The Highlander Is All That by York Sabrina

Author:York, Sabrina
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2017-10-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Needless to say, there was not another chance for Elizabeth to see Hamish before the Moncrieff ball that evening, partly because Aunt Esmeralda insisted on being in Elizabeth’s pocket all day, and partly because there was so much to do to prepare. Her sisters were far too excited for this occasion, billed the event of the season, and they wanted to prepare together.

It would have been just this side of torture, given her mood, but to be honest, Elizabeth was curious about the infamous Dark Duke as well.

Moncrieff had been a rake in his day but had apparently met his match in a redheaded Scotswoman who had utterly tamed him, and that alone fascinated all of them.

“I’ve heard he has horns,” Victoria said as they waded through her closet looking for the perfect gown.

Mary shook her head. “I hear there’s a tail.”

“Well, we can’t very well search for a tail,” Anne remarked, holding up a pretty blue frock. “It would hardly be proper.”

Elizabeth sighed. How she would love to wear something in bold colors. They’d been in mourning for the past three years, and then in the annoying whites and pastels of a debutante.

Victoria sighed. “Perhaps the new duchess will tell us.”

“I cannot fathom how one would ask,” Anne said on a sniff.

“Easy.” Mary grinned. “Pardon me, Your Grace, but does your husband happen to have a tail?”

“Or horns?” Victoria added.

Anne chuckled. “You might as well ask if the other rumors about him are true.”

Three heads whipped around. “What other rumors?” Victoria breathed.

Mary plopped down on the bed. “Oh, do tell.”

Anne frowned. “I am not spreading gossip.”

“Too late. You have to tell us now,” Victoria said, “or we might stare at him.”

Their eldest sister shook her head. “One does not stare at a duke.”

“They do if he has horns.”

Elizabeth grinned at Victoria. “Come, Anne. You must share.”

“Oh, all right,” she huffed, but there was a glimmer in her eye. “There was one rumor that he is an author.”

Mary gasped. “Never say it.”

Victoria humphed. “Imagine that. A duke of the realm involved in something as vulgar as publishing.”

“It is only a rumor.”

“And the rest?” Clearly, Mary was out for blood.

“Well . . . Some say his cousin is actually his sister.”

Mary and Victoria gaped at each other. “How can that be?” they asked in tandem, but Elizabeth had figured it out. Apparently illicit affaires ran in the Moncrieff family. “That is scandalous.”

Anne shrugged. “Perhaps. But there is no doubt he is the heir—the family birthmark, don’t you know—so no one really cares.”

“Is there more?” Mary pressed.

“A bit. Here and there. About his association with known criminals and pirates—”

“Oh!” Victoria threw herself back on the bed into a pile of crinoline and lace, in a paroxysm of scandalized delight. “I cannot wait to meet this man!”

“Do you suppose there will be pirates in attendance?” Victoria asked, fluffing her hair.

“It is a good thing he’s married, or our dear aunt would never allow us to go tonight,” Mary said.

“She might,” Elizabeth responded. “Word is, everyone who is anyone is going to be there.

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