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Authors: Alicia Quigley
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best if I returned to my discussion of horseflesh with
Kincraig. In that area I can be sure of my expertise.”
Harriet looked
disappointed, but Douglas stepped forward, only too eager to oblige the
colonel. Ranulf paused a moment, and turned to Sophy.
“Perhaps some
time in the future you will wish to show me your paintings, Lady Sophia,” he
murmured. “If that were to happen, I would be delighted.”
“It is not that
I do not want you to --” she began, but he shook his head.
“You do not need
to explain. I understand what it is to value something highly, and to share it
when one wishes to, not when others demand it.”
“Thank you,”
breathed Sophy.
“Not at all.” Ranulf
bowed politely and moved away, bearing Kincraig with him.
“What a pity
that he did not wish to see your paintings,” said Harriet. “No doubt to you
that is another black mark in his book.”
“On the
contrary,” Sophy surprised her by saying. “I am finding that Colonel Stirling
improves with acquaintance.”
Dearest
Philippa,
We depart next
week for Glencairn, and I must say I will be very happy to leave London behind
us. It is growing warm, and the noise and dirt are beginning to wear on me. Company
grows thin, and there is little reason for us to be here now, as Sophy
continues to show no interest in her suitors. I half hoped that Lord Osterley,
who has been showing her some very flattering attentions these past two weeks,
might appeal to her, but she says that he leaves her unmoved. I think it a
great pity, but she cannot be budged.
I begin to
believe the only thing I will miss in London is Colonel Stirling! He has become
a great favorite in our household, and has been very kind to Douglas, taking
him driving in the Park and teaching him any number of things involving horses
and driving that I am afraid I do not understand! But the boy is in transports
of delight, and therefore I am happy as well. Glencairn is less effusive in his
praise of the colonel, of course, but they have forged quite a friendship. G.
told me only yesterday that Colonel Stirling is a decent fellow, and you can be
sure that is high praise indeed from my husband! But you must not think that he
does not know how to conduct himself in a drawing room; indeed, he has been
very polite to me and even arranged for himself, the Exencours and our little
family to drive out to Richmond for a picnic! It was a delightful day, and he
would not be thanked, saying only that it was a very small repayment for the
kindness we had showed him. Such a pretty turn of phrase, you must admit.
You will notice
that I do not mention Sophy. At first she had a great abhorrence of the
colonel, but it seems now that she likes him a bit better. Still, she is very
quiet when he is visiting, and, though I see them speak from time to time, she
has little to say about him. I think it very odd, for a kinder, more handsome
gentleman I have never met, but then Sophy can be a bit, dare I say it,
bullheaded at times. Still, they are no longer at loggerheads, which is a very
good thing, as I consider him quite one of the family. I shall miss him a great
deal, though he is a Scotsman, so perhaps we will have the opportunity to see
him again soon.
I must go to
supervise the packing; I find that if I am not there the servants neglect to
pack the best pillowcases, or the boots that Glencairn feels he absolutely must
wear while we travel are buried at the bottom of his trunk. Please know I think
of you fondly, and will write again when we are safe at home.
Your loving
sister,
Harriet
Chapter 8
A well-sprung
traveling carriage bearing the Glencairn arms trundled through the Scottish
countryside, its shining black lacquer gleaming against the rolling green
hills. The earl and his countess were comfortably ensconced inside, while Lord
Kincraig and Lady Sophia rode beside, enjoying the warmth of the June sun. Several
miles back, a coach loaded with an imperial as well as innumerable trunks
Kincraig. In that area I can be sure of my expertise.”
Harriet looked
disappointed, but Douglas stepped forward, only too eager to oblige the
colonel. Ranulf paused a moment, and turned to Sophy.
“Perhaps some
time in the future you will wish to show me your paintings, Lady Sophia,” he
murmured. “If that were to happen, I would be delighted.”
“It is not that
I do not want you to --” she began, but he shook his head.
“You do not need
to explain. I understand what it is to value something highly, and to share it
when one wishes to, not when others demand it.”
“Thank you,”
breathed Sophy.
“Not at all.” Ranulf
bowed politely and moved away, bearing Kincraig with him.
“What a pity
that he did not wish to see your paintings,” said Harriet. “No doubt to you
that is another black mark in his book.”
“On the
contrary,” Sophy surprised her by saying. “I am finding that Colonel Stirling
improves with acquaintance.”
Dearest
Philippa,
We depart next
week for Glencairn, and I must say I will be very happy to leave London behind
us. It is growing warm, and the noise and dirt are beginning to wear on me. Company
grows thin, and there is little reason for us to be here now, as Sophy
continues to show no interest in her suitors. I half hoped that Lord Osterley,
who has been showing her some very flattering attentions these past two weeks,
might appeal to her, but she says that he leaves her unmoved. I think it a
great pity, but she cannot be budged.
I begin to
believe the only thing I will miss in London is Colonel Stirling! He has become
a great favorite in our household, and has been very kind to Douglas, taking
him driving in the Park and teaching him any number of things involving horses
and driving that I am afraid I do not understand! But the boy is in transports
of delight, and therefore I am happy as well. Glencairn is less effusive in his
praise of the colonel, of course, but they have forged quite a friendship. G.
told me only yesterday that Colonel Stirling is a decent fellow, and you can be
sure that is high praise indeed from my husband! But you must not think that he
does not know how to conduct himself in a drawing room; indeed, he has been
very polite to me and even arranged for himself, the Exencours and our little
family to drive out to Richmond for a picnic! It was a delightful day, and he
would not be thanked, saying only that it was a very small repayment for the
kindness we had showed him. Such a pretty turn of phrase, you must admit.
You will notice
that I do not mention Sophy. At first she had a great abhorrence of the
colonel, but it seems now that she likes him a bit better. Still, she is very
quiet when he is visiting, and, though I see them speak from time to time, she
has little to say about him. I think it very odd, for a kinder, more handsome
gentleman I have never met, but then Sophy can be a bit, dare I say it,
bullheaded at times. Still, they are no longer at loggerheads, which is a very
good thing, as I consider him quite one of the family. I shall miss him a great
deal, though he is a Scotsman, so perhaps we will have the opportunity to see
him again soon.
I must go to
supervise the packing; I find that if I am not there the servants neglect to
pack the best pillowcases, or the boots that Glencairn feels he absolutely must
wear while we travel are buried at the bottom of his trunk. Please know I think
of you fondly, and will write again when we are safe at home.
Your loving
sister,
Harriet
Chapter 8
A well-sprung
traveling carriage bearing the Glencairn arms trundled through the Scottish
countryside, its shining black lacquer gleaming against the rolling green
hills. The earl and his countess were comfortably ensconced inside, while Lord
Kincraig and Lady Sophia rode beside, enjoying the warmth of the June sun. Several
miles back, a coach loaded with an imperial as well as innumerable trunks
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