My Heart's in the Highlands by Angeline Fortin (ebook reader screen TXT) 📕

Ian’s eyes met Hero’s and she could read inthem everything from apology to humor. “Like yourself, Lady Ayrseems to consider Cuilean her home. I have welcomed her.”

Though Ian prompted some amusement with hismild use of the word ‘welcome’—really, it had seemed more likebeing enfolded than a lukewarm welcome—Hero couldn’t stop her lipsfrom twitching unpleasantly at the thought of speaking to Robert’sniece. Theirs had long been a contentious relationship. “Hello,Daphne, it’s been a long time.”

Daphne turned away without returning theapathetic greeting. “It’s a wee bit late for music, don’t youthink? Boyle, have my bags taken to the State Room.”

Hero’s eyes meet Ian’s and she began to speakbut Boyle cut in. “The State Room is currently occupied.”

“By whom?”

Raising a hand, Ian stepped forward. “Youcould hardly expect Lady Ayr to resume the marchioness’schambers.”

Daphne didn’t hesitate. “I will take themthen.”

“I believe the same underlying principleapplies,” Ian replied just as promptly.

It was easy to see that Ian’s lack of welcomeand capitulation to her wishes was trying Daphne’s notoriouslyunsteady temper. Hero had seen it all too often over the years whenDaphne did not get her way. She was pompous and superior withouthaving justification for either one. Robert’s older sister hadmarried badly, leaving behind her wealth and position to wed anephew of the Earl of Cassillis, a mere lawyer.

“Surely you don’t expect me to take rooms onthe second floor?” Daphne said with mocking laughter.

Ian only shrugged. “The duke seems to likethem well enough.”

Daphne shot a surprised glance at Beaumont.She seemed conflicted for a moment upon discovering that therumpled old man in his nightshirt slowly turning the crank on themusic box was a genuine duke. She started to curtsey prettily butthe duke just scowled at her.

“You’re a very pretty girl,” he told her.“You should smile more. That frown makes your eyes look mean.”

Daphne’s eyes narrowed a bit more before sherolled her eyes. “It doesn’t signify. As family, I should have afamily chamber.”

“The only other chambers available on thefirst floor are the nursery,” Boyle said, earning Daphne’s stonystare. He seemed pleased to add, “There are several fineguesthouses on the estate as well, if you’d like.”

“My lord!” Daphne protested. “Surely youdon’t expect to treat me like such a …” She fell silent,expectantly waiting for Ian to negate the butler’s words. Her hopeswere in vain.

“Guest,” Ian finished for her. “Anunannounced and unexpected one at that. I’m afraid you will have tochoose between the guest chambers on the second floor or one of theguesthouses, as Boyle said. I shan’t displace one … guest in favorof another.”

“Come, Sis,” Camron Kennedy finally spoke,taking his sister’s arm. He nodded at Ian. “Thank you for having usat all, my lord. I did try to warn Daph that we should have writtenahead.”

Ian seemed pleased that at least one of hisnew guests was displaying some courtesy and nodded politely,stepping forward to offer his hand. “Pleased to finally meet you,Mr. Kennedy.”

“Camron, please,” the young man said,returning the greeting with an engaging grin. “We are cousins,after all.”

“Distant cousins,” Daphne added with a smile.“Very distant.”

Ian shifted, pinching the bridge of his nose.“It has been a long day. Perhaps we should all retire for theevening?”

Chapter Seventeen

Like any good fairy tale, there was always avillain to destroy the happiness of the princess, Hero thought asshe watched Daphne flirt with Ian throughout the next day. Robert’sniece could be quite charming when she chose and somehow was ableto turn the awkward moment in the drawing room aside as if it hadnever occurred. She was outgoing, bold, and determined where Herohad long been more content to live quietly. Daphne longed todominate conversations while Hero preferred to listen and observe.She’d found that one could learn much by watching.

So she watched Daphne flirting with Ian,skillfully ensnaring his attention, and it seemed that Ian wasfalling under the other woman’s spell as he smiled at her stories.Hero was disappointed but not terribly surprised. Daphne was, afterall, a beautiful woman with red hair as vibrant as her personality,flashing green eyes, and an enviable figure. Hero could neverunderstand how it was that she hadn’t married yet. She was easilyin her mid-twenties, talkative and charismatic in a way that mostmen of her acquaintance found irresistibly alluring. With herfamily connections, she must have had many offers.

Any of which, Hero was certain, would havepulled Daphne up from the situation Hero knew the woman consideredintolerable. She had uncles who held great titles, yet her ownfather was a mere mister. She might have married far up, gaining atitle of her own. Instead, she had waited out Robert, certainbeyond reason that she would gain his title—a title of her own—whenhe died, even though Hero knew that Robert had told her on manyoccasions that he had an heir in Ian, a direct male descendant ofthe Robert’s grandfather, Spencer, the eighth Earl of Maybole, thelast earl before the marquisate was granted. Ian’s father, William,had been the younger brother of Robert’s father.

Only without a direct line male heir wouldthe title descend the female line. Daphne knew that. It amazed Herothat she had had the audacity to put herself ahead of Ian to beginwith. But then, Daphne had always been like that, taking what shewanted.

And it seemed that now she wanted Ian.

It was an easy way to achieve everything shedesired. Hero watched Ian smile, his dimples dipping deeply, andsighed. Even without a castle and a title, Ian was a prize. Shewould take him without a single pence.

It seemed Hero had wasted the day awaywatching the pair. From breakfast through luncheon. All theafternoon while they had played bridge with her father and Camron,she had watched Daphne work her wiles on Ian, unable to stopit.

Clearly, Ian’s definition of the wordcourting was far different than the one held by the society Herohad grown up in. Courting held an intention to woo, to wed. Perhapshe had merely meant that he intended to court her into his bed.That instead of embracing their attraction for a day, he wasimplying an extended affair.

Not that Hero minded. She wanted Ian as well,for