The Road to Love ; Hearts in the Highlands by Linda Ford

Author:Linda Ford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-04-26T14:49:33+00:00

Chapter Three

A few mornings later, Reid sat in his great-aunt’s parlor for a second visit, this time in answer to a note from her. He’d been intrigued by her words that it was “about an important matter.”

Aunt Millicent sat alone in her parlor, enthroned in her high-backed armchair. Despite her diminutive size, she appeared regal in her dark brocaded gown with several gold chains down the front.

He wondered briefly where her companion was and remembered the pleasant time they’d had over tea. The young lady had been a ready and willing listener, though he’d certainly never meant to go into such detail about his work.

“Thank you, my dear, for coming so quickly.” Reid leaned down to kiss his aunt’s cheek, which was soft and wrinkled but still smelled of the lavender water she’d used as long as he could remember.

“I was happy to oblige.” He took a seat across from her. “Where’s Lilah?” he asked, noting also the absence of the terrier.

“Miss Norton took her out for her morning walk.”

He glanced toward the heavily curtained window. “It’s a bit drizzly for a walk.”

“Oh, Lilah’s walks are very short. Miss Norton will protect her with an ample umbrella.”

He tried to picture the willowy Miss Norton scurrying after the tiny dog, a large black umbrella over them both. He turned his attention back to his aunt. “And how are you on this damp morning?”

She made a face. “Not well, I’m afraid.”

He leaned forward, clasping his hands loosely between his knees. “What is it?”

She patted her chest. “Oh, the usual, dear boy. My heart. Some days I feel I can hardly breathe.”

“I’m sorry. Is there nothing they can do for you?”

“I think I’ve had every pill and potion invented, but to no avail. Dr. Aldwin says I must have total rest, but you know it’s impossible not to worry about things. I find myself lying in bed at night just thinking of you off in foreign parts, and Vera with her children. Little Harry, you know, is going away to school this autumn.” She shook her head. “I do hope they choose the right school for him.”

Reid hid his smile. As long as he could remember his aunt had been a worrier. “Well, I’m glad you sent me a note. I would have come by soon at any rate.”

“I hope I didn’t disturb you at your duties, but I really felt I had to see you after the other day.”

“Tell me what I can do for you.”

“I’ve been thinking about what we discussed.”

He tried to remember what they’d talked about. He hoped she wasn’t still dwelling on the attack on their camp.

“It’s about your Uncle George’s collection.”

Reid was immediately interested. “Yes, I was thinking about it, too, since my visit. He must have some highly valuable pieces in it, from an archaeological standpoint.”

“I’m sure everything in it is of the utmost value.”

He hid another smile, remembering how protective his aunt was of Uncle George’s reputation. “Yes, perhaps so.”

“I would like to ensure that it is well taken care of at my demise.

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