To Kiss a Highland Rose (Kiss the Wallflower #6) - Tamara Gill Page 0,9

not the least bit unsettled by this plan? If you court her, win her heart, she will think you're genuine in your regard of her, which as much as you like her, possibly find her attractive, you will be marrying her for her land." Rawden fixed his cravat, and Sebastian turned to look back outside the carriage window, thinking on his friend's words. "Think of it this way," Rawden continued. "Had your brother not lost the estate, would you be in Scotland chasing Lady Elizabeth's skirts? I think not. You would have traveled up north for hunting and not much else."

Sebastian pushed away the guilt that pricked at his conscience. It may seem underhanded, ungentlemanly to court a woman for what she would bring to the marriage, but he had little choice. Halligale had been his home for a great deal of his childhood. Where his Scottish mother raised her two boys. Most of his fondest memories were swimming in the loch or running through the grounds, the heather, everything that made Scotland what it is. He loved the home, and so if he had to marry a woman he liked very much and not much else to gain it back, he would.

"First, shall I remind you that this was your idea? I had not thought of that option myself until you said so. But sleep soundly, I will treat Lady Elizabeth with respect. I shall not have a mistress, and she'll want for nothing. She never needs to know that our marriage was brought about by the estate she now owns."

The carriage rocked to a halt, and Sebastian waited for the footman, who hurried from the front steps to assist them alight.

He climbed down, looking up at the large castle that had been built on to at some point. That Lady Georgina was accommodating some of the guests at her ball became perfectly clear. The house was well equipped to house many guests.

"Marvelous," Rawden said, coming to stand beside him. "If I was not so taken with Lady Tarrant, I may try for Lady Georgina instead if this is the home that she brings to the marriage."

Sebastian glared at Rawden and his comment that did not pass his notice.

A willowy figure exited the main doors to the house. Sebastian met the deep-green depths of Lady Elizabeth's eyes, his sole reason for attending. She was dressed in an afternoon gown, a lighter shade of her eyes. The small cardigan over her shoulders accentuated her bosom, and he was reminded of how well-endowed and pretty the woman was.

"Lady Elizabeth, how lovely to see you again." Sebastian came up to her, taking in her flushed cheeks. Did his arrival cause her pinked complexion? Perhaps his winning of her heart would be easier than he thought.

“And you, Lord Hastings,” Elizabeth replied, smiling in welcome.

There was a rustle of skirts before Lady Georgina stepped outside, coming toward him and Rawden with outstretched hands.

"Welcome to Teebrook, Lord Hastings, Lord Bridgman. I hope yer journey north wasn't too tiring?"

"Not at all," Sebastian said, bowing over his hostess's hand. "I had good company, and so the time passed quickly. And we were eager to see your home and meet with you all again."

Georgina smiled, and Sebastian had to agree the woman was quite pretty, but not as pretty as Elizabeth. "Thank ye so much, we are looking forward to the ball also. I hope ye have an enjoyable stay here."

Sebastian stepped back and gestured to his friend, whose gaze was fixed on Lady Georgina. "May I present Lord Rawden Bridgman, second son to the Duke of Albury?"

"We're honored," she said, dipping into a perfect curtsy, laughter alighting her eyes. "Would you like a cup of tea, or perhaps you'd prefer to settle in before dinner this evening? Luncheon has been laid out in the breakfast room if you're hungry after your travels."

"If a servant could show us to our rooms, that would be preferable, I think. We'll come down soon and break our fast."

Georgina waved a footman over, and soon Sebastian and Rawden followed the man who carried his luggage inside. The foyer was monstrous, a double oak staircase leading to the first floor. Guests already arrived wished them good afternoon, smiling in welcome while going about the house. Paintings adorned the walls, rugs littered the floors, a means of keeping the house warm in winter, he supposed. Candles burned from the sconces and upon hallway furniture, keeping the darkened halls at bay. Rawden was deposited in