by Tarah Scott
“They are sitting with Sir Stirling in a private parlor. Mr. Forbes and I are here to fetch champagne for everyone. We could use your help.”
Frustration flickered in his eyes, but he nodded and surprised her by saying, “Of course.”
He didn’t want to be embarrassed in front of Lord Magnus. Her heart constricted. There was something to be said for having another man around. They each selected two glasses of champagne then left the refreshments room and returned to the private parlor.
Lord Magnus stood aside and allowed her to enter first. Joshua followed with Lord Magnus in the rear.
Aunt Leana looked their way. Her expression brightened. “Joshua, I wondered where you’d gotten off to.”
Sir Stirling rose as they neared and hurried to take one of the glasses of champagne from Mia. He gave the glass to Aunt Leana, and Joshua gave a glass to Angelina. Lord Magnus gave a glass to Sir Stirling.
“My lord,” Joshua gave a slight bow to Sir Stirling.
“So nice to see you, Joshua,” Sir Stirling said. “Please, have a seat.”
Mia took a seat on the couch to her aunt’s right. Lord Magnus started around the couch. Joshua slid past him and dropped into the chair nearest her. Mia glimpsed the hint of a smile on Lord Magnus’s mouth as he continued around the chair and settled in the chair beside Sir Stirling. Mia caught the thin-lipped look Aunt Leana cast Joshua but, as usual, her brother remained oblivious.
“How are you liking Barkely Hall, sir?” Angeline asked Lord Magnus. “It must be very different from city life.”
He cast Sir Stirling a glance. “I see Sir Stirling has been acquainting you with your newest neighbor.”
Stirling smiled. “Only that you last resided in Edinburgh and plan to farm and ranch. Of course, I mentioned how you are interested in purchasing some of Kaerndal Castle’s property.”
“The property isn’t for sale,” Joshua said.
Their aunt frowned. “In fact, we are considering selling some of the property.”
“Father strictly forbade it,” Joshua said.
Mia stared in surprise. Since their father’s incarceration, Joshua had refused to speak of him. The last thing she expected was for him to enforce any of their father’s wishes.
“You are mistaken, Joshua,” Aunt Leana said, then turned her gaze to Lord Magnus. “Perhaps Sir Stirling might help facilitate a discussion.”
“I would be happy to help,” Sir Stirling replied.
From the corner of her eye, Mia watched Joshua. His mouth thinned and he watched Lord Magnus over the rim of his champagne glass.
“Magnus plans to grow oats and potatoes,” Stirling said. “As well as raise cattle.”
“Have you farmed before?” Joshua asked.
“Aye,” Lord Magnus replied. “But I will be employing men who are far more skilled than myself.”
“Many men have failed at farming these hills,” Joshua said.
“Joshua,” Aunt Leana said. “Mind your manners.”
“That’s quite all right,” Lord Magnus said. “He is correct. If I recall, Lord Rose tried for six years to grow potatoes with little success.”
“As well as wheat,” Joshua added.
“That is correct,” Lord Magnus said. “David MacKenzie’s first two attempts to grow oats were highly successful, however. I believe one mistake these men made was not rotating the crops.”
Joshua made no reply.
“Barkely Hall has been vacant far too long,” Angeline said. “I’m so pleased someone is making a home of the estate.”
“You do not plan to return to Edinburgh?” Joshua asked.
“Not to live,” Lord Magnus replied. “Barkely Hall is now my home.”
“Wonderful,” Aunt Leana said. “How is it you and Sir Stirling are acquainted?”
“Business,” Sir Stirling replied.
“Aren’t you in shipping, Sir Stirling?” Joshua asked.
“Indeed,” he replied. “Though, I am involved in other ventures, as well.”
“Why did you choose Barkely Hall, Mr. Forbes?” Angeline asked.
“The land is rich,” he said.
“Mia is a wonderful gardener,” Aunt Leana said. “She has a knack for making things grow.”
Mia choked on a sip of champagne in unison with Joshua’s, “Mia, a gardener? Why she—”
“Joshua,” Aunt Leana said sharply. “It is rude to interrupt.”
Joshua regarded her in surprise. Mia well understood his confusion, for not only was she unskilled at growing things, she had a knack for killing plant life. For some reason, she always seemed to water plants too much or too little. Angeline, on the other hand, had but to touch a plant and it grew.
“Mia, tell Mr. Forbes about the strawberries you grew last summer,” Leana said.
Mia looked dumbly at him and said, “I grew strawberries last summer.”
His gaze remained fixed on her face, as if he waited for more.
“They were the sweetest strawberries we’ve ever had,” her aunt went on. “Cook made jam with them. Do we still have some of that jam, Mia? Perhaps Mr. Forbes would like some.”
“I am partial to strawberry jam,” he said, and Mia realized he was laughing at her discomfort. She wasn’t sure whether or not to blame him. Aunt Leana had her acting like an idiot.
“Then I shall ask Cook if we have any left,” she said.
“I recall that your eggs are among the best I have ever had,” Sir Stirling said.
Mia looked at him. What was he talking about?
“That is because Mia cares for the chickens,” Aunt Leana said. “I vow, they almost think of her as a mother.”
Mia stared.
“It thought it was Lucy who thought of her as a mother,” Lord Magnus said.
Mia’s face heated.
Sir Stirling laughed. “So, you’ve met Lucy, have you?”
“Er, yes,” Lord Magnus said. “Lucy and I have, indeed, met.”
“When was this?” Joshua demanded.
“Two days ago,” Aunt Leana said. “Mia fell and Mr. Forbes was kind enough to help her into the house.”
Joshua surprised Mia by turning a hard stare onto Lord Magnus. “I see.”
“Your aunt was present, as were several maids and your cook,” Lord Magnus said.
Joshua made no reply, but his expression remained hard.
Mia took a fortifying sip of champagne, then set the glass on the coffee table. Thank heavens, Lord Magnus didn’t mention that he’d been alone with her on the walk home—or their ride to Sir Stirling’s home. Her heart swelled. Her brother had never before shown the slightest interest in the gentlemen in her life. Like most brothers, he basically ignored her. She shuddered to think what he might do if he learned of their aunt’s plan that she maneuver Lord Magnus into seducing her.
“Would anyone like more champagne?” Lord Magnus asked.
Mia tensed in readiness for Aunt Leana to suggest that she accompany Lord Magnus to the refreshments room for more champagne—and Joshua’s quick offer to go with them. Heavens, was the weekend going to be filled with Leana throwing her at Lord Magnus, and Joshua stepping in to prevent Lord Magnus from seducing her?
“Perhaps we should return to the ballroom,” Aunt Leana said. “Angeline has a full dance card.”
Sir Stirling laughed. “Chastity will hunt you down for those dances, my lady.” He stood.
Joshua sprang to his feet and pulled Mia up, then placed her hand in the crook of his arm. She frowned up at him. It was one thing for him to feel he must take their father’s place as their protector, but he was acting as if he’d caught Lord Magnus trying to make love to her.
Sir Stirling escorted Angeline, and Lord Magnus offered his arm to Aunt Leana who, too cheerfully, launched into a story about how Mia had thrown a wonderful party that summer—which couldn’t compare to Sir Stirling’s party, of course—but had been the talk of the neighborhood all summer. Mia groaned inwardly. Even Angeline’s beauty might not
be enough to induce Lord Magnus to fall in love with her if he thought he had to endure more of Aunt Leana’s stories about Mia’s ability to grow strawberries, raise good egg hens and throw parties. If Aunt Leana embellished the story to the point that the party was a success due to the strawberry jam that had been served with the bread, Mia would immediately march home on foot.
When Lord Magnus, with Aunt Leana, followed Sir Stirling and Angeline through the doorway, Mia started forward, but Joshua held her back. She looked up at him in question. His attention was fixed on the door.
He stared for two heartbeats, then looked down at her and demanded, “What the devil are you doing with him?”
Mia flushed. “Wh-what do you mean?” she stuttered.
“Have you any idea who he is?”
“He’s the new owner of Barkely Hall.”
“Not that,” he said with an impatient wave of his hand. “He is the owner of one of the roughest gaming hells in Edinburgh.”
“What—that is ridiculous. Why, he is a close friend of Sir Stirling. Sir Stirling doesn’t associate with men like that.”
“Think what you like,” Joshua said in a low voice. “You are to stay away from him.”
All earlier feelings of brotherly affection vanished. “I beg your pardon, but you do not have anything to say about who I associate with.”
“I have everything to say about it,” he snapped, then urged her from the room.
Chapter Eight
They reached the ballroom. Aunt Leana and Angeline stood with Sir Stirling and Lord Magnus to the right of the hallway. Mia stopped beside Lord Magnus. Two women who strolled past looked their way. They leaned toward one another and whispered.
“Lord Lewis,” Sir Stirling addressed a man walking past with a woman. “Lady Lewis.”
The couple stopped.
The gentleman smiled. “So good to see you, Sir Stirling.”
Sir Stirling bent over Lady Lewis’s hand. “My lady.” He straightened. “May I introduce Lady Leana?”
Lord Lewis bent over her hand.
Sir Stirling indicated Angeline, and said, “And Lady Angeline.”
Angeline curtsied.
Sir Stirling looked at Mia. “Lady Mia.”
Mia caught the look of surprise on the man’s face as she curtsied.
“My lady,” he said stiffly.
“This is Lord Joshua,” Stirling continued smoothly.
The two nodded at one another.
“Lastly, Lord Magnus,” Sir Stirling said.
“My lord.” Magnus gave a slight bow.
“Sir,” Lord Lewis said in a curt tone.
Mia was certain now. The chill was too apparent.
“Of course, this is Lady Lewis.” Sir Stirling nodded to the lady.
“My lady,” Lord Magnus said.
“Ma’am,” Joshua said with a slight bow.
She didn’t extend her hand, but gave a nod of acknowledgement.
“If you will excuse us,” Lord Gordon said, “I was taking my wife to the balcony for some fresh air.”
“Of course,” Sir Stirling said. “The ballroom does get stuffy.”
Lord Lewis glanced at Mia, her sister and aunt, and said, “Ladies,” then led his wife away.
When they were out of earshot, Joshua said, “Don’t tell me no one else noticed how rude they were.”
“Joshua,” Mia started, but Sir Stirling shook his head.
“Your brother is right. They were terribly rude. I’m not sure what to make of it.”
Mia caught the sideways glance two gentlemen sent their way. Sir Stirling must have noticed as well, for he said, “Something strange is afoot.”
Lady Chastity rounded a group of guests. Her gaze fell on them and relief shone on her face. She hurried over.
When she reached them, Sir Stirling said, “I am pleased you could join us, my dear.”
Mia noticed worry in her eyes.
Lady Chastity smiled. “I am pleased to have found all of you. Lady Angeline, I believe the gentleman who has your next dance is looking for you.” She looked past Angeline. There he is now.” She waved at a sandy haired gentleman.
Mia groaned inwardly. George.
Aunt Leana cast her a glance that said, That lovesick puppy is going to make a nuisance of himself.
“Why that’s George,” Joshua said.
George strode to where they stood. When he reached them, he bowed. “Lady Leana. Lady Mia. So very nice to see you.” His eyes shifted to Angeline. “Lady Angeline.”
Angeline smiled up at him and Mia’s heart broke. Angeline hadn’t looked at any other gentlemen that way.
George turned his attention to Lord Magnus.
“Mr. Davis,” Sir Stirling said, may I introduce Lord Magnus.”
George bowed and, to Mia’s relief, gave no indication he’d met Lord Magnus before. “Sir,” he said.
“Hurry along, you two, the next dance is about to begin,” Lady Chastity said.
Mia watched as they strolled away together. George covered the fingers Angeline had wrapped around his arm with his hand. He stared down at Angeline as if she were the only woman in the world. Mia had seen men look at Angeline with adoration. This was different. Did George really love Angeline? What if Angeline truly loved him? How long would that love survive when the first babe arrived and George was away at sea? Then the second and perhaps third child. Then they would quarrel about money.
Guilt niggled. They might not quarrel if their home was Kaerndal Castle. The only way they might keep the estate is if one of them married a gentleman of means. Mia glanced at Lord Magnus. A man like Lord Magnus.
***
Yet another couple passed them and openly stared. Magnus looked at Stirling.
Stirling nodded. “I saw it, as well. Let me see what I can learn.”
“I will go with you,” Lady Chastity said.
They walked away in the direction the couple had gone. Lady Chastity said something to Stirling. He stopped and they spoke for a moment. His expression hardened. He said something else to her, then returned. He glanced around, then nodded for them to follow.
Lady Mia and her aunt exchanged a glance but followed. Magnus waited for Joshua to follow, then took up the rear. Stirling stopped before a vacant alcove and stood aside for the ladies. Joshua followed Magnus in, then entered with Stirling close behind. The ladies crossed to the divan and settled there.
Stirling’s expression remained taut. “I am sorry, Magnus.” He looked at Lady Mia. “Lady Mia, it seems that someone witnessed your arrival here earlier today.”
Lady Mia gasped.
Magnus silently cursed. So, someone had been watching from that third-story window.
“Surely, if we tell people that Lord Magnus was only delivering me safely here after my carriage was set upon by highwayman—” Mia began.
Magnus shook his head. “You could produce a dozen witnesses in a court of law and the gossipmongers would spin their tales. Society prefers gossip to the truth.”
“What’s this all about?” Joshua demanded.
“Lower your voice, Joshua,” Leana admonished in a whisper. ”When Mia set out for home, highwaymen attacked our coach. Mr. Forbes happened upon the carriage after Mia and Boyd chased away the brigands.”
“Mia chased away brigands? By God, I’m in Bedlam. Still, that’s no reason for gossip,” he said.
“Mr. Forbes brought Mia here to Westbourne Tower,” Leana said.
“What?” Joshua frowned in Magnus’s direction. “Well that’s just fine. Why did you now take her to Kaerndal Castle?”
“Because we didn’t want to leave Boyd and Allen on the road alone at night,” Mia said. “Sir Stirling’s home was closer.”
“Boyd and Allen would have been fine.” The boy pinned Magnus with a hard stare. “You need not worry about protecting Mia. I will care for her.”
“I just happened along, lad.”
“I am not a lad.” He looked at his sister. “Mia, Aunt Leana
, come along,” he ordered.
Lady Mia pushed to her feet. “Have you lost your mind? You have nothing to say in the matter.”
“Mia—”
She shot him a thin-lipped glare, then said to Stirling, “If you will excuse me.” She stalked past Magnus. He caught a whiff of lavender as she left the alcove.
Her brother stared after her for a moment, then said to Magnus, “I will thank you to stay away from my sister.”
“Joshua,” Lady Leana snapped, “be silent.” She rose and faced Magnus. “You must forgive Mia, sir. This has been a distressing day.”
“I understand,” he said.
She faced her nephew. “Joshua, you may escort me to my room, then return for Angeline.” She took the boy’s arm. “Sir Stirling, thank you for a lovely evening. We will see you at breakfast.”
“Rest well, my lady.” Stirling bowed, and they left.
Magnus waited several long moments, then said, “I fear I miscalculated in regards to Lady Mia. I took her to be empty headed and selfish.” Though, God knows, that hadn’t stopped him from wanting her.
Stirling clapped him on the back. “Then you did miscalculate, my friend.”
Magnus nodded. “I realized my mistake too late—after I insisted we come here instead of her home. I can’t imagine what I was thinking.”
“I can imagine,” Stirling said. “I had to talk you out of searching the countryside on your own.”
His insides tightened. “You didn’t see her, Stirling. Her dress was torn. The bastards had their bloody hands on her.”
Stirling squeezed his shoulder. “I know, my friend. But she is safe. Not to mention, she shot one of them.”
Magnus shook his head. “I am relieved she didn’t kill him.”
Stirling nodded. “Killing a man is never easy.”
“I made a mess of things, bringing her here. A rumor like this can ruin a woman. Not to mention, her pup of a brother thinks I’m the devil.”
“Joshua will change his mind once he sees what sort of man you are. Let me see what I can do about these rumors.”
Magnus nodded, and Stirling left the alcove.
A moment later, Magnus followed, then located a waiter. He took another glass of champagne and considered retiring to his own room. He should return home and forego the remainder of the party. That might set to rest any rumors concerning him and Lady Mia. He finished the champagne, then found a decanter of brandy in the refreshments room. He made quick work of the first glass, then set the glass down on the sideboard and picked up the decanter. He would take the decanter to his room, where he would finish it in leisurely peace before leaving for home.
