His mother’s keen gaze narrowed minutely.
Bloody hell. That slight flexing meant there’d be an inquisition later. A lengthy inquisition.
Lest everyone see his state of arousal, he didn’t dare dismount until he’d brought his lust under control. He motioned to Broden McGregor. “Broden, please help Miss LeClaire alight.”
The cross look Kendra sliced Broden piqued Liam’s interest.
From his cocky grin and the acute interest in the gaze he leveled Emeline, Broden was happy to oblige. Too handsome for his own good, he winked good-naturedly and easily lifted her from the saddle.
“Och, lass. I canna imagine ye’re in need of somethin’ besides grunts and groans for conversation if ye’ve spent any time in this bear’s company.” His hand remained on her elbow to steady her as she became accustomed to standing after riding for so long.
A surge of possessiveness assailed Liam, and he wanted to rip his friend’s fingers from her arm. The ire did much to cool his lust.
Emeline’s mouth twitched at the corners, and she slid Liam a mischievous glance from beneath her lashes.
God, she was adorable.
“He sometimes growls, snorts, and hisses, too,” she murmured, matter-of-factly.
Add a sense of humor to her considerable charms.
Quinn and Broden guffawed, and Skye and Kendra giggled. Even Mother’s mouth inched upward a degree, approval shining in her eyes.
“In case anyone cares, I’m right here, and can hear ye,” Liam grumbled.
“Liam, darlin’, I believe that’s the point.” His mother’s eyes twinkled. “We’re no’ laughin’ at ye, but with ye.”
Emeline wasn’t.
To anyone but him, she appeared composed, even serene. But he’d come to know her well these past days, and he spied the signs of her severe nervousness. Hands clasped tightly before her. Squared shoulders. The Madonna’s serene smile that didn’t quite reach her wide, troubled eyes.
“My dear Miss LeClaire! What an unexpected pleasure.” Kendra swooped in to take Emeline’s hands in hers, forcing Broden to release her arm. “’Tis wonderful to see ye again so soon.” She wrapped an arm around Emeline’s waist while sending Liam another inquisitive glance.
His mother’s too perceptive gaze drifted between Liam and Emeline and traveled back to Liam again before she raised her eyebrow—her most skeptical eyebrow—a fraction.
To his immense relief, no one paid him much mind as he slid from Deri. Everyone’s attention was on the woman he’d brought home.
It was his turn to summon false congeniality. “I’m sure ye’re curious why I’m tardy and why Miss LeClaire is with me. I’ll explain inside after the introductions.” He turned to his mother. “Mother, we’re both ravenous. Please ask the kitchen to prepare somethin’.”
At once, his mother nodded her noble head. With carefully coiffed hair as black as his, but liberally threaded with silver, she had the bearing of a great lady as well as a genuinely warm and generous heart. “Of course. Baths, too, I presume?”
“Please.” He bent to kiss her upturned cheek. “I’m sorry to have worried ye.”
She gripped his forearm, her expression more relaxed. “Ye’re home safe now. That’s what counts.”
Looking slightly lost, Emeline met his gaze across the short distance separating them. He canted his head, indicating she should accompany Kendra inside.
“Kendra, I’m hopin’ I can impose upon ye to allow Emeline to borrow a few of yer gowns.” Liam flexed his spine again. Miles of riding while wanting a woman he couldn’t possess had strained his self-control mightily.
“Of course.” She gave Emeline a reassuring smile, even as her winged brows dipped together in puzzlement. To her credit, his outspoken sister didn’t ask the obvious question.
Nonetheless, a flush scampered across Emeline’s porcelain cheeks.
Her rosy cheeks didn’t escape his mother’s notice, however, and her eyebrows scampered up her forehead. She wisely refrained from commenting as well. For now.
“Liam, we heard word of flash floodin’ and several fatalities. I must tell ye, we were all greatly concerned when ye didna arrive home on time.” Broden slapped him on the shoulder then gave it a hard squeeze. “Glad I am to see ye safe and sound.”
They’d heard of the flash flood? Dammit.
Liam had counted on them not being aware. The tense line of Emeline’s jaw revealed her thoughts mirrored his. The account they’d agreed to tell everyone would need altering a mite.
Kendra tossed her head and rolled her eyes heavenward. “Broden, I told ye he was fine. Ye needna have come to check on us or him.”
“Kendra, cease bein’ churlish to our guest,” Mother gently admonished. “The Penderhavens and MacKays are kent far and wide for our hospitality, and Broden dinna need an invitation to call. He’s always welcome in our home.”
“Aye, but some guests outstay their welcome.” She gave Broden a pointed look, and his expression turned flinty. Since when did she snipe at him? And since when did he look like he wanted to turn her over his knee?
Eyes narrowed contemplatively, Liam considered them. For all of their protestations of dislike, they could hardly keep their eyes off each other.
A few minutes later, everyone entered Eytone Hall’s floral salon. At least that was what Mother called the garish room. Decorated in shades of pinks and roses, with gewgaws galore scattered about, Liam called the damned feminine travesty an eyesore. If his mother knew the salon greatly resembled a courtesans’ bordello, she’d faint dead away.
He took Emeline’s elbow and, offering her a reassuring upward slant of his mouth, guided her to his mother. “Mother, may I present Miss Emeline LeClaire? Emeline, my mother, Louisa MacKay, Baroness of Penderhaven.”
Emeline dipped into an elegant curtsy, a graceful smile curving her lips. “’Tis a pleasure to make yer acquaintance, my lady. Please forgive the imposition.”
His mother arced her hand in the air. “Think nothin’ of it, my dear. We adore havin’ guests.” She laughed, a light, cheerful tinkle. “Ye smell far better than the hairy mongrel Liam brought home a few weeks ago.”
“Prince would be most offended to hear ye speak so ill of him. He adores ye.” Liam glanced around then frowned. “Where is he, anyway?”
“Havin’ a bath in the stables. Yer Prince is noble in name only. The beast is fond of rollin’ in sheep and coo manure, and I draw the line at animal excrement in my home.” Lady Penderhaven motioned to Skye. “Miss LeClaire, this is my sister’s daughter and my niece, Skye Hendron.”
A kind smile swept Skye’s face, and she grasped Emeline’s hand. “I’m sure we’ll be the greatest of friends.” Though half-Scots, Skye had lived in England her entire life and acted every bit the perfect Englishwoman.
Liam bent his neck and kissed his cousin’s cheek. “I’m glad to see ye, but I didna ken ye were plannin’ a visit.” He angled his head toward his mother inquisitively.
“’Tis an unexpected pleasure,” his mother said, a hint of concern creasing the corners of her eyes.
Skye’s blue eyes clouded and worry tautened her already high cheekbones. “Mama sent me north. A week ago, Papa returned to England from a visit to France and fell extremely ill within days. Mama insisted I come to Eytone Hall the same day. I didn’t even have a chance to bid him farewell.” She absently plucked at the lace at her elbow. “I hope ’tis nothing serious.”