Chapter Fifteen
Scarlett sank into a chair in the parlor, propping her feet up with a sigh. She, her mother, and Lady Brannigan had just arrived home from shopping in town, the gentleman having stayed behind to do other things.
It had been three days since their parents had arrived and Scarlett and Alastair had been busy with keeping their parents entertained. They had seen two hospitals, one being Elfyre Memorial Hospital and the other a smaller one across the island.
Alastair wanted to explore the hospital that Edward Holmes had previously been employed at and see if they could find any information. Unfortunately, they were unable to turn up anything that day, frustrating everyone involved.
Alastair had implied that the smaller hospital was an important place that both he and his father needed to go, so they had. While Alastair and his father had taken her father with them to speak to the hospital staff, Scarlett had taken their mothers to the children’s ward. Scarlett was pleasantly surprised when both women were more than eager to play with the little ones.
She watched them play and couldn’t help but think of them as grandmothers, playing with her and Alastair’s children that they would one day have. She had gotten so excited that she almost blurted out that she and Alastair were engaged. Clamping her lips tightly, she went to play with two little girls that had called her name, keeping her secret for the moment.
Scarlett looked up from where her eyes rested on the ottoman when Lady Brannigan walked into the parlor.
“Excuse me, my dear. I’d assumed you’d gone to take a nap before the ball this evening.”
Scarlett shook her head, sitting up properly before she spoke.
“I did not. My mother did, but I was not too overtired. I decided to relax in here for a bit. Would you care to join me?”
Antoinette smiled and sat down on the chaise across from Scarlett’s chair.
“Thank you,” she said, adjusting her skirts around her.
Scarlett relaxed back against the chair, falling into a comfortable silence with Lady Brannigan.
“May I ask you something?” Antoinette asked, making Scarlett sit up straight and look at her.
“Of course,” she replied, her heart filling with anxiety.
“What is your relationship with my son?”
Stunned by her direct inquiry, Scarlett hesitated a moment before answering.
“I enjoy your son’s company and have had the pleasure of it quite often as of late. He has been a wonderful host and help to me for as long as I’ve been here.”
Antoinette regarded Scarlett with such a hard stare that Scarlett became uncomfortable and had to look away.
“I think that there is more than just friendship between you. Has my son made a commitment to you? I see it every time he looks at you, and when you look at him it is the same.”
Scarlett was nervous now, unsure of how to reply. She silently chastised herself.
She told her father freely and without a second thought, yet she was afraid to tell his mother.
“Yes, madam, he has. He asked me to marry him only the day before you arrived.”
“I see.”
When Antoinette said nothing else, Scarlett sat waiting, her nerves pulled taut. When Antoinette did finally speak, Scarlett jumped at the sound of her voice.
“Over the last few days, I have been able to see you and my son together. This is the happiest I have ever seen him, and that is very appealing. I want nothing more than to see my son happy. My only issue is that you are to be queen if your cousin is not found. I am not sure how he would feel, being Prince Consort.” Scarlett listened carefully, unable to make out whether or not she should be upset or not. “However, if my son is willing to put his life on the line for you and do all this to help you, I can only assume that he has already been over all the possibilities. I approve.”
Scarlett had to hold her jaw taut to prevent it from falling open.
“Thank you, Lady Brannigan. I am glad to know that you approve. I don’t think Alastair would have been willing, which I would have understood, if we did not have your blessing.”
She smiled sweetly.
“Call me Antoinette, darling, as we are to be family soon.”
“I would request one thing though.”
At Antoinette’s questioning gaze, Scarlett explained.
“I have not yet told my mother, and Alastair wants to tell Lord Brannigan so I would respectfully request that you not say anything until we are able to let them know.”
Antoinette nodded.
“Not to worry, dear. I can keep your secret. I am excellent at it.”
Scarlett smiled back at the older woman, closing her eyes and leaning back in the chair as Antoinette called for tea.
Alastair stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for his mother and Scarlett to come downstairs so that they could go to the ball. He looked at his pocket watch once more, already knowing the time but checking it anyways.
“You look lovely, Antoinette,” his father commented, his mother walking downstairs in a lovely sapphire satin gown.
“Thank you, Beau,” his mother replied, blushing a little at Beau’s blatant desire in his eyes.
He took her hand when she arrived at the bottom of the stairs, pressing a lingering kiss on the back of her hand.
“Mother, Father, the Kensingtons are in the parlor. If you would like to join them?” Alastair suggested, Lady Kensington calling for his parents to join them.
Alastair waited out in the hall for Scarlett to join them, anticipation growing as he waited for her to come downstairs.
When she hadn’t arrived a few minutes later, Alastair called for Bard, waiting for the old man to come see him.
“How can I help you, My Lord?” he asked, waiting patiently for an answer.
“Would you please go and check on Scarlett and Melody please? We are going to be late if we cannot entice the ladies to action.”
Bard hid his chuckle behind a cough and said, “I will see about the ladies, My Lord.”
Alastair nodded and watched him walk away, turning to go into the parlor.
He walked in and couldn’t help but notice that his mother and Scarlett’s father were both looking at him in a very curious manner. Walking over to his mother, he leaned down and gave her a kiss, whispering in her ear, “Is there something going on, Mother?”
She chuckled and whispered back, “I heard that congratulations were in order.”
Startled, he looked at her, wondering how she found out.
“Scarlett told me earlier on today in the parlor.”
He opened his mouth to reply and she shushed him.
“Now don’t get upset with the poor girl. It was my fault as I asked her what your relationship was. We are not blind, my darling; we can see the connection you two have.”
He stuttered and felt a blush rising up his neck to his face.
“I am happy for you and I think she is a lovely girl. I haven’t told your father as I was asked not to by your bride to be.”
With one last kiss, he stood, going to sit down on the couch next to her.
He sighed and poured himself a cup of tea and took a drink, relaxing, knowing that he would most likely be in for a bit of a wait.
Bard walked slowly up the stairs and headed to the princess’ suite, halting at the door and knocking firmly. The giggling he heard coming from the inside halted and he cleared his throat as Melody opened the door, holding her dressing gown closed in front of her.
“Yes, Bard, what may I do for you?” she asked, holding in a chuckle when Scarlett called something out from inside the room.
“Miss Melody, Lord Alastair would like to know if there is a problem. He has expressed that you all shall be late if you are not available soon.”
Melody chuckled at Bard’s polite rushing.
“Tell Lord Alastair that we are almost ready. Lady Scarlett and I were just finishing up our hair and we should be dressed and ready then. I assure you that if we are to be late, we will be fashionably so.”
“I will reassure him, my dear, that you are almost ready.”
“Thank you, Bard,” Melody said, curtsying at his slight bow and then shutting the door.
Melody walked back over to the vanity and pinned the last curl on top of Scarlett’s head, completing her hair. She pinned the burgundy rose in her hair, the gorgeous flower matching Scarlett’s dress perfectly.
“There, you are finished,” she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
Scarlett took her hand mirror and turned to face Melody, holding the mirror so that she could see that back of her head.
Thoroughly pleased with the result, she put the mirror down and stood.
“I will help you with your gown so that you do not mess your hair. I’d hate to see such a beautiful creation ruined.”
Melody had piled her curls atop her head and pinned them in place, letting only a few hang down to frame her face. She had also put in a few diamond pins to lend some sparkle to her hair.
Scarlett was fascinated by her ability to do such an elegant hairstyle on herself.
With a smile, Melody turned and grabbed her dress, handing it to Scarlett as she slipped off her dressing gown and stepped into the amethyst gown, standing still as Scarlett laced up the back.
“Ragan will be beside himself when he sees you,” Scarlett teased, making Melody blush.
It was Scarlett’s turn to blush when Melody quipped back, “Lord Alastair will be unable to take his eyes off you tonight.”
“Now, let us go. We have left the men waiting long enough,” Melody admonished.
With one last look in the mirror, they slipped on their gloves and headed downstairs.
Alastair sat waiting in the parlor when a cough from the hallway caught his attention. He looked over and saw Bard standing there, waiting for him to join him.
When he reached Bard, the man said, “My Lord, they are getting ready still, but they should be down in a few minutes. I did not see Master Ragan yet; do you know where he is?”
Alastair shook his head.
“I have not seen him either.”
“I apologize for my tardiness; I was still getting myself ready,” Ragan said, Bard and Alastair laughing along with him.
“I need to be presentable as well. I know that Melody will look lovely so I know to look at least presentable.”
“You look fine. I am sure that Melody will be very impressed.”
“Thank you, My Lord. I am sorry that we have to accompany you under these circumstances.”
Melody and Ragan were joining them on the trip to help protect Scarlett, along with Ronald and a few other guards.
Alastair had sent a message to Lord Dundamear, letting him know about the situation.
“It’s all right, Ragan. I think Scarlett understands. She is happy that Melody is coming. She usually declines and doesn’t accompany Scarlett to any parties and such. She says she doesn’t enjoy them. I believe she doesn’t go because she had no one to go with.”
“I would have to disagree, My Lord,” Melody interrupted, making Alastair blush, being caught talking about her.
“I do not enjoy these parties because of the people who hold them. There are many people who are not worth talking to, as they do not respect others. That is why I choose not to socialize with them.”
“My apologies,” Alastair said, Melody chuckling as she took Ragan’s hand, helping her down the last couple of stairs. She rested her hand on Alastair’s forearm.
“Don’t worry about it.”
She leaned in close and whispered in his ear, “I know that you were saying that for Ragan’s benefit.”
She pulled away as he chuckled.
“I can only guess I missed an amusing moment?” Scarlett asked as she walked down the stairs, Alastair’s breath halting in his chest.
She was dressed in a scarlet satin gown, rubies at her neck and earlobes, a dark red flower in her hair.
Her hair was half up but completely curled, a large red rose placed there.
The rose and jewels matched her gown, the red reminding him of the day she had arrived at Ashaven, and now it changed his life.
It wasn’t a dramatic change; in fact, it was quite a small change, just to the everyday things.
From breakfast in the morning together, to sitting in the parlor together before they went to bed; they now had a routine, and it was very comfortable for them. Alastair couldn’t help but hope that it wouldn’t change after they were married.
Well, with one exception—she would share his bed.
With a cough, Ragan brought Alastair’s attention back to the present.
“Does Scarlett not look lovely tonight?” Ragan asked, inclining his head towards her.
“She looks radiant,” Alastair whispered, a soft pink blush working its way up Scarlett’s neck.
“Are we ready?” Antoinette asked, peeking her head out the parlor door.
“I believe so, madam,” Ragan replied, taking Melody’s hand in his.
“Bard, would you call the carriages please?” Antoinette directed.
“Of course, madam. I will also have the maids fetch your wraps.”
“Thank you, Bard.”
“The carriages are ready,” Bard announced, their parents coming out of the parlor, two maids arriving a moment later to help the ladies with their wraps.
Once everyone was ready, they opened the doors, revealing the carriages.
The footmen were dressed in their finest tonight, the carriages dressed in their finery as well.
Antoinette, Beauregard, Graham, and Babette headed to their first carriage. Melody, Ragan, Scarlett, and Alastair in the second. Once they were settled in the carriage, Alastair knocked on the roof, signaling the driver to go.
Scarlett tucked her plush scarlet mink wrap further around her to ward off the slight chill of the evening. She wished she had decided on her bolero instead of a wrap, but thought the wrap would look better.
“Are you warm enough?” Alastair asked.
She looked across at him and smiled.
“I am warm enough. With all four of us in here, the cold is not able to get in.”
He nodded and turned to look back out the window.
Before she looked out the window again, she looked at Melody and Ragan, the two of them leaning in and whispering to one another. They were open to their feelings for one another and they were not yet even engaged. She technically was, and her and Alastair never showed affection that way, except for the occasional arm holding thrown in.
With a sigh, she looked back out of the window, watching as the countryside went by.
They arrived at Lord Dundamear’s estate almost an hour late, the ride longer than Scarlett expected. They pulled into the drive and Scarlett was pleasantly surprised by the home.
It was large and white with many windows on the front.
The home was unique in its design; instead of the front being flat, it looked staggered. The front door was the point and then there were sections set back from there. They were halted at the large, black, iron gate to wait for the carriage ahead of them to be emptied and taken to the stables.
Their carriage pulled up to the door and a footman opened the carriage door, Alastair and Ragan descending first, then the two men helping the ladies descent.
They joined their parents at the door, heading to join the others in the ballroom.
While they waited, Scarlett looked around, taking in the interior of Lord Dundamear’s home. The walls were white, but covered in precious art. Scarlett was impressed by the tasteful decor, and she loved the dark blue flooring that was inlaid with a soft white.
As she was admiring the home, Alastair watched her.
She looked lovely tonight in her scarlet gown, her hair in curls and decorated beautifully with that large red flower. Her dress was cut tastefully, but the front was cut below to reveal her perfect breasts. When she’d come down the stairs, his mouth had gone dry.
He swallowed and looked elsewhere, trying to focus on anything else. Unable to get his mind off her, he turned to his father, who was occupied in conversation with his mother.
“Father, Mother,” he said, sidling up next to his mother, keeping his hands behind his back.
“Hello, son,” Beau said, turning to face him as they moved forward in line.
“This line is dreadfully long. I wish that Lord Dundamear had considered setting out a table of refreshments,” Antoinette complained, fanning herself with her small clutch.
“Would you like me to speak to someone?” Alastair asked, looking around over the crowd for a footman.
“If you be a dear,” she said, her son heading off to do just that.
He was all right with gleaming Scarlett for a few minutes because she was with Ragan and Melody, and he was certain she was safe.
A few minutes later, he arrived back in line, two footmen with him.
“Mother, Father, Ragan, Melody, Scarlett and Lord and Lady Kensington, we have been invited to go to the ballroom. Lord Dundamear would like to meet the interim queen and does not want to keep her waiting in line.”
At Scarlett’s eye roll, he smiled, taking her arm and leading everyone to the ballroom. Scarlett let out an audible gasp when they walked into the double doors leading into the ballroom. It was large and beautiful, the ceiling vaulted with a giant chandelier placed in the middle. The ballroom was a very particular shape as well.
By the stair leading in the building was square, the large bank of windows across from them was rounded off, giving off a wonderful view of the gardens outside.
The staircase was magnificent and white, the railings carved exquisitely.
To her right at the top of the stairs was the large balcony that held a seating area, the other side a smaller, more intimate area. From what she could see, there was a large refreshment area underneath the balcony, next to a small stage that held the musicians.
There were windows placed sporadically on the walls bringing in more light.
On the left, as she walked down the stairs, there was the entrance to the garden.
She heard her name announced as “Her Majesty Queen Scarlett Kensington of Ciomodors Garden” and she had to resist the urge to deny that she was queen.
Alastair squeezed her hand as he was announced as her escort and he watched together as a whole ballroom bowed, the musicians halting the music as they stood and bowed.
Alastair smiled and nodded his head to the small orchestra conductor and he tapped on his stand, bringing the attention back to the music, the musicians picking up their instruments and beginning to play once again.
Once the music picked back up, the ballroom returned to normal and they walked down to greet their host as her parents and Ragan and Melody were announced.
As they made their way down the stairs, Scarlett was able to get a better look at the refreshment table. At the sight of the food, her stomach grumbled slightly, causing Alastair to look at her.
He leaned down and asked, “Did you not eat the lunch I had set up?”
She shook her head and blushed.
“I was too nervous.”
He sighed.
“After we speak with Lord Dundamear, we will get something.”
She smiled sheepishly and whispered as their host approached, “All right.”
“Lord Dundamear, how lovely to see you again,” Alastair said, reaching out to shake the man’s hand.
Ten minutes later, Alastair excused them from their exuberant host’s clutches, making a beeline for the table. Scarlett grabbed a small plate and reached for the fruit, piling high her plate with juicy berries and a peeled orange.
“Perhaps we should sit upstairs while you eat?” Alastair suggested, Scarlett nodding in acquiescence.
They headed up the stairs, Alastair keeping a firm hand on her lower back. Ragan and Melody were already up there, sitting together on one of the small couches. With a smile, Melody invited them to join them. Scarlett joined Melody on the small settee, the gentleman taking the chairs on either side.
“How has your evening been so far?” Melody asked with a smile.
“It has gone well. Lord Dundamear seems to be very happy that I was able to attend,” Scarlett replied, straightening her gown.
“As acting queen, I have no doubt that he would be very excited for you to be here,” Melody chuckled, patting her hand where it lay.
“He puts too much into it, but I understand,” Scarlett conceded.
She turned to face Melody.
“What have you two been doing while we were entertained by our host?”
Melody smiled as Scarlett popped a piece of orange into her mouth.
“We stayed with your parents, who made the rounds, then went to the buffet table. There are some delectable cookies down there.”
“She had at least three,” Ragan interjected, making Melody blush.
“I have to confess that I did. They are very delicious.”
Scarlett giggled.
“You always have loved cookies,” she laughed.
“I have.”
The conversation turned to other pastry delights; Alastair and Ragan joining in on the fun and telling them what their favorite desserts were.
A few minutes later, a footman came upstairs and leaned over to speak with Alastair. Scarlett watched his face as they spoke, the look of unease making her feel uncomfortable. Alastair spoke with the man for a few seconds more and then, with a short bow, he took off back downstairs.
“Is there something going on?” she asked him.
“Lord Dundamear would like us to open the dance floor,” he said, making her nervous.
“He can think of no greater honor.”
“It’s just a dance,” Melody whispered in her ear.
Scarlett nodded.
“Let us not disappoint our host,” she murmured, a small smile coming to her lips.
Alastair smiled as well, relief flooding his face as he held out his hand for hers.
She took it and they stood, Alastair placing her hand in the crook of his arm as they headed down the grand staircase. The way cleared and they took their places on the dance floor, Alastair taking Scarlett in his arms as the strains of a waltz started.
He held her close, but not too close, keeping his distance appropriate. They moved together to the music, Scarlett’s heart beating quickly. As he moved, he started pulling her closer, her hand in his beginning to sweat.
He led her around the floor, the palm at her back guiding her easily.
Her hand rested on his arm, the leashed strength there making her feel safe.
She couldn’t explain it but whenever he was near, she felt like nothing bad happened to her. Alastair protected her and had done so since the day she arrived.
When he wasn’t around, Scarlett felt off, as if she needed him by her side or she would never be completely safe. That thought unnerved her, as she had never needed a man to protect her. She hoped that it was just the situation with Catriona that put her so off-kilter, and once this whole thing was over, the constant needing him around would pass.
They might be getting married, but she had other interests and pursuits to enjoy and she wanted to be able to enjoy them. The overwhelming thoughts of her codependence soured her mood, making her tense up. Shifting slightly, she put the appropriate distance between them once again, watching as Alastair tried to hide his confusion. A few seconds later, the song ended, both of them taking a small bow as the musicians struck up again and other couples joined them on the dance floor.
Alastair led her from the floor, his hand grasping hers firmly. Melody and Ragan came down to meet them as he reached the bottom of the stairs, Melody becoming concerned at the change in Scarlett.
“Go and dance, we will be all right,” Alastair said, waving them off.
With one last look at Scarlett, they headed out to the floor, leaving Alastair and Scarlett alone. When they arrived at the top of the stairs, the seating areas were empty, everyone having gone down to dance.
Alastair led her to the seating area, sitting down in the chair instead of on the settee with her. He sensed the change in her, felt her pulling away from him and for some reason, it disturbed him more than he felt it should. He stared at her for a few minutes, trying to figure out what it was. When he was unable to deduce what went wrong, he took his gaze from her to the rest of the party.
Both of their parents were dancing, talking, and laughing as they twirled on the floor.
Most of the people in the ballroom he knew from one function or another. There were a few new faces, but he wasn’t overly worried about them since he knew that the upper crust did not take their plans into their own hands. They always kept their hands clean.
He was on the lookout for suspicious waiters or staff that would possibly put Scarlett in any danger. Ragan had been striking up conversations with the staff to see if any of them knew what was going on. Since Ragan was not considered royalty, he was better able to get the information they would need.
Bard had let him in on plenty of the gossip going around the servants before. Alastair had relied on it in the past and though a lot of it was gossip, some was true and could be of some use.
Melody tried her best to help, but she was more recognized and therefore people didn’t want to speak to her for fear of the information getting back to the queen.
Ragan had given Alastair a quick update before they had been asked to dance.
Scarlett sighed, breaking him from his thoughts.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
She nodded and looked away, Alastair becoming irritated.
“If I have done something, please let me know what it was so I can try to make the proper reparations,” he said, leaning over to her.
When she didn’t look at him, he growled in frustration.
She was fine and they were having a good time, and now she wouldn’t look him in the eye and they were sitting in silence.
“Scarlett,” he murmured, trying to get her to look at him.
When she refused, he cursed softly, getting up for a drink, leaving her with Ronald and a few other guards. She watched him go, knowing he was upset but also determined to rid herself of this awful neediness. With a sigh, she looked back up the side window.
Alastair stepped up to the bar, ordering a drink and turning around to face the ballroom.
He saw Babette heading for the powder room, and Graham headed towards him.
“Hello, Lord Kensington,” he greeted the man as Graham joined him at the bar.
“Call me Graham. I am to be your father-in-law after all.”
Alastair drank his beverage fully, putting the glass down and asking the bartender for another.
“Something wrong?” Graham asked with a chuckle as he ordered his drink.
Alastair looked down at his second drink and sighed, tossing it back.
“You don’t seem surprised by what I said. Did she tell you that she told me?” he asked, taking a small sip of his drink.
Alastair shook his head.
“My mother told me earlier this evening. I don’t mind that she told you. We have to tell my father and your wife about it and then everyone will know.”
He turned to face Graham.
“You must not tell anyone about it until this business with Catriona is over. There could potentially be even more danger if it is to be discovered.”
“Don’t worry, my boy. I have no intention of telling anyone until my daughter says.”
“Thank you, sir,” Alastair replied.
He looked back up at the balcony in frustration. They were fine and then Alastair could feel her shutting down, as if she had constructed a wall between them.
“Did you and Scarlett have a falling out?” Graham asked. “I might be able to help you, you know.”
“It’s nothing,” Alastair said, crossing his arms as he leaned up against the bar.
“It is never nothing,” Graham said with a wry chuckle.
“We were dancing and having a wonderful time, and then she pulled away from me. I have no idea what would make her so cold so suddenly.” Alastair sighed in frustration for what felt like was the hundredth time that night.
“Stay here,” Graham stated, heading towards the stairs.
Alastair made a move to stop him but something told him to stay where he was.
With resignation, he turned back to the bar and ordered a third drink.
Graham walked up the stairs and looked around, finding his daughter sitting neatly on the settee, her dress carefully arranged around her and her ankles crossed elegantly.
For a moment, he could see his wife sitting there, not his only daughter.
“My darling,” he said, taking the seat next to her, making sure to avoid her skirt as it would cause a fuss.
“Hello, Papa,” she said, a smile coming to her face and she leaned over to kiss his cheek.
He smiled at her and leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “I daresay you have upset your young fiancée.”
Scarlett looked down at Alastair, admiring how handsome he looked in his finery tonight.
She drew her face back to her father.
“What do you mean I have upset him?” she asked.
“He is upset by your sudden rejection of him. He said it happened while you were dancing.”
She stiffened and looked away, twisting her hands in her dress.
“I am all right,” she whispered.
Graham rolled his eyes, reading his daughter like the books she loved so much.
“I know you are not telling me the truth,” he stated, taking a sip from the drink in his hand.
“I don’t know how to feel right now. I am so confused. I feel so dependent on him. Is this how it will be for the rest of my life? I feel so trapped by something I have no control over.”
She looked over at her father, tears in her eyes.
“How am I supposed to keep myself intact when all I can think about is him?”
Graham reached out and hugged his daughter, his heart going out her.
“You have to learn to balance your want of him and yourself. It is an unfortunate side effect of falling in love.”
Scarlett’s face snapped to his.
“Love? I do not—”
He held up a hand to halt her words.
“Do not try to deny it. You are in love, the both of you.”
He kissed her forehead and stood.
“Perhaps you will be able to focus on other things after this whole business with Catriona is over and you feel completely safe again.”
She nodded in a daze, her mind still trying to wrap itself around being in love with Alastair.
Before he left, he whispered, “Talk to him. Let him know what is swimming around in your head. You know you can trust him.”
She snapped out of her daze and looked up at him, a smile coming to her face.
“Thank you, Papa.”
“I love you, darling.”
“I love you too.”
With that said, he headed down the stairs to find her mother.
Some hours later, they all piled in the carriages, sleepy and ready for bed. Alastair had noticed an immediate difference in Scarlett’s attitude when he had come back up to rejoin her.
She had been back to her cheerful self.
He couldn’t help but wonder what had happened, but he was glad everything seemed to be back to normal. When Graham had come back down, he had smiled and reassured him that everything would be all right.
He looked next to him with a smile.
Scarlett sat neatly in the seat next to him, her hands folded in her lap.
Melody had been so exhausted that she had fallen asleep and Ragan had carried her out of the house. She was currently ensconced in his lap, fast asleep, which meant that Scarlett had to sit next to Alastair, not something either one of them minded.
He could feel Scarlett’s legs bumping his and he couldn’t resist pressing his slightly closer to hers. When she didn’t move her leg away, he smiled, looking out of the carriage window as they headed home.