she said, “Aren’t you going to perform introductions?”
For a moment, she feared Aidan would refuse, that he would be willing to further antagonize the officer. She pleaded with her eyes. He had to play his part. If he didn’t, she feared the consequences.
He raised one bemused eyebrow, then shifted York to his other arm, reached for her hand, and gallantly kissed it. “My dove”—she almost laughed at the endearment—“Major Lambert is here on business,” he continued. “I do not wish you to trouble your mind over it. He will be leaving.”
The back of her hand tingled where he had kissed her, but she put on her best pout. “He mustn’t. I do so wish for entertainment. Please introduce us.”
Irritation flashed in the depths of Aidan’s eyes, but he did as she’d requested. Not to do so would have seemed suspicious. “Very well. My lady, this is Major Lambert of one of the King’s men protecting his interests in Scotland. Major, my wife, Lady Tiebauld.”
“Your wife?” The words startled the major. He dismounted, dropping the reins. “I had not heard you were married.”
“I did not feel it necessary to send you an announcement,” Aidan replied stonily.
Looking past the major’s shoulder, Anne noticed Deacon had indeed shown good sense and taken advantage of her diversion. He’d slipped away, but he would need more time to escape the estate. She smiled at the officer. “We’ve been married for weeks.”
Major Lambert appeared disbelieving. “But I had not heard you were even betrothed, Lord Tiebauld—and I would have heard such extraordinary news.”
“Oh, it all took place in London.” She simpered like a chit from the schoolroom. “No one knew about it up here in the Highlands.”
The major persisted. “I had not thought Lord Tiebauld had been to London in years…or have you, my lord? Have you been dashing around on secret errands?”
“My comings and goings are not your business,” Aidan answered.
He frustrated Anne with his coldness. Didn’t he realize Deacon needed time? She stepped forward, pointedly ignoring his scowling face. “Would you care to join us for luncheon, Major? I can share the Town gossip.”
Aidan said, “I’m sure Major Lambert has other things to do—”
“I would be delighted,” the major answered. “My men have work to do here anyway.”
“What work?” she asked innocently.
“They are going to search the estate for rebels,” Aidan said briskly.
“Rebels!” Anne made a silly fluttering gesture of distress. “You won’t find rebels here.”
“He thinks I’m one,” Aidan said quietly.
Anne looked at her husband. “You?” She started laughing and Aidan reluctantly smiled with her.
“You can see my wife finds the situation ridiculous, Major.” Aidan placed York on the ground. The pup sniffed at the officer’s boots.
“I have my duty,” Major Lambert replied stiffly, shaking his foot to chase York away.
“Yes, yes,” Anne said, worrying York might do something rude if provoked. “And you must do it, but we can enjoy ourselves during its course, can’t we?”
Cora had approached. Anne said, “Cora, please tell Mrs. MacEwan there will be a guest for lunch.” As the maid hurried to do her bidding, she said, “Come inside, Major.” She waited for him to offer his arm and let him escort her inside. Aidan trailed behind.
“I don’t imagine you know Lord Liverpool?” she asked.
“I’ve met him,” Major Lambert replied, impressed. “Are you acquainted with him?”
“Oh, la!” Anne sighed. “I’m not, but my husband’s sister, Lady Waldo, is very close to him.” She didn’t know if what she’d said was true, but felt it important for the officer to know her husband was not without friends, political friends.
Major Lambert gave search orders to his second-in-command and followed her into the great hall, where he had the good taste to exclaim over the windows.
“They are marvelous,” Anne agreed. “My husband has worked to bring Kelwin to its former glory. He’s a medieval scholar.”
“Yes, I know,” Major Lambert said. “We were in school together.”
Anne’s mouth almost dropped open. From their attitudes, she would have thought they’d never known each other before. “Is this true?” she asked Aidan.
“Oh, yes,” he said, helping himself to a tankard of ale. “We even traveled in the same London circles for a time until I inherited my title. A title is something Lambie has always wanted. Tell me, Lambie, are you any closer to your holy grail?”
The officer stiffened. “I don’t like that name.”
“I know,” Aidan answered, and smiled. “Lambie.”
Anne positioned herself between them. “Do you wish a glass of ale, Major? My husband brews it himself. Or would you prefer wine?”
“Actually, I have