“As do we all,” Mother agreed soberly.
Wasn’t there a plague outbreak in France?
Liam would bite his tongue off before he mentioned it, however.
Her gray eyes bright with curiosity, Kendra fairly bounced on the tips of her toes. “I canna imagine how ye came to be in Liam’s company. When did ye leave Killeaggian Tower? I thought Berget said ye intended an extended stay.”
About as subtle as an enraged bull in the larder, was his sister.
Everyone’s attention shifted to Liam and Emeline, inquisitiveness etched upon their features, but each too polite to put forward the question Kendra hinted at. As the last rays of sun filtered through the windows, casting the room in a warm light, Emeline looked as if she’d swallowed rocks.
“My aunt decided she shouldna be away from her modiste shop any longer,” she said by way of an explanation.
Likely, Jeneva LeClaire couldn’t afford to be away longer. Clientele were only so loyal. She’d only answered why they’d left Killeaggian, however. Emeline fixed her innocent whisky-colored eyes on Liam, trusting him to modify the story they’d agreed upon. They’d also decided to forgo her assuming a false identity since Kendra knew Emeline, and using a false name would raise questions neither were ready to answer just yet.
“I was on my way home when the thunderstorm hit—the worst I’ve ever encountered,” he put forth, attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction.
His mother and sister nodded simultaneously.
“It sounded as if the heavens were collapsin’.” Kendra gave an exaggerated shudder, her face a shade paler. She’d always hated storms, particularly thunderstorms.
Liam swept his gaze to each of the room’s occupants in turn. “As ye can well imagine, it was quite dangerous with the trees fallin’, lightnin’ strikin’, and the tremendous rainfall makin’ the ground unstable. I happened across a coach as a flash flood bore down upon the occupants. I only just managed to reach Emeline and see her to higher ground before the water consumed the conveyance. Unfortunately, the drivers and her aunt perished.”
All perfectly true, but only partially accurate, given the disturbing details he’d omitted.
Kendra gasped and blanched. “Och, Emeline, I’m so verra sorry.” Her countenance sharpened by compassion, his spitfire of a sister blinked away genuine tears.
Broden and Quinn made appropriate sympathetic noises as well, and his mother tsked her commiserations. “How utterly tragic, my dear. Please accept my deepest condolences, Emeline.”
“Thank ye.” Fingers formed into talons, Emeline clenched the fabric of her cloak and directed her focus to the floor. Her throat worked, and Liam didn’t doubt she relived those terrifying moments the gun had been pointed at her, her aunt’s violent death, and how they’d barely escaped the floodwaters.
“But the storm was days ago—?” Broden ceased abruptly at the thunderous scowl Liam speared him.
Comprehension caused his mother’s eyes to flex the merest bit before she cleared her throat and directed her attention to Emeline again. “My dear girl, I shall have a bath drawn for ye at once. Kendra, hurry to yer room and gather an assortment of clothin’, underthin’s, and nightwear for our guest.”
“Liam, dinna I get an introduction?” Broden gave a cheeky grin, and not for the first time today, Liam wanted to wipe it from his face. Preferably with his fist.
He’d never felt hostility toward Broden until today, and the unwelcome sensation made bile rise hot and acrid in his throat. He curled his fingers into is palm and marshaled his composure. “I’m no’ sure that’s a good idea, given yer reputation.”
“Nae worse than yers, my friend,” Broden quipped, not the least bit put off by Liam’s starchy demeanor.
“God above and all the saints, too, give me patience.” Kendra rolled her eyes again and snorted. “And men complain women prattle on about nothin’.”
In short order, Liam introduced Emeline to Broden and Quinn.
She gave each a shy smile, and Liam wanted to punch his handsome friends in the face. He didn’t like this possessiveness thrumming through him, making him think and behave rashly. Hadn’t he spent years learning to control his impulses? And then this bonnie lass with her doe eyes comes along and turns everything arse over chin.
“I believe I saw ye at McCulloughs’ ball in Edinburgh, Mr. McGregor,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Werena ye dressed as a sheik?”
“Aye, he was struttin’ about like a vain peacock.” Arms crossed and her tone as dry and heated as fresh ash, Kendra cast him a sour look. “Because he mistakenly believes that all women will fall under his spell and jump at the opportunity to join his harem.”
Broden’s grin took on a stony edge. “Och, only the lasses who have blood runnin’ in their veins rather than ice water.”
Quinn chuckled and winked at Skye who flushed a becoming pink.
Kendra narrowed her eyes until only the irises were visible. “Ye great sod—”
“Kendra Eislyn Olive MacKay!” Mother’s stern exclamation finally cowed her. “That will be enough. I’ll remind you, we have a guest, and such vulgar speech is never acceptable from a lady.”
Liam made a mental note to find out just what had transpired between his friend and sister. And to watch Quinn like a hawk around his pretty, young cousin. Quinn was a notorious philanderer.
Like moths drawn to a flame, women fawned over him. He had his pick of the lot, and seldom refrained from carnal pursuits.
Azure blue eyes shining, Skye stepped forward. “Emeline. I believe we’re of nearly the same size as well. Why don’t you, Kendra, and I go upstairs and we’ll see what we can do about supplying you with a temporary wardrobe?”
His mother rang for the butler, and scarcely three breaths later, Simmons entered the salon. “Ye require somethin’, my lady?”
“Aye, Simmons. We have the pleasure of another guest. Please prepare the—” Her gaze skittered between Liam and Emeline again. “The bedchamber beside Kendra’s. Miss LeClaire can share the services of Kendra’s lady’s maid. Also have baths drawn for her and Liam.”
So, his mother had already perceived the attraction simmering between Liam and Emeline, and by giving her the room next to Kendra, hoped to curtail anything untoward. She would’ve been wiser to put Emeline in the other wing. For Kendra’s room was only four doors down and across the corridor from Liam’s.
Looping her hand through Emeline’s elbow Kendra drew her toward the door. “Come, Emeline. Ye must be exhausted after yer ordeal.”
Emeline sliced Liam a speaking glance, and he gave a slight nod. They’d agreed not to discuss the matter with others and stick to the plan they’d devised. Except Broden had already broached the subject that could lead them down a very rocky path.
Liam trusted his family and friends, and his servants didn’t gossip. Not if they wished to retain their positions. If anyone came calling, Emeline would stay in her chamber.
She couldn’t remain secluded for long, however. They both agreed on that point. But returning to Edinburgh wasn’t wise or practical. Someone had gone to tremendous effort to have her killed. For the present, it was far safer and wiser for her would-be-murderer to believe she was dead.