A Princess In Plaid (The MacGalloways Book 5) by Amy Jarecki

Author:Amy Jarecki [Jarecki, Amy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2023-10-02T16:00:00+00:00

14

What polite society saw in London, Frasier had no idea. Aye, it might be the kingdom’s capital where Parliament met, but it was too bloody crowded. The air was polluted with the pall of chimney smoke, the streets were teeming with carts, wagons, carriages, beasts of burden, and ridiculous sedan cars carried by haggard laborers clad in ragged livery. The mayhem presented the street sweepers with an insurmountable task of cleaning up after horses, not to mention all manner of filth which compounded the stench tenfold.

Perhaps in Mayfair where Dunscaby lived the city was tidy, but his mews was overcrowded with horses and carriages. “I canna return home soon enough,” Frasier mumbled under his breath as he used the brass lion’s head knocker.

Giles, the butler, opened the door with a gaunt, sour expression, his bloodhound eyes immediately brightening as he recognized Frasier. “Buchanan, what the devil are you doing in London, let alone England?”

He’d been acquainted with the butler since the age of fourteen and it wasn’t long after when the two men had dispensed with all formality. Giles had even taught Frasier to play the piano, not that he remembered anything from those lessons so long ago.

“I’ve come to clear my grandfather’s name. My father’s as well.”

“Och, ’tis about time. His Grace mentioned you might pay a visit, though I had to see it with me own eyes to believe ye would actually come down from your wee dung hill.”

Frasier introduced Angus who was standing agape. “I hope it willna be too much trouble to take in a pair of ornery highlanders.”

“Nay, nay, not at all.” Giles stepped back and opened the door wider. “Come in afore it starts to rain.”

“My thanks.” Beside him, Angus released a breathy whistle. Indeed, the Duke of Dunscaby’s entry was lavishly decorated in finery complete with a gilt sideboard and Grecian marbles, but it wasn’t as spectacular as Stack Castle’s enormous great hall. Nonetheless, this was the first time Angus had been to one of the duke’s residences. The most lavish building the highlander had ever visited inside was most likely the kirk in Crieff where most of their kin had been wed.

Once inside, Frasier removed his woolen bonnet. “Is His Grace home?”

“Unfortunately, no. He’s had to take a trip to Brighton on parliamentary business, poor soul.”

Frasier scowled. Of course Dunscaby was an important man who was exceedingly busy but having him away posed a conundrum.

Angus looked none too pleased as well. “How long until he returns?”

“It shouldna be more than a few days. Mayhap a week…could be more.”

Noticing Frasier had removed his bonnet, Angus followed suit. “Longer than a week?”

“One never kens. The Prince Regent is having one of his banquets at the Royal Pavilion.”

Frasier quizzically studied the butler. “I thought you said Dunscaby was on parliamentary business.”

“Aye, well he and the duchess didna want to go to Brighton.” Giles gestured to a grand staircase. “Allow me to show you to your rooms. Of course, ye are to make yourselves at home until he returns.

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