And then there was Grant. Thinking about him had kept her tossing for half the night. Finally, she’d fallen into slumber, only to be awakened early by some commotion at the other end of the hall. While the fuss had died down almost immediately, images of Grant had again intruded into her muddled brain. One that particularly stood out was the image of him looking at her yesterday when she was holding the baby. His emerald gaze had glittered with a warmth that had set her nerves dancing like fireflies on a summer night.
She’d never imagined Grant Kendrick as a man who could seduce a woman with just one look, but that particular expression had convinced her otherwise.
He’d left the room shortly afterward to speak with his brother. By the time they’d all reconvened for dinner, he’d reverted to his usual polite self, almost as staid and boring as the day she’d met him.
It was all very confusing. It didn’t surprise her, though, since she found men in general to be confusing.
Kathleen firmly refocused her thoughts on the garden. “In fact, if you pulled down one of the outbuildings, you could build an even bigger succession house. Then you could have fresh fruit and vegetables all year.”
After studying her with an amused expression, Sabrina hooked a hand around Kathleen’s arm and led her through a wrought-iron gate at the base of the garden.
“I think you should rest for a few days,” her cousin said as they turned right along a neatly graveled path.
It ran along a brick wall that enclosed the kitchen gardens before gently winding away through a meadow behind the manor. The path afforded a lovely view over a rolling landscape of field and glen, broken by the occasional stand of poplar and birch trees. A herd of shaggy cattle grazed in the next field, and smoke curled up from the chimney of a crofter’s cottage. In the distance, slate-gray peaks towered in the bright blue sky. It was dramatic and even a bit lonely, but it held its own sort of peace, born of rock and sky, and a horizon that stretched up to the heavens.
“You and Jeannie just arrived,” Sabrina continued. “There’s no need to throw yourself immediately into work.”
“Gardening isn’t work.” Kathleen breathed in the crisp, clean scent of the Highlands. The bracing air cleared one’s head and made anything seem possible, even surviving a winter in Scotland.
“It is up here, because you never know what the day’s weather will bring.” Sabrina flashed her a smile. “You know what they say—if you don’t like the weather in Scotland, wait ten minutes and it’s bound to change.”
Kathleen laughed. “I’m not sure I approve of such erratic behavior.”
“Are we still talking about the weather or about a certain handsome Highlander?” Sabrina asked with a mischievous twinkle.
Drat.
Sabrina had always been adept at reading other people’s emotions. But Kathleen was no longer the messy little girl who worshiped her older cousin, no matter how smart and sophisticated she might be.
“The weather,” she responded in a breezy voice.
“Really? Because you looked quite odd for a moment, as if you were thinking of someone.”
“I was merely trying to recall if I packed any flannel wrappers. It certainly sounds like I’ll need them.”
Sabrina winked at her. “When one has a brawny Scotsman in one’s bed, flannel is not only unnecessary but rather beside the point.”
“You’re supposed to be teaching me how to behave like a proper young lady, remember? I’d say you’re making a rather poor job of it so far,” Kathleen wryly said.
Her cousin laughed. “Forgive me, dearest. I’ll stop teasing—for now.”
Kathleen ignored the last bit. “We’d best step lively if we’re going to catch up with the others.”
“We’ve been dreadful dawdlers. Graeme and Grant are likely halfway to the distillery by now.”
“They’re not the ones I’m worried about.”
Sabrina wrinkled her nose. “Yes, Jeannie has developed quite an interest in our poor vicar. And so quickly, too.”
Kathleen sighed. “She’s turning out to be as impulsive as I was at her age, and she’s in love with the idea of being in love. Mr. Brown, alas, is quite attractive, too, which doesn’t help.”
“You’ve nothing to fear from David. He is everything a vicar should be, and more.”
“Jeannie’s not the one in danger, I’m afraid.”
Sabrina laughed. “She did rather drag him off, didn’t she? When he so clearly wished to spend time with you.”
“Rats. I was so hoping that wasn’t the case.”
“It is definitely the case.”
“That won’t make life with Jeannie any easier. I’ll have to do what I can to discourage him.” She flapped a hand. “It’s quite ridiculous, since he only met me yesterday, and under less than propitious circumstances.”
Circumstances like her undergarments strewn all over the road and beyond.
“While I’m not the least surprised he finds you attractive,” said Sabrina, “David’s behavior is a bit out of character. He’s quite shy, though he certainly seems eager to spend time with you.”
“I’m a complete scandal. He should be running in the other direction.”
“He doesn’t know you’re a scandal,” Sabrina said in a consoling tone. “Just give it time.”
“Thank you for that vote of confidence,” Kathleen sarcastically replied. “Perhaps I can scatter more of my undergarments along the drive to the house. That might scare him off.”
“Really? I imagine the sight of your frillies did quite the opposite.”
“Bloody hell,” Kathleen couldn’t help muttering.
She’d been surprised that Brown had come calling so quickly, volunteering to take her and Jeannie for a tour in his curricle. Jeannie had responded with enthusiasm, apparently forgetting that Kathleen and carriages did not generally mix.
While she’d been casting about for a polite refusal, Grant had come to her rescue. In a blighting tone, he’d informed Brown that pleasure excursions with young ladies should be kept to a minimum as long as bandits were roaming the countryside. When Graeme had backed up his brother, the vicar had been forced to concede.
When Jeannie had started to argue the issue, Sabrina had tactfully suggested a group stroll to Lochnagar Distillery, which was on the estate and only about a mile from the manor. The recommendation met all the necessary requirements. Brown could visit with the ladies, and the ladies would be safe on estate grounds, escorted by the gentlemen.
Picking up the pace as they rounded a curve in the path, Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted Jeannie and the vicar a few hundred yards ahead. Her sister, clinging to Brown’s arm, was chattering away like a magpie. It all looked harmless enough.
“There, nothing to worry about,” said Sabrina. “And I see the terrible twins not far ahead of them, so David is properly chaperoned.”
“I do apologize for foisting my handful of a little sister on you, Sabrina. Truly, I didn’t know what else to do. Jeannie’s really very sweet—just a little lost and lonely right now.”
Kathleen’s throat suddenly constricted. She knew what it meant to feel that sort of loneliness, as if no one understood you. Again, she silently vowed to be there for Jeannie, no matter what.
Sabrina gave her arm a squeeze. “Graeme and I are delighted that you’ve both come to stay with us. And I am especially delighted that little Gus has taken a shine to you. It’s rather a miracle, that.”
“Believe me, I am just as surprised as you are.”
After dinner last night, she had gone—reluctantly, she wasn’t too proud to admit—with Sabrina to the nursery. Her cousin had fed the baby and helped the nursemaid put him to bed. Gus had been fine while his mamma was feeding him, but as soon as she’d gently transferred him to his cradle, he’d kicked up an unholy fuss. He’d wriggled under his little blanket, wailing away until his cheeks turned as red as polished apples.
The nursemaid had suggested rocking him in the cra
dle but, sadly, that had failed to do the trick. Sabrina had finally picked up her son, but Gus had still continued to fuss. Just when Kathleen had been tempted to sneak from the room, Sabrina had turned and swiftly plunked Gus in her arms. Gulping, she’d clutched the little bundle awkwardly to her chest.
And then, as if a spigot had been closed, Gus had stopped crying. When Kathleen had cautiously eased her grip and peered down at him, he stared back, looking just as amazed as she was.
Kathleen had then spent the next half hour trying to get the little devil to sleep. Every time she tried to hand him over to his mother or put him down in the cradle, his sleepy eyes had popped wide and he’d start to wind himself up again. Resigned to her fate, she’d paced the floor with the baby, whiling the time away by chatting softly with Sabrina. Her cousin had entertained her with mind-boggling stories about her courtship with Graeme, and Kathleen had found herself confessing her frustrations with life in the ton. Sabrina had listened with quiet sympathy, not making judgments or offering advice.
It was a far cry from Kathleen’s life in London. Yet last night in that peaceful nursery tucked under the eaves of the old manor house, she’d felt a sort of contentment she’d not had for a very long time.
“I’m not sure Angus is very happy with me, though,” Kathleen added. “He seemed quite put out by my hitherto unknown ability to soothe fractious babies.”
“He’s always been the one with the knack for handling difficult babies. He probably fears you’ve knocked him off his pedestal.”
“Oh, dear. I suppose that’s why he decided to stay back at the house with Gus.”
“Yes, he said he intended to get the nursery sorted. I shouldn’t be surprised if the nursemaids quit by the end of the day.”
“Good God, I hope not. You’ll make me spend all my time in the nursery.”
“With Angus,” Sabrina drolly replied.
“Gus will likely yell his poor little head off the next time he sees me, in which case I will happily cede my position to Angus.”
“I certainly hope not. This is the first time my little angel has slept through the night, which means it was the first time Graeme and I slept through the night since he was born. When we awoke this morning, Graeme leapt out of bed in absolute terror, convinced something was wrong with Gus. He bolted upstairs to the nursery without even putting his breeches on. He frightened poor Abby—that’s the junior nursemaid—out of her wits.”
Kathleen almost choked. “Did she scream? I thought I heard a scream this morning.”
“She most certainly did. Fortunately, Hannah had already taken Gus into the other room to bathe him,” Sabrina said, referring to her maid. “Unfortunately, Abby’s screech brought Grant running upstairs too, also sans breeches. He thought someone was being murdered, so there was no time to waste on clothing.”
By now, Kathleen was wheezing with laughter. “Were they at least wearing their smalls?” she managed.
“Thankfully, yes.”
“They must have made quite the impressive sight, though. Kendrick men are splendidly . . .”
She’d been about to say well endowed, but realized what an inappropriate term that was under the circumstances.
“Well built,” she finished.
Sabrina waggled her eyebrows. “You have no idea.”
Kathleen had to admit she’d like to catch a glimpse of Grant Kendrick wearing only his smalls.
“Hannah, however, was not impressed,” added Sabrina. “She gave the lads a good scold for scaring the nursemaid and told Graeme that fellows running about in their skivvies was not how proper folk behaved. She also called them carrot-topped madmen, larking about in their unmentionables. Needless to say, the twins meekly apologized and slunk back to their rooms.”
Kathleen laughed. “I must say that Lochnagar seems a rather unusual household.”
“Well, I do hope to convince my spouse to keep his breeches on, at least outside our bedroom.”
Kathleen pressed a dramatic hand to her chest. “Is this truly my cousin Sabrina? The most perfectly polite, perfectly correct woman in London?”
“It’s the Kendrick influence. It tends to addle one’s brain.”
“As well as other parts, apparently.”
Sabrina raised her eyebrows. “Now who’s being the naughty one?”
“Guilty as charged. That’s why I’ve been foisted on you, old girl.”
“I, for one, am exceedingly grateful for the foisting. As much as I love my life, Lochnagar can a bit overwhelming, even with the help of our truly wonderful staff.” She pretended to shudder. “I still get nightmares thinking about the state of our water closets when we first arrived. Add in smugglers, wood rot, crumbling stonework, stubborn tenants, chimneys that smoke . . .”
“And a husband and baby to care for. You’ve been run off your feet, haven’t you?”
“I will admit that I’m grateful to have your help, especially with the gardens.”
“Well, I’m as good with gardens as I am with babies, so never fear,” Kathleen stoutly said.
“Your baby-tending skills are a most welcome bonus. And I’m so grateful that Grant has decided to stay, too. Graeme needs his help.”
Kathleen’s foot seemed to catch on a small stone. “Um, he’s staying?”
“Yes. He and Angus both are. After yesterday’s unfortunate events, it’s clear our crime spree is officially out of hand.”
“But what can Grant, er, Mr. Kendrick do to help?”
“I’m sure you’ve noticed how competent Grant is. And he and Graeme understand each other. Each always knows exactly what the other needs.” Sabrina’s smile was wry. “It can be disconcerting at times, especially when they finish each other’s sentences. Or have an entire conversation without even talking.”
“Still, they’re quite different. In personality, I mean.”
“Yes, Grant is a very serious man, although Graeme tells me that he wasn’t always that way. They were both absolute hellions when they were younger.”
“Angus told a few stories on the trip up, but they were amusing rather than outrageous.” Thanks to Grant, who’d shut his grandfather down more than once. “Honestly, though, men get to have all the fun. It’s so unfair.”
Sabrina’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I’m sure Grant would be happy to tell you about his adventures. You might learn a few new tricks.”
Kathleen recollected herself. “I’ve given up my life of nefarious doings, remember? From now on, I walk the straight and narrow path. Besides, I’m sure Mr. Kendrick will be much too busy helping your husband. And I’ll be busy helping you, so we’ll hardly see each other.”
Sabrina shot her a much too perceptive glance. “I know Grant is quiet, but that doesn’t mean he’s boring. He’s the opposite, once you get past his armor. All the Kendrick men wear a bit of armor, you know. But once they drop their shields, so to speak, you’ll find they’re entirely worth the effort.”
“Sabrina, I’m not really sure why we’re having this conversation,” Kathleen cautiously said. “Mr. Kendrick is not interested in me, nor I in him.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure he finds me a terrible nuisance.”
“And I’m sure he doesn’t.”
Kathleen flapped a hand. “It doesn’t matter, because I’m not interested in him.”
Much.
“I think the two of you would get along splendidly, if you just gave him a chance.”
“Are you deranged? We’re complete opposites.”
“So were Graeme and I. Do you think anyone in our London set could imagine me married to a wild Highlander and former spy?”
“True, but I’m not looking for—”
“Kath, hurry up!” Jeannie suddenly called out.
She breathed a sigh of relief, happy to forgo the suddenly awkward discussion. “Coming, dearest,” she called to her sister.
Jeannie and Mr. Brown waited by a sturdy iron gate in what appeared to be a newly bui
lt brick wall. Beyond was a stand of pine and birch trees, through which Kathleen could catch a glimpse of a long building, presumably the distillery.
“Yes, but hurry up. You’re taking forever,” her sister yelled.
The vicar winced. Jeannie was standing right next to the poor man, and she had a very healthy pair of lungs.
“Shall we go rescue Mr. Brown?” Sabrina asked. “We can finish our conversation about Grant later.”
Kathleen had no intention of finishing that particular conversation. “I will say that Mr. Brown has done his duty by Jeannie.”
“Yes, he’s a very kind man.”
If a trifle dull, especially compared to Grant.
She mentally blinked over her sudden conviction that Grant Kendrick was, in fact, not dull in the slightest.
Mr. Brown doffed his round hat as she and Sabrina approached.
“Ladies, I do hope you enjoyed your stroll.”
The man was looking straight at her with a decidedly warm glint in his eyes. Why in the name of all that was holy did he have to take a liking to her?
Kathleen mustered what she hoped was a bland smile conveying no enthusiasm whatsoever. “Yes, thank you. The countryside is very pretty, although not as pretty as Ireland’s, I’m sorry to say. Then again, Ireland is home, so I’m biased in that respect.”
“How can you say that?” Jeannie protested. “The scenery here is so dramatic, and the history is, too. Mr. Brown has been telling me wonderful stories about Highland history.” She gazed at the vicar with girlish enthusiasm. “I think I could live here forever.”
Mr. Brown, clearly oblivious, gave Jeannie a kind smile. “I certainly hope you and your sister have a lengthy visit with us, if not forever. That is indeed a very long time.”
Kathleen scrunched her nose up. “What an awful prospect for poor Sabrina and Graeme. We’re both absolute terrors, Mr. Brown. Our parents hardly know what to do with us.”
“You’re the one who’s the terror, Kath,” Jeannie said. “I’m as good as gold.”
The Highlanderâ??s Irish Bride Page 17