Page 10 of Tempted
For once Beth asserted herself. “I’m dining in the hall with Valentina tonight, thank you, Kirsty. She’ll look after me.”
Kirsty’s lips compressed. She would be the length of the room away at the servants’ table. Heaven only knew what topics that hellion Tina would introduce into the conversation.
Kirsty went down to the hall early so she would miss nothing that transpired tonight. Valentina arrived wearing a copper-colored outfit that made her even more vivid than usual Kirsty was pleased to see that the men were not wearing their dress tartans to impress Mistress Honeypot, but she craned her neck to watch what Tina would do when Beth arrived. She was not best pleased when the two sisters sat down between Lord Carrick and Callum Kennedy Respectable young women would have sat with their brothers.
When Ada took her seat at the servants’ table, she saw immediately what was causing Kirsty’s anxiety, and like a true adversary she decided to rub salt in her wounds. “I’m so glad that Tina has decided to teach Beth social intercourse.”
Kirsty hissed, “I consider Valentina Kennedy no fit role model for my gently reared Beth.”
With a straight face Ada said, “Oh Kirsty, let down your guard for one night. It’s Beltane.”
Kirsty gasped. “Filthy pagan ritual! How dare ye speak o’ it in a godly household? ‘Tis an excuse tae indulge in sinful antics of the nicht. Well, let me tell ye, madam, the carnal appetites o’ the flesh shall no’ inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.”
“You think sex and church don’t mix?” asked Ada with a laugh. “The holier the occasion, the fiercer the grapple. Did I ever tell you the tale of the Abbot of Aberdeen?”
“I willna listen tae such smut.” She glanced at the steward and the other household servants at the table and saw they were enjoying her discomfort.
Meanwhile, Tina was enjoying teasing her dinner companions every bit as much as Ada was. With a straight face but mischievous flashing eyes, she said, “Andrew, why don’t you tell Beth the interesting things you did on your visit to Glasgow last evening?”
Andrew darted a warning glance at Tina and wondered how she managed to look such a picture of innocence “I’m sure she has nae interest in men’s affairs,” he said repressively.
“Oh, you are wrong, Lord Carrick. I am fascinated,” said Beth, hanging on to his every word.
“Yer brothers showed us parts o’ Glasgow I’ve never seen,” he managed between mouthfuls.
Beth said, “I’ve heard there are a lot of poor hovels there, but I’ve seen some fine houses, and the ladies dress quite differently in town, don’t you think?”
“Tell us about the house you visited, and how the ladies were dressed,” Tina prompted.
“Ye’d no’ be interested,” he said repressively.
Beth put her small hand upon his arm. “Please?” she begged softly.
Andrew flushed as he recalled last night’s debauch, then he put his hand over Beth’s and gently explained, “Yer sister is a wicked tease. She knows we spent last night in a —an alehouse.”
“Oh, how silly of me,” said Beth, giggling. Tina joined in the laughter, then finally Andrew, and all was forgiven.
Down the hall the steward spoke up. “Mistress, would ye care tae attend the revels wi’ me?” he asked Ada hopefully.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Jack, I already accepted Mr. Burque’s offer,” Ada said, casting a satisfied glance at Kirsty, for she knew the Scotswoman had lost her heart to the good-looking Frenchman.
“Burque? Yon prancin’ cook? I thought ye’d be wantin’ a more sportive companion on such a nicht,” the steward derided.
“Mr. Burque is a chef,” Ada corrected, “and you can take it from me,” she said, glancing from the steward to Kirsty, “he can be exceeding sportive.”
At the other end of the hall Valentina was plotting her getaway and wanted to be certain everyone was occupied when she rode out. She addressed both Callum and Andrew Kennedy. “You’ll both be gone at sunup, I suppose? What are your plans for this evening?”
The men exchanged glances, and Andrew temporized, “Well, we did think tae visit Glasgow again.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I thought perhaps you’d enjoy a stroll up on the ramparts to count the Beltane fires—unless there’s time before you leave?”
Andrew spoke up “That’s exactly what I planned tae do as soon as we’ve finished here.”
Callum scowled at him. “I’d like tae escort ye, Tina. It’s very dark up on the walls. A lady needs a strong arm, an’ I offer mine.”
“You are both so gallant.” Tina smiled. “I cannot accept, but Beth would like your escort.”
Both men knew they’d been outmaneuvered and bowed to Lady Beth. “It would be an honor, mistress.”
