by Magan Vernon
“I’m not sure what you mean by Scottish. Webley is English, as you can tell by our accents,” he said, but there was a slight crack to his voice.
I smiled, trying to soften the blow as tension finally released in my neck. “Take it your parents didn’t talk to y’all about your Scottish roots?”
He shook his head, his chest falling as he raked his fingers through his short hair. “No, and I can’t imagine Mother would even want to hear of that. She seems to have this ultimate disdain for anything Scot.”
I swallowed hard, scratching at my elbows as I fumbled with my thoughts for the right way to proceed.
“Would you want more information on them? I’ve been doing some research as I go through the different objects I’m finding. I can’t believe I didn’t notice it before, but there are so many different Scottish elements to this castle. It’s amazing.”
He cocked an eyebrow, his hands now at his side. “Really? Like what?”
Okay, so maybe he was really open to learning more.
My hand shook slightly as I raised it and pointed at the doorway behind him, hoping he didn’t notice my nerves. “The thistle and the rose intertwined in the woodwork is a dead giveaway. The thistle being the symbol for Scotland and the rose for England.”
He turned slowly, running his fingers over the ornate carving. I could practically hear his breathing and the spike of his adrenaline.
“I don’t think I’ve ever noticed this before. And you, being here only a short time, found it right away? Maybe Gavin is right and there’s something to your curating.”
I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ears, looking down as my cheeks became increasingly hot. I’d had compliments on my work before, but I never got this reaction. A new heat flushed low in my belly. One I didn’t want to think about.
“I just try to do the right research. Though not that great, if I couldn’t even remember the town’s founding and Iris Day.”
“I’ll put in a call to the historical society to help you out and make sure it doesn’t affect your pay.”
I looked up, trying to hold in the surprised gasp that threatened to escape my lips. “You don’t have to do that. I can contact them myself if I need to.”
He smiled, something lighter about it than when he first came into the room. “If you insist, but really, if you need anything, let me know. Or anyone else here for that matter.”
There was something mischievous behind his face. A new sparkle to his eye. I wanted to ask more about it. But I had to get back to work.
If he mentioned anything more about Gavin and me, I might turn into a puddle of goo right there. Probably not the most professional way to go about things.
“Thank you. I appreciate it, Lord Hugh.”
He laughed, shaking his head as he stepped into the hallway with me. “And call me Hugh, please.”
I looked up to him with a smile finally coming to my lips. “Thank you, Hugh.”
Now if only the rest of the family was as friendly as the brothers, the remainder of my time here would be a piece of cake. But I had a sinking feeling deep in the pit of my gut that meeting Lady Helena and Lord Edwin may not be so easy.
…
I tried to work quickly as I tagged and catalogued a collection of bone china in the dining room. But every little sound distracted me.
Especially when a group of loud puppy whines startled me so hard, I almost dropped a butter dish.
Carefully setting down the piece, I walked toward the windows, then slowly opened the doors to the balcony.
The tall stone pillars surrounding the marble tile had to be at least twelve feet high, arching into an open-air dome that would be beautiful for stargazing.
Since it was the middle of the day, there weren’t any stars to be seen. Just fluffy white clouds dotting the sky over the emerald green grass. The grass that was now being taken over by a new herd of people in worn T-shirts, holding different dogs of all shapes and sizes by leather leashes.
My cheeks burned as I smiled, bolting down the stairs then out to the courtyard.
At least ten pairs of dog ears turned in my direction, perking up before another round of barks echoed.
The dogs pulled on their leashes and I quickly ran over toward them, getting bombarded in the process by a few of the Great Pyrenees puppies, who liked to think it was playtime.
“Down, girls and boys, I’m just greeting the new residents,” I cooed, giving each dog a little scratch behind the ears as I passed them.
The Pyrs had the softest fur. Like petting a bowl full of feathery down pillows. Some days I just wanted to rub my face in it. That is, if they didn’t shed enough to produce handfuls of hair.
“Natalie, you come to be part of the welcoming committee?” Gavin’s voice was barely audible over the barking.
As soon as he came through the crowd of fur, my eyes zeroed right in on him. He’d traded in his usual button down and dress pants for a pair of faded jeans and a gray T-shirt that clung to his biceps. Was he flexing or did they just always look that taut?
Sure, his brother had some good-looking arms, but as soon as I spotted Gavin’s, a little flutter started in my chest then went low in my stomach.
Get a grip, Natalie, stare at the dogs, not your boss and his biceps.
“I’ll get back to work, I promise. I just heard them and figured I’d come and say hello,” I said quickly, trying to keep my voice from wavering.
“Natalie, right? The curator?” A woman who I sort of recognized from the pet store approached, a boxer mix prancing on the leash next to her.
“Yes, that’s me,” I said, putting my hand out.
She took my hand in her calloused one, shaking briskly. “I’m Elyse. And I think you’re probably the reason to thank for all of these guys getting a fantastic new home.”
My cheeks heated up. I didn’t want to believe I was his reason for adopting all of them. But when I looked over at the slight quirk of Gavin’s lips, of course that did nothing to stop the melting of my face.
“I’m glad that Lord Gavin was willing to take them all in. It was a big surprise even to me, but I think the dogs will really love it here.”
Her eyes darted around the large yard. “It is impressive and so generous.”
“We’re happy they will have a home here at Webley,” Gavin said with a nod, crouching down and giving Elyse’s dog a good scratch behind the ears.
His eyes left the dog and then slowly trailed up to meet my gaze. If I was on fire before, now my body was in dangerous range of overheating and melting into a puddle of goo right there in front of a bunch of dogs.
“What do you think about names, Natalie? The Pyrs all have a bear theme, so what for these new residents?”
“Oh, I’m sure whatever you pick will be fine. Or even the names they have.”
He frowned and my stomach dropped at his expression. “No, I insist. Something that has to do with the history you’ve learned of this castle. You probably know it better than me by now.”
Like enough that I wouldn’t forget Iris Day or that his mother was coming?
“Um, well, I’m sure Lady Helena and Lord Edwin may want a say in that, since they’ll be coming in soon.”
His jaw tightened as he looked down at me. “Webley Manor is mine. Not theirs.”
I swallowed hard as Elyse and some of the other dog handlers stepped back.
“So, are you going to be saying that when they come here for Iris Day?” I asked, wishing I had a damn filter.
For a girl in an old T-shirt, with an audience of fur balls, I had some confidence that must have come from somewhere. Where? I had no idea.
There was a tiny tick in his jaw, but as soon as it was there, he went back to stone-faced, as usual. “Take it you’ve been having a chat with my brother?”
“If by chat you m
ean he scared me while I was working because I thought he was either going to reprimand me or try to put a move on me, then yes.”
Get. A. Filter. Natalie.
He slightly tilted his head in response. “Did he threaten you or do anything that made you uncomfortable? If he did, I’ll have a talk with him immediately.”
I put my hands up, my entire body shaking back and forth quickly as I stuttered for the right words.
“No, no. Not like that at all. He was nothing but helpful. He even offered to see about the historical society coming in to help so things could be cleared out before the Iris Festival and everyone arrives here. You know, something you neglected to tell me about. Which would have been helpful because I could have worked on some of the other guest rooms first.”
The man scowled; his brow furrowed as he narrowed his eyes slightly. “Don’t worry about that. You just keep doing what you’re doing with tagging the items. The staff and I can worry about my parents and the Iris Festival.”
I nodded, slowly looking down, then let out a deep breath. Well, if I was already this far, might as well keep pushing. “So, what exactly is the Iris Festival? Is it something I need to leave for? Or do I need to go into town and drive your parade float? I don’t know. Back in North Carolina, I’ve been in only the Memorial Day parade and that was when I was a kid and my mom forced me to do soccer at the YMCA. So, we all had to sit in the back of a guy’s pickup truck and wave in our jerseys.”
There went that eyebrow again. “You are full of information, Natalie. I’m surprised you aren’t teaching me more about the festival with what you’ve gathered from your research.”
I smiled, finding a new lightness in my chest. Damn, did this guy have a way of giving me an offhanded compliment that could do that?
“Touché, but no. Not a lot about the Iris Festival. Only a children’s book about a young nobleman coming into a grassy field and finding nothing but flowers for miles.”
He nodded and I was blessed with a slight turn of his lips in an almost smile.
And what a damn great smile it was.
There went that fluttering in my stomach again.
“Ah, the tale of Lord John who was separated from his warriors in battle until he came upon the field and decided to call it home.”
“Take it you’ve read the story?”
“Required reading here. And so, we celebrate Lord John and the irises every June with a parade in the streets, people dancing, making wreaths and other things out of irises.”
“It actually kind of sounds like fun…” I trailed, wondering if I’d actually see any of that or if I would just finish my work in the manor, watching as always from the windows.
It’s where I usually spent most of my life, watching from afar. In college it was because I wanted to focus on my studies and missed all the parties. Before that, I stopped getting invited to things because I was the girl who would explain the history of the roller rink at birthday parties.
But now, I had some sliver of hope that was quickly crushed as I slumped forward, knowing the truth.
“When Great Aunt Sarah owned the manor, she would host all of her fancy guests, so they could wave at people from the top of the hill then have a feast and dancing that night. I don’t think she ever actually really enjoyed any of it. But yet it’s still getting passed down to me.”
I looked up to see his head down, rubbing the back of his neck.
Was the great Lord Gavin embarrassed?
What the hell did he have to get flustered about in front of me?
Quickly, though he must have thought better of himself because he looked up, shoving his hand into the pocket of his jacket. “I’m sure they’ll all love to meet you, though. My family and all of the nearby nobility. Anyone who would love to hear about the history of their families, and you’ll have them gabbing all night.”
My breath seized in my throat as I let out a little wheeze. “Me? You want me to be here to entertain these people?”
He shrugged as if the idea was as simple as putting a rug on hard wood to cover up a stain. “Why not? It could help in your research, and we could definitely use some new blood around here.”
I tried not to let my face falter as I looked down, pushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. Of course that was the reason he wanted me there.
What had happened between us was nothing more than him being generous as usual.
I just had to keep that in mind, even when I did get a glimpse of one of his smiles.
Chapter Ten
Lord Gavin
“Since I don’t inherit my own place for another two years, maybe I should just stay at Webley until then,” Hugh barked between breaths at what I can only assume was an attempt to break my concentration so he could make a successful attack.
“Dorms not cutting it for you?” I asked, blocking his blade with my sword.
A lot of the rooms were still stuffed with Great Aunt Sarah’s collections. There weren’t many places to hang out, aside from my bedroom, the cluttered sitting rooms, and the gym. Which is where Hugh and I were fencing.
He scoffed, barely audible through his mask. “I haven’t lived in the dorms since my first year. I have a flat near campus, but Mother and Father wanted me to come home for the summer. Guess it’s better than summer school; then I’d really have to stay in the dorms.”
I shook my head before catching his sword again. “Nothing is worse than a communal powder room.”
“Obviously you’ve never had Mother show up not once, not twice, but three times while you were on the loo to discuss your marriage prospects.”
I laughed and quickly jabbed to the right, barely missing an épée to the chest.
“No, can’t say that’s ever happened to me. But I’ll be sure to lock the door to my room when she’s here.”
“You may want to lock Natalie’s door, too.”
I faltered, barely a step, but still got an épée to the shoulder. It wasn’t a sharp blade and it didn’t puncture, but I still winced, ignoring the prickling feeling that gathered along my chest.
“I thought you were over giving me bollocks about Natalie,” I said through clenched teeth, stepping forward with another few swipes to land a hit on Hugh’s chest.
He offed, taking a step back.
“I’m just saying, the girl hasn’t been around the familial brigade before. Might as well prepare her for the buggery that can happen.”
“I’m sure Natalie will be more than prepared with everything she’s already researched on our family,” I yelled with a final jab, knocking the épée to the ground before piercing his lamé.
“Wow, a duel, and defending my honor, I’m impressed,” a familiar voice cooed.
My back stiffened as I slowly turned around, dropping my sword, and my pride, as I caught Natalie standing a few feet away.
“How long have you been spying on us?” I asked, my jaw tensing.
“Spying?”
She shook her head, holding up a composition book. “I was coming in to see about tagging some bigger items around here and didn’t know I’d be walking in on some sibling rivalry.”
Hugh laughed, glancing at me over his shoulder with a toothy grin.
What the hell was this sod going to say?
“Never done any fencing, have you?” he asked, walking toward her with an extra little spring in his step.
She shook her head, clutching the notebook to her chest. “No, but I do remember reading Diego De Valera’s Treatise of Arms for one of my undergrad classes.”
Hugh picked up his épée, holding the long sword in the air so that the handle faced Natalie. A way too wide grin on his face had my head pounding, ready to snap at whatever stupid remark he’d make.
“Maybe my brother can give you a little lesson in Épée de Combat.”
Her eyes drif
ted from the handle then back at me, her throat bobbing as she swallowed hard. “I really just came in to see about some of the larger items in here, but I can come back.”
As she took a step back, Hugh immediately stepped forward.
“Nonsense, come on, one little thrust with my brother.”
Every hair on my body stood on end as Natalie’s eyes widened, her cheeks turning redder than her hair.
Hugh laughed, pushing the épée down as he took a step back beside me. He clasped my shoulder, and I tried not to flinch at his touch, ready for the bugger to stop talking already.
“It’s an offensive move in fencing, Natalie. Don’t worry, I wasn’t suggesting something else.”
He looked at me, giving a not-so-subtle wink. “Unless of course you want that.”
I glared at the knobhead, wishing he’d learn to knock it off.
“I think that’s enough for today,” I shoved my épée into Hugh’s hand with some extra oomph. I pulled off my mask, shoving that at his chest so hard he let out a stuttered grunt.
Then I turned toward Natalie, standing a bit straighter and trying to keep my eyes from traveling anywhere but her face.
She may have just been in those stretchy pants and a solid T-shirt, but the way they clung to the curves of her body had my blood rushing straight to my cock.
“There isn’t much in this part of the manor you’ll need to go through, but there are a few items in the orangery you may want to see.”
“Orangery? I don’t think I’ve been there yet.” Her eyes lit up as she bounced on her heels like an excited kid who was just told they’re going to the candy store.
I took off my jacket then quickly kicked off my breeches, leaving me in just a pair of gym shorts and a T-shirt.
Natalie glanced away from my face, her eyes quickly roaming over my body.
Maybe I wasn’t about to shag her, but that didn’t mean something in me didn’t get a little rush, knowing she wasn’t completely turned off by me.
Maybe there was even more in that gaze of hers. More that I couldn’t touch.
That didn’t stop me from thinking about what could happen between us, even just for one night.
