A Scot to the Heart (Desperately Seeking Duke #2) - Caroline Linden Page 0,72
and Ilsa back to her home. Then he lowered his voice, as he bent down to collect Agnes’s trunk. “Do you remember what you asked me, that day you took tea in the study?”
His mother looked startled. “Yes, I think so . . .”
Drew glanced at Ilsa. She wore a short pink jacket over her dark blue dress, and the new hat—a straw bonnet with white flowers and a bright red ribbon. As he watched she laughed at something Agnes said, and an answering smile bloomed unconsciously on his own face. “The answer is yes,” he murmured to his mother, and walked on, calling for Duncan to bring the other baggage.
“We could hail a porter,” said Agnes as they walked, Duncan behind him and the ladies bringing up the rear.
“No need,” Drew told her. “Unless it’s too much for Duncan?”
His friend growled something rude under his breath.
“’Tis very kind of you, gentlemen,” said Ilsa.
And just the sound of the warm appreciation in her voice made him feel taller, stronger, and able to carry this trunk another mile straight up the hill.
Mam, I think I’m already in love with her.
At her door the butler let them in. The pony came trotting out to receive a flurry of affection from both Ilsa and Agnes, and graciously let Drew scratch his nose. Ilsa invited them to come up to the drawing room, and Drew went without waiting for Duncan’s response.
Ilsa led the way but paused in the doorway. Her shoulders fell slightly, and then she took a breath and walked in.
Drew realized why when he followed. The walls and ceiling had been repainted a muted green, no more hints of Calton Hill. New draperies hung in front of the tall windows, closed against the twilight. The stern and forbidding painting still hung opposite the hearth.
Ilsa said nothing. Agnes was not so restrained. “Oh no,” she exclaimed, halting just inside the room.
“Respectable and elegant once more,” said Ilsa with a forced smile.
“Indeed it is!” said Miss Fletcher from the doorway, a complacent smile on her face. “The new drapes are much lighter, as you wished.”
Ilsa touched the heavy cream fabric. “Yes. Much lighter.”
Her aunt went to embrace her. “I am so glad you approve. I wanted to surprise you.”
“You did,” Ilsa murmured. “Aunt, I hope you remember Captain St. James. Allow me to present Mr. Felix Duncan, who accompanied us to Stormont Palace. Mr. Duncan, my aunt, Miss Fletcher.”
“Enchanté, madam.” Mr. Duncan swept a grand bow, and Miss Fletcher bobbed a curtsy, her face alive with interest.
“You are both welcome, Captain, Mr. Duncan. I trust you had a good journey?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Drew bowed in turn. “Very fine weather for travel.”
“And now you must all be hungry.” Miss Fletcher rang the bell. “I shall send for a light supper—”
“That is most kind, Miss Fletcher,” put in Drew, “but you mustn’t trouble yourself. Mr. Duncan and I shall stop at a tavern.” He glanced at his sister. “Perhaps you and Mrs. Ramsay would like to accompany us, Agnes. It would be unkind to put out the housekeeper, feeding so many on short notice.”
Ilsa’s face brightened. Agnes gave him an incredulous look. “I—I suppose, if Mrs. Ramsay wishes to . . .”
“Of course.” Ilsa smiled directly at Drew, as if she knew exactly where he meant to take them. “I would be delighted.”
He and Duncan made idle conversation with Miss Fletcher while the ladies went to change their clothes. Ilsa’s aunt kept casting him contemplative glances, but said nothing exceptional. Still, Drew was relieved when his sister and Ilsa returned.
“Where are we going?” demanded Agnes as soon as they were outside.
“I’ve longed for a plate of oysters since we left town,” said Drew without looking at Ilsa. “What say you, Agnes?”
His sister looked like she couldn’t believe her ears. “I—I may go to an oyster cellar?”
“Is that a good idea?” blurted Duncan, which earned him a poisonous glare from Agnes.
“As your brother and guardian, I see nothing wrong with it, and I shall be there to provide any assistance necessary. Don’t you wish to come?”
For a moment Drew thought his sister might embrace him in the public street. “Yes!”
They went to Hunter’s tavern again, finding a place at a long table in the cellar. Drew ordered punch for the ladies, porter for him and Duncan, and oysters and other food for everyone.
Agnes, sitting beside him, gazed around with wide eyes. “Mama won’t be pleased you brought me here,” she told him in a low but happy tone.