up at Will. “I do hope you and Ailie won’t have to spend the whole of tomorrow at the shipyard. I was hoping we might go skating on the pond. I’m certain it’s frozen by now.”

“A most excellent idea, Leannan. With hot wassail and warm brandy to follow.”

Ailie took a sip of her claret. “I might have to check on matters at the yard in the morning, but, after that, I would look forward to skating.”

“Me as well,” Nash agreed.