A Scot to the Heart (Desperately Seeking Duke #2) - Caroline Linden Page 0,71

and fast, that last time, trying to make the most of each stolen second together. She came apart under him with an expression of such rapture, he didn’t know how he would ever do without her.

“You’re too bloody cheerful this morning,” was Duncan’s greeting as he came out, still pulling on his coat.

Drew grinned. “Why not? ’Tis a fine day for travel. We should make good time.”

“Aye,” said Duncan sourly. “And a long day of travel never fails to put a spring in a man’s step.”

“Did you not sleep well?” asked Drew in exaggerated concern. “You’re right peevish this morning.”

Duncan gave him a dark glance. “You might guess why, you daft specter.” He paused. “Speaking of ghostly figures, I saw another one, early this morning. Flitted right down the corridor past my door in a flowing white gown.”

That made Drew pause. Duncan’s room was near his. If people had seen Ilsa leaving his bedroom . . . “I told you the place was haunted,” he said bracingly. “Whole regiments of ghosts drifting through, no doubt.”

Now his friend was smirking. “Fortunate me to have seen one! She was very fetching, too, and blessedly silent.”

The doors opened and his mother walked out, tugging at her gloves and calling over her shoulder to her daughters. Drew lowered his voice. “Aye, fortunate you. I’m sure ’twas a very gentle ghost, and not interesting to anyone else.”

Duncan snickered. “For your sake, St. James, I hope she wasn’t entirely gentle. But no, I’m sure no one else would be interested in the story.” He walked off, whistling toward the horses being led out by the grooms.

After that Drew did his best to be cautious, and did not sweep Ilsa into his arms for a morning kiss the way he wanted to do when she finally appeared, looking remarkably fresh and beautiful even though she’d had as little sleep as he had. She came out with Winnie and Bella, carrying a large hatbox whose lid seemed to bounce upward every few seconds, and the three of them were absorbed in conversation. Only as they passed him did she glance up with a tiny, intimate smile that set his mood soaring again.

It was an easy trip back, and they reached Edinburgh before dark the next day. During the ride, Drew endured his friends’ complaints about the ghost prank and teasing about his partner in crime with good grace; in truth he barely listened to them as they rode, preferring instead to steal peeks inside the carriage where Ilsa sat, sometimes talking to his sisters, sometimes leaning against the side with her eyes closed, sometimes sending him arch glances that almost caused him to ride into the ditch.

After the serenity of Stormont, the Edinburgh streets felt crowded, full of workmen hurrying to their dinners, carriages taking people to the theater, shops closing up, windows lighting with candles. The smells felt sharper and more noxious the closer they got, reminding everyone why the city was called Auld Reekie. After they crossed the bridge toward High Street, Monteith and Kincaid doffed their hats and called a farewell to the ladies before turning away toward their own lodgings.

Annag came out on the steps when they reached the neat little house off the High Street, fluttering her hands in happy welcome. The ladies climbed down, stretching and exclaiming at the long ride, and Louisa asked Drew to see that the luggage was carried in.

“And then I suppose you’d better escort Mrs. Ramsay home,” she said with a perfectly straight face.

Behind him Duncan coughed and wore a wicked grin until Drew thumped him vigorously on the back. “Aye, Mother,” he said. “Duncan, take up a trunk and be useful.” Conscious of Ilsa’s gaze on him, he heaved Bella’s trunk onto his shoulder and jogged up the stairs.

When he came back down, his mother was talking to Ilsa. He checked his step, then slowly came near, wondering what they were saying.

“We were delighted to have you, my dear.” Louisa clasped Ilsa’s hand in hers. “I’m pleased we were able to become better acquainted. I know my children are very fond of you.”

Drew stood like a statue, wishing he hadn’t approached.

But Ilsa smiled. “Thank you, ma’am. It was entirely my pleasure.”

His mother patted her hand and released her. “Perhaps you will dine with us tomorrow evening.”

He caught the flicker of surprise in her face before Ilsa smiled again, wider this time, and accepted.

When his mother turned away, he told her he and Duncan would see Agnes