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“And so is Lord Beath.”
He tucked her hand through his arm and started for the door.
Against her better judgment, Samantha allowed him to lead her away. For some deranged reason, she couldn’t seem to resist Braden Kendrick, especially when he was looking so handsome in his formal attire.
“You look lovely, Samantha,” he said.
When she let out a slight huff of derision, he glanced down at her.
“I mean it. You’re utterly delectable in that dress.”
His rather intimate compliment sent a flush of heat throughout her body. “Oh, uh, thank you.”
Then she mentally winced. The dratted man was scrambling her brain.
As they proceeded into the hall, they passed some late-arriving guests. They were only vaguely familiar to her, so she simply nodded her head and smiled. Most returned it, but one elderly gentleman gave her a disapproving sniff instead.
“A friend of Lord Beath’s, no doubt?” Braden asked.
“Probably, although I don’t recognize him. I don’t know many of the guests, to be honest. Most seem to be friends of your brother and his wife.”
“That’s because Logan ordered every deep-pocketed person he knows to attend.”
“I feel rather guilty about all the work your family has done on my behalf. You’ve all been so kind.”
“We’re happy to help, especially Angus. Let me add that you’ve earned our undying gratitude in that respect. Planning this party has kept the old gaffer busy, so he hasn’t had time to drive the rest of us crazy.”
Samantha laughed. “I like your grandfather. He’s rather hilarious.”
“Feel free to employ him on as many projects as come to mind, as long as it doesn’t involve the need for discretion or greeting guests. As you can probably tell, he’s a disaster in that respect.”
“Fortunately, Arthur Baines and Mrs. Girvin are holding down the front door for any late arrivals. Arthur is much better at that sort of thing than I am.”
“Ah, the estimable Mr. Baines. It appears there’s nothing he cannot do well.”
Samantha would be lying if she denied enjoying the note of irritation in his voice. Braden seemed jealous of Arthur, although surely he must realize that her friendship with Arthur was platonic.
Still, she couldn’t help teasing him. “Arthur is a man of many talents.”
Braden halted them outside the supper room. “Samantha, are you deliberately trying to irritate me?”
She widened her eyes. “Why ever would I do something like that, Dr. Kendrick?”
“Och, yer a cheeky lass,” he said, adopting a heavy brogue.
“Don’t let my grandfather-in-law hear you talking like that. He’ll have an apoplectic fit.”
“Then I would promptly treat him, thus earning his approval.” He led her into the room.
“I cannot imagine why his approval would be important to you. He’s a dreadful piece of work.”
“Yes, but it would relieve a degree of pressure on you if he discovered that Kendricks are neither unrepentant rogues or blustering Highlanders.”
“Even non-blustering Highlanders would annoy him, I’m afraid.”
He flashed a wry smile as he pulled out a chair for her and then settled into the one beside it. “Well done on this room, by the way. It’s quite the transformation.”
“Thank you.”
