To Kiss a Highland Rose (Kiss the Wallflower #6) - Tamara Gill Page 0,11

her in such a forward manner. Whatever had come over the man?

While she did not mind his company, she was also wary. His particular attention did not make sense. She was known as Lucky Lizzie. Gaining husbands for others, somehow her gift. While he may think himself safe from her because he was male and not female, that did not ring true at all. Not if all the admiring glances directed at him were any indication.

She studied him as he took a sip from his wine, and her stomach fluttered anyway. He was awfully handsome. It was no surprise women flocked to him, that all of Edinburgh was aflutter with his presence in the city this year.

"I am most disappointed that I did not meet you when you were in London last. Promise me at tomorrow night's mask that you will save the waltz for me."

"Of course, if that is what ye wish. I have not been asked to save any dances yet, so I shall write your name on my dance card when I retire for the night." Elizabeth turned back to her meal. If she concentrated on the soup, the man beside her would surely be less diverting. The idea that he may be singling her out due to interest was not something she had considered before. She had been so unlucky in the past that she now automatically assumed no one would find her handsome.

That his lordship seemed genuine in his focus on her was a welcome diversion. A pleasant change from how her Seasons had traveled in the past.

The tapping of a crystal glass caught her attention, and she looked up to see Georgina's father, Earl Cathcourt, standing at the head of the table and smiling down at everyone. He was a jovial-looking gentleman and known for his kindness toward others. "Ladies and gentlemen, let me welcome ye all to Teebrook. My daughter and I hope yer stay here is enjoyable and memorable too."

The ladies about the table smiled in sweet agreement while the men nodded. It amused Elizabeth to note that the two women most interested in Lord Cathcourt's words were Julia's elderly aunts. Maybe Georgina's father would be able to distract the sisters for the ball's duration and allow Julia to enjoy herself without chastisement.

"Georgina." The earl gestured to his daughter. "You wished to say a few words."

"I did. Thank ye, father." Georgina stood. "I too wished to welcome ye and thank ye for traveling here at such short notice. The masked ball is sure to be a magical evening, and we hope you all enjoy your short stay here. After dinner this evening, there will be music, cards, and if anyone is inclined, dancing in the green drawing room, which for those who have not toured the house as yet, is the original castle's great hall."

A muffled, excited chatter sounded about the table, and Elizabeth had to admit the short house party here was exciting, made one almost not want to return to Edinburgh.

"I hope you all have a lovely stay and will come back to see us all very soon." Georgina sat, smiling at the guests.

Lord Cathcourt raised his glass in toast of his daughter's speech. Elizabeth raised hers, turned to see Lord Hastings watching her, a small smile playing about his mouth.

"To masked balls, my lady," he said, tapping his glass against hers.

"Of course," Elizabeth replied, unsure how to react to a man who looked at her as if he would like to devour her, just as a wolf would a rabbit. This being courted was a whole new experience for her. When in London, she supposed her Scottishness had gone against her. With fiery red hair and freckles across her nose, she was under no illusion she was not as perfect as the English liked their ladies. She was a little rough about the edges, opinionated, and her hair often did whatever it wished. Did Lord Hastings not mind her quirks? How diverting if he did not.

How alluring.

Chapter 5

Elizabeth, along with Julia and Georgina, came downstairs and walked through the ballroom before the other guests were due to arrive. Many of those in attendance stayed at the castle, while some from nearby properties would come within the hour.

The room was everything one could wish for a masked ball. Seductive, secretive, and decadent. Hundreds of tallow candles burned in the chandeliers above their heads. Flowers and sheer, black fabric looped across the ceiling, making the room appear smaller and more wicked