A Scandalous Scot by Karen Ranney

Author:Karen Ranney
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: HarperCollins US
Published: 2012-06-30T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

RULES FOR STAFF: No relative or friend shall be allowed in the house at any time.

“You need to settle yourself,” Andrew said. “This isn’t painful.”

He smiled reassuringly at the young maid seated on the overstuffed burgundy chair near the fireplace. The juxtaposition of her dark blue uniform against the richness of the upholstery interested him creatively.

The girl had knocked on the door to clean his room, and instead became the perfect subject.

“What’s your name, my dear?” he asked, more in an effort to reassure her than because he cared.

“Donalda, sir,” she said, her voice trembling. “Please sir, I need to be about my duties. Mrs. MacDonald knows how long it takes to clean each room. She’ll be looking for me now.”

He waved his hand in the air, dismissing the housekeeper.

“I shall just tell her I’ve absconded with you because I needed a subject for a portrait.”

He wouldn’t begin with his oils until the sketch was perfect. Besides, he’d only brought a few canvasses along with him, never thinking he would stay this long in Scotland.

But the entertainment value here was priceless. Not only was Morgan’s behavior fascinating, but the new countess was proving to be vastly amusing as well. As for the other recreation, he smiled, thinking of Catriona. Poor puss, she didn’t know how to handle her elevation in rank.

She was ignoring him, and the give and take of their play was engaging.

All in all, he was enjoying himself a great deal more than he’d expected.

The little maid—what was her name again?—perched on the edge of the chair, wringing her hands nervously despite his admonition for her to remain still. If she wasn’t going to cooperate any better than that, he might as well dismiss her. But he never liked to lose, especially when the battle was joined with a woman.

He put down the stick of charcoal, turning away from his sketch to smile at her.

“I shall speak to the housekeeper on your behalf, my dear. Please, don’t concern yourself with anything.”

“But, sir,” she said, “it’s not proper.”

She glanced toward the open door. She’d insisted on that. Nothing would come of it if someone objected to her being in the room alone with him.

He wasn’t about to be shamed into a union with a maid. He was happily married and not likely to change. His wife suited him well, and she was an excellent mother to their brood.

Not once had she complained about his frequent absences, even when he informed her he was going to Scotland. Over the years, she’d learned there were two matters that captured his attention: the health of his children and the funds required to maintain his home. Beyond those subjects, he didn’t involve himself with domestic drama. She, in turn, remained silent about his activities.

“Shall I call for one of your companions, then?” he asked.

She looked terrified at the idea. “Oh no, sir, that would bring Mrs. MacDonald up here for certain.”

He wanted to finish the damn sketch, and if the woman was

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