The Nabob's Designing Daughter by Alina K. Field

Author:Alina K. Field
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781944063412
Publisher: Havenlock Press

Upon their arrival at Castle Kinmarty, Urjit saw to the gig and the horses, while Errol escorted Ann and Mrs. MacDonal into the hall where a footman took their cloaks.

Strachney strolled out of the great hall. “Where have you been, Ann?”

Errol’s fists curled at the bullying tone.

Ann sent her father a tight smile. “We’ve been looking for a good place to collect pine boughs and holly. Oh, and a yule log.”

“We’ll be going out with our clippers and axes tomorrow,” Mrs. MacDonal said. “I’m hoping we can get some of the energetic younger men to come with us.”

Strachney harrumphed. “And you were out there looking at trees, eh, Robillard?”

“No. I was paying a call at Mounth Tower. I happened to encounter the ladies on the road. Now, I’m going to seek out the duchess.”

Mrs. MacDonal put her hand on his arm. “Then you may escort us up the stairs and I’ll peek into Minny’s sitting room after I change.”

“And I will stop there first,” he said.

Errol found the duchess alone, propped on a chaise longue, a book lying open on the empty chair beside her.

“Your grace,” he said, drawing nearer.

“Dr. Robillard.” She smiled wanly. “How did you find Mounth Tower?”

“I suppose the duke tells you everything?”

“All but the boring bits. So will you stay on as baron and our local physician?”

“It seems I’m compelled to stay for a year, unless I can persuade my benefactor to change his mind.”

“And you would wish him to do that?”

“Yes.” He laughed and shook his head. “If only someone would tell me his name.”

“Ask Mr. Henderson.”

On the ride to Mounth Tower, he’d pointedly asked the solicitor, who’d just as firmly refused to say.

“He won’t tell me. Now, your grace, how are you feeling?”

She lay back thoughtfully during his examination, and when he was finished, she sat up. “Well?” she asked. “Will it be soon?”

“You may find yourself with a Christmas baby, your grace. Unless conditions change rapidly overnight, I think it will be a few more days.”

“Will you just pop your head out and tell the footman to fetch tea? Andrew left a bottle of whisky on that chest over there. Go and pour yourself some and come sit by me.”

He laughed and did as he was told, seating himself in the chair and answering her questions about the state of Mounth Tower.

When the servants had brought in tea and departed, she took a sip and then set down her cup. “Mounth Tower can be restored in time,” she said. “Andrew has plans for hunting at Kinmarty, and he could send his visitors over to Darleton for the fishing. You could fetch a pretty fee for that. Lovelace said that Gordon asks eight thousand pounds for the privilege of taking his salmon. I believe someone said you have salmon in your stream.”

Eight thousand pounds. That couldn’t be true. It was a phenomenal amount of money. “And where would I put them up, your grace?”

She pursed her lips. “They could stay here until you’ve refurbished enough rooms or built a lodge.

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