Chapter Twenty
As Nick handed Victoria up the carriage step, she gave him a shy smile. After that intense, sensual night in his study, he’d thought all was settled between them, and marriage would shortly follow.
But Victoria had responded to their sexual interlude by bolting off his lap and stammering out an apology. After struggling to right her clothing—he’d had to do most of the work for her—she’d then all but fled the room. He’d put it down to maidenly nerves, but now was beginning to think some other concern held her back. He intended to solve the mystery—and tonight, if possible.
In the meantime, he’d worked hard to convey his commitment to her, both privately and publicly. He’d taken her on a few outings around town, and up to Mugdock Castle to take in the splendid view. Kade had usually been their escort. The lad worked too hard and needed a break from his studies, and Victoria clearly felt more at ease with the company. When she was more at ease, she was more amenable to Nick’s courtship.
He was, however, impatient to settle the matter between them, and wasn’t above using a bit of encouragement to achieve his ends.
After waving Royal into the carriage, Nick climbed in and sat next to Victoria. When he carefully tucked the lap blanket around her waist, she gave a little shake of her head.
“Thank you, sir. I’m quite capable of doing that for myself.”
“I like taking care of you,” he said, giving her a warm smile.
“Obviously,” Royal said.
“Did you enjoy the ball tonight, Royal?” Victoria asked brightly.
“The Gilbrides know how to throw a party, I’ll say that much.”
Alec and Edie had hosted the Hogmanay Ball at their manor house near Glasgow. The entertaining affair had included what seemed like half the citizens of Glasgow. To say it was a mad crush was an understatement.
Victoria gave a discreet yawn behind her gloved hand. “I’m not surprised the twins decided to stay. They seemed to be having fun.”
“They’ll be there well past dawn, I imagine,” Nick said.
He’d been reluctant to leave them on their own until Alec vowed to keep an eye on them. Fortunately, they’d mostly behaved themselves. Graeme seemed greatly smitten with Miss MacBride, the vicar’s daughter. She was a surprising choice for his rapscallion brother, although Nick couldn’t help but notice she wasn’t exactly a pattern card of modest behavior. The lass had even dragged Graeme onto the dance floor for a second waltz. Because that had set more than a few tongues wagging, it was time to give his brother a warning. Nick didn’t need a scandal on his hands, especially while he was courting Victoria.
“Perhaps we should have brought the twins home with us instead of foisting them on Edie and Alec,” Victoria said in a worried tone.
“Many of the guests will remain until dawn,” Nick said. “It’s a Hogmanay tradition. The Gilbrides will no doubt be providing breakfast for dozens.”
“Victoria, in case you didn’t notice, we were among the first to leave,” Royal said. “For some reason, Nick seemed eager to get out of there.”
“I didn’t hear you raise any objections to our early departure,” Nick retorted.
“I’m not much a one for parties.” Royal then flashed Nick a taunting smile. “But it’s a shame you felt the need to drag Victoria away before midnight. You never let the poor lass have any fun.”
“Have you forgotten we arrived early to dine with the Gilbrides? We didn’t exactly cut and run, you imbecile.” Nick gave Victoria an apologetic grimace. “But I’m sorry if you feel I dragged you away. I thought you’d like to spend part of the evening with Kade and Braden. They’re waiting up for us.” That was very true, and also a convenient excuse.
“I was quite content to leave, my lord. I’d rather ring in the New Year with your family than with a roomful of strangers. I’m not used to attending balls and soirees, as you know. Governesses are rarely invited to such events.”
Nick pretended shock. “You mean you don’t miss being trampled by a mob on the way to an overheated supper room, or having to fend off impertinent young men in their cups?”
“No one would dare be impertinent with you glowering at every male under the age of sixty who even glanced her way,” Royal said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Victoria danced with a number of gentlemen tonight, as you well know.” Nick knew exactly how many, because he’d counted every blasted nincompoop who’d come sniffing around her skirts.
“And you looked like you wanted to murder every one of them.”
“You seemed to be enjoying yourself too, Royal,” Victoria said. “You spent quite a bit of time chatting with Lady Ainsley.”
“I was seated next to her at supper, so I could hardly ignore the poor girl. As much as I would have liked to,” he added, inspecting a seam on his gloves. “But one cannot be rude.”
Nick scoffed. “That’s never stopped you before.”
In fact, he’d been worried to see that Edie had placed Royal and Ainsley together. He’d spent the first course directing warning glares at his brother, half expecting he’d have to leap in to prevent a verbal altercation. Somehow, though, Royal and the snooty beauty had managed to make it through dinner without any fireworks.
“Perhaps I thought it might be more amusing not to cause a scene,” Royal said in a dour tone.
“I’m sure our hosts were grateful for your forbearance,” Victoria said with an encouraging smile. “You were sitting with her during the dancing, and the two of you seemed to be engaged in quite a good discussion.”
While Nick had missed that conversation, Victoria had obviously kept a careful eye on all his brothers. In fact, she’d developed into something of a mother hen when it came to the lads, including Royal.
Royal scowled at her. “I don’t need you spying on me, Victoria. I’m a grown man.”
“Though you don’t always act like one,” Nick said.
His brother flushed. “I was just explaining the sword dance to Ain—Lady Ainsley. I thought she might like to know what the steps meant, that’s all.”
Perhaps it bothered Royal that he could no longer take part in the dances. Before his injury, no one in the family— indeed the entire county—had performed the sword dance with more grace and athleticism than his brother.
Dammit.
Perhaps dragging his brother along to this sort of affair wasn’t such a good idea. Of course it would be a painful reminder of everything he’d lost to the war.
Victoria nodded. “That was very kind of you. I enjoyed it as well. How clever of Edie to arrange for performers to entertain the guests with some of the old reels and dances.”
For the rest of the ride home, she kept up a steady stream of good-natured commentary about the party. But Royal barely said a word, and Nick was more than ready to get out of the damn carriage by the time they rolled up to Kendrick House. By the tiny sigh Victoria expelled, it seemed she’d had enough of Royal for one night, too.
When the footman opened the carriage door, Royal bolted out as fast as his injured leg would allow.
“Sorry, lass,” Nick said. “He shouldn’t treat you like that.”
“No, I embarrassed him. I wonder—”
He tipped her chin up and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “No more wondering or worrying about my brothers for the rest of the evening. You’re off duty, Miss Knight.”
She dimpled up at him. “As you wish, my lord.”
“By the way,” he said as he helped her up, “have I told you how pretty you look? I was tempted to carry you off to a secluded alcove and have my way with you.”
“Hush,” she hissed. “The footman will hear you.”
He grinned and stepped out, then handed her down to the pavement. Royal leaned against the railing in front of the house, a brooding expression on his face. He looked the very image of a romantic hero, a thought that would no doubt appall the poor fellow.
“He looks like a poet,” Victoria murmured, echoing Nick’s thoughts. “No wonder Lady Ainsley is so entranced by him.”
Nick threw her a startled glance. “She is?”
“Undoubtedly.”
If true, it constituted a welcome development for Royal to secure the interest of such a well-bred, wealthy young woman—
“Bloody hell, you two,” Royal said. “It’s almost time. Best get a move on or we’ll miss it.”
“Miss what?” Victoria asked.
Nick pulled out his pocket watch. Only a minute or so until midnight.
“First Foot,” he said, escorting her up the wide stone steps to the front door.
“I’ve heard of it,” she said. “It’s an old Scottish tradition.”
“The first person to enter the home traditionally brings good luck for the rest of the year—if the appropriate conditions are met.”
“Appropriate conditions?” she asked.
“That it be a dark-haired male,” Royal said. “Nick usually does it, when he’s home.”
“And I’ll be doing it from now on,” Nick said. “You have the coal?”
Royal held up a small lump.
“Good heavens,” Victoria said with a laugh.
“Another tradition,” Royal said. “Angus would kill us if we didn’t carry in a piece of coal.”
When the bells of midnight began to chime all over the city, Nick pulled out the small purse of gold sovereigns he’d stowed in his greatcoat pocket before leaving the house. Then he rapped on the door. It swung open, revealing his family and most of the servants, lined up awaiting their arrival.
He stepped over the threshold. “A Happy New Year and Good Tidings to you and yours.”
Representing the household, Angus bustled forward. “Happy New Year, lad,” he said gruffly, giving him a quick hug.
“Happy New Year, Grandda.” Nick handed over the purse. “Make sure all the servants get one.”
Angus nodded. “And Good New Year to ye both,” he said to Victoria and Royal. He took a glass of whisky from one of the footmen and handed it to Nick. Another footman distributed small glasses to everyone else crowded in the hall.
Nick held up his glass. “Slainte, and Happy New Year.”
They cheered and toasted him back.
After the glasses were drained, they all began hugging and slapping one another on the back. When Kade tried to sneak an extra dram from the footman, Nick plucked the glass from his hand.
“That’s enough for you, laddie boy,” he said with mock severity.
“Spoilsport,” Kade said, then he threw his arms around Nick’s waist and gave him a fierce hug. “Happy New Year, Nick. I’m so glad we’re all here together.”
“Except for the twins,” said Braden, also coming up to give Nick a hug. “I suppose they had better things to do.”
“Such as flirt with pretty girls and enjoy themselves?” Victoria replied with a smile. “What shocking activities for young men.”
Braden rolled his eyes. “I know you think I’m an old stick-in-the mud, but I truly would rather be with my family.”
“I think you’re splendid,” Victoria said, giving him a hug. “But I also think you work too hard.”
Since coming to Glasgow, she’d been on a campaign to get the lad to ease up on his studies. But Braden was determined to gain admittance to medical school as soon as possible. He was the most disciplined, serious person Nick had ever known.
“Someone in this household has to earn his keep,” Royal said. “God knows the rest of us spend our days lazing about.”
“Speak for yourself,” Kade said, poking him in the arm. “I work very hard, as does Miss Knight.”
“True,” Royal said, ruffling his little brother’s hair.
Nick didn’t miss the bitter twist to his brother’s smile. Royal still hadn’t a clue what to do with his life.
“How about another wee dram in the drawing room?” Angus said.
“Yes, please,” said Kade. “I want to hear all about the party.”
Nick frowned. “It’s getting late, and you must be tired.”
When Kade started to protest, Victoria smoothly intervened. “I think we can make an exception. After all, it’s New Year’s.”
“So there.” Kade stuck his tongue out at Nick.
They all laughed and the family followed Angus into the drawing room. Nick held Victoria back. “Are you sure the boy’s not wearing himself out? He’s looking a little peaked to me.”
“He’s looking no such thing,” she said firmly. “The doctor said just yesterday how pleased he is with Kade’s progress. Stop worrying so much. I’m sure it’s not good for you.”
“Do you fear for my health, Madam Governess? If I fall ill and take to my bed, you’ll have to join me there. To personally attend to all my needs, of course.”
“Sir, I cannot imagine what you’re talking about.”
“Lass, you know exactly what I’m talking about,” he murmured, leaning in close. She smelled delicious, like peppermints and sweet tea.
Her lips twitched. “You are incorrigible,” she said before marching past him.
Nick followed, not bothering to hide his grin.
Kade, sitting on the sofa by the fireplace, waved as they came in. “Miss Knight, come sit by me.”
As she went to join him, Nick propped his shoulder against the edge of the mantel and accepted another dram from Angus.
“So, ye all had a grand time prancing about with the nobs, did ye?” Angus asked.
“We did,” Victoria said. “It was a lovely party, and not everyone was a nob. For one thing, I was there.”
“Aye, but ye are rather snooty,” Angus said with a wink. “Even if ye are a governess.”
Victoria simply rolled her eyes.
None of the others but Nick knew she was the natural daughter of the Prince Regent, since she’d sworn him to silence on that point. To his family, Victoria was only a governess, and yet they clearly respected her, including his grandfather, who would be more likely to hold her royal blood against her rather than see it as advantageous. And Nick’s brothers would probably think it a great joke, something to tease her about.
“She’s not snooty at all, Grandda,” Kade said in stout defense. “And I’ll bet Miss Knight was the prettiest lady there. Right, Nick?”
Nick smiled at her. “Without a doubt.”
She scoffed. “There were far prettier girls. I know, because I watched them trail about after the twins. Graeme and Grant cut very dashing figures in their clan dress.”
“As do you, Nick,” Braden said. “I don’t remember the last time I saw you kitted out in the full regalia of the Black Watch.”
Since both Royal and the twins had worn the family colors, Nick had decided to honor both his old regiment and his host by hauling out his dress uniform. “It seemed fitting, given that Alec was also a member of the Watch.”
“What about you, Royal? Did you meet any pretty girls?” Kade asked.
“No,” Royal said, staring down at his glass.
Braden eyed his brother. “Did you sit in the corner all night and ignore everyone, as usual?”
“Of course not,” Victoria said when Royal started to bristle. “He chatted with many people, including a guest who is visiting with the Gilbrides. That person was feeling a bit lonely, and it was very nice of Royal to spend time with her.”
“Probably an old biddy no one else wanted to talk to,” Angus said.
“Exactly,” Royal dryly replied.
“Tell us what else happened.” Kade pulled his legs up and leaned against Victoria’s shoulder. “What did they serve for dinner? Was there any entertainment?”
“It was entirely splendid, as you can imagine,” Victoria replied.
She snagged the wool lap blanket off the arm of the sofa and tucked it around Kade’s legs. For years, the boy had longed for a mother’s affection, and he’d finally found it in Victoria’s warm, sensible nature. In fact, Nick believed that her presence was quietly repairing the holes that time and tragedy had punched in the fabric of his family’s lives.
He’d reached the point where he was finding it difficult to imagine life without her.
Eventually, talk moved to plans for the next few months and the family’s impending return to Kinglas. By the time the longcase clock in the hall struck the hour, Kade was dozing on Victoria’s shoulder.
“Och, the wee lad’s asleep,” Angus said in his ridiculously loud version of a whisper.
“I’m just resting my eyes,” Kade said sleepily.
Victoria nudged the boy. “It’s late, and time we were all abed.”
“Indeed,” Nick said. When she glanced up at him, he winked.
She blushed and averted her gaze as she urged Kade to his feet. “Come along, young man.”
“Anyone up for another dram?” Angus asked hopefully.
“No,” Victoria said firmly.
Like the mother hen she was, she ushered them all out to the hall, ignoring Angus’s protest. They wandered up the stairs in ones and twos, Braden guiding a protesting but sleepy Kade to his bedroom.
“Thank you for a delightful evening, Lord Arnprior,” Victoria said as she paused outside Nick’s door on the way to her room. “And Happy New Year.”
“What, no New Year’s kiss?” he teased.
She cast a quick glance down the hall. Royal and Angus were still at the head of the stairs, talking.
“Under the circumstances, I think not,” she said, sounding regretful.
“Ah, perhaps later then,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.
She gave him a wry smile. “As I said earlier, incorrigible.”
“I do hope so.”
“Good night.” She marched off down the hall, the short train of her gown fanning out behind her in a ripple of silk. Conveniently for his plans, her room was at the back of the house and a good distance from the other bedrooms.
Nick dismissed the footman who served as his valet in town, and leisurely began to undress. He thought about putting on his dressing gown, but remembering what she’d once said about men in Highland dress, he decided to leave on his kilt.
After waiting a few minutes, he went to the door and cocked an ear. The house was silent, so he snagged a small box off the top of the tallboy dresser and tucked it into the back of his waistband, then headed down the darkened hall to the back of the house. Light flickering from under Victoria’s door signaled she was not yet in bed.
He softly tapped on the oak panel. After a few moments, he heard a soft rustling, and then the door swung open. Victoria blinked up at him, obviously startled.
“Lord Arnprior, my goodness,” she said in a breathless tone.
He let his gaze drift slowly down, desire starting a hard drumbeat through his veins. Her unpinned hair streamed like a waterfall of pale moonlight thick and straight over her shoulders. Thankfully, she was still dressed in her shimmering blue gown, a glorious confection of silk and lace that he’d been dreaming of peeling off since the moment he’d laid eyes on her in it.
Bracing a hand on the door frame, he smiled down at her. “Hello, lass. I’ve come to get that New Year’s Eve kiss you promised me.”