Page 17 of The Texan Duke
She glanced at Addy who was making another batch of coffee. Betty wandered in from the scullery, looking as if she were engrossed in the pots and pans she carried. Elsbeth knew they were both listening intently to her conversation with the duke.
Even worse, the kitchen would soon be filled with other members of the staff.
She really did need to insist that he retire to the family dining room. When she whispered as much to him, he responded with another smile.
“Only if you’ll accompany me, Elsbeth,” he said. “After all, you’re family, aren’t you? Aren’t you considered that, being a ward of my uncle?”
She abruptly stood, glanced at Addy, and said, “We’ll finish our breakfast there, Addy. Thank you.”
She glanced at the duke. “Would you come with me, Your Grace?”
Frankly, she didn’t know what she was going to do if he said no, but to her relief he followed her through the labyrinth of corridors. She stopped beside the door to the family dining room.
The family didn’t actually rise until midmorning, at least. Later, if the night’s entertainments had been lengthy.
“It’s quite a ways from the kitchen, isn’t it?” he said. “Is that entirely practical?”
No, it wasn’t, but she was surprised that he had deduced that. It had been her experience that most men did not pay any attention to domestic affairs.
She shook her head, gestured with her hand that he was to precede her. He didn’t. Instead, he folded his arms, shook his head and pointed his chin inside the room.
How odd, to have a battle about who would enter the room first. Of course, she should if their ranks were equal. But he was the Duke of Lothian and she was along the lines of a poor relation.
“Your Grace,” she said inclining her head.
“Elsbeth,” he responded. “I am more than willing to stand here all day, if that’s what you wish.”
She had a feeling he would, too. What on earth would Rhona say to see them staring at each other across an open doorway?
After a last glance at him, she entered the room. She didn’t wait for him to pull out a chair, but sat herself, smiling as he frowned at her. Truly, she didn’t want to battle the man, but it wouldn’t do to allow him to win without some token show of resistance.
“You mustn’t call me Elsbeth,” she said, daring to correct him. “It’s so much more proper to address me as Miss Carew.”
“While you call me Your Grace, is that it?”
She nodded.
“I think I’m going to continue to call you Elsbeth. And I insist that you call me Connor.”
She folded her arms and allowed herself to reveal a little of her irritation. “Your Grace, I’m afraid that wouldn’t be acceptable. We may be in the Highlands, true, but you are the Duke of Lothian. The title has always garnered respect. You are expected to be the epitome of all that’s right and proper about Scottish heritage.”
“I’m an American,” he said. “Even more important, I’m a Texan. If I’m the epitome of anything, Elsbeth, it’s the XIV Ranch and Longhorn cattle.”
She sat back and stared at him, more than a little concerned.
“But this is Scotland. You need to learn more about the country. And adapt to your new role.”
She felt a little strange telling him what he should do. However, he didn’t appear irritated by her words. If anything, they seemed to amuse him.
“I have no intention of adapting, Elsbeth. Scotland isn’t my country. Besides, I won’t be here long enough for that.”
She had the most peculiar feeling right then. She didn’t know whether she was disappointed or elated. On one hand, she truly didn’t wish to see him leave. Not so soon. He was an anomaly and inspired her curiosity. However, if he did leave, that meant everything might return to normal or as normal as they could be without the duke in residence.
“You want to go home,” she said.
“I do.”
At that moment, one of the serving maids entered, bearing a tray filled with scones and the duke’s coffee.
