Page 30 of Deception and Desire
“Here, Cousin,” he said, handing a flask to Lachlan. “This will put some color back in yer cheeks.”
Lachlan accepted the whisky. “First helpful thing ye’ve done,” he muttered. Two swallows later, he gave a sigh. “A cure for whatever ails ye.”
“Even the hiccups,” added Miss Franklin with a smirk.
“Be on yer guard, Miss Franklin,” Sorcha said with a wink as she gathered her bag and bandages. Colin handed the wooden pail to the boy and held the door open for the older woman.
“The MacNaughtons have a reputation for being hot-blooded, and ye seem to be in his dreams.” Sorcha patted Lachlan’s cheek. “Behave yerself, or this heavenly vision may cast ye into the depths of hell.”
Already there, Lachlan thought as the weeks ahead flashed before him, working in close quarters with this English beauty.
And then Miss Franklin flashed him a radiant smile, and his world turned right side up again.
Chapter Eight
Lying Ledgers
Early May, One week later
Glasgow, Scotland
“There ye are,”greeted her grandmother as Fenella entered the parlor. “Ye’ve got mail from home.”
Fenella ran to the side table and snatched up the envelope with her sister’s familiar script. “Oh, Grandmama, I’m so wonderfully tired. Have you ever felt that way?”
“Aye, always after a job well done. It gives ye a certain satisfaction right here,” she said, placing a hand over her chest.
“Shall we have some tea?” Fenella asked, setting the leather satchel on the side table. “My feet are sore and my back aches.”
Aileen chuckled. “Sit a spell and tell me about yer day. Is the handsomeout and outerrecovered yet?”
She sank into the cushioned leather chair and took off her boots. Wriggling her toes and skimming the pads of her feet in the thick wool carpet, she leaned back her head and thought of Lachlan. “It seems he will return to the mill tomorrow, and Ian leaves the day after that.” Fenella heard the excitement in her own voice. “Sorcha gave her consent two days ago, and he’s been taking care of some business inside the city.”
“Well, I shall make some berry tarts to celebrate his return. I dinna believe he got any of the last baked goods, did he?”
Fenella laughed. “No, Ian and Colin finished every crumb. Said the shortbread reminded them of home.”
“It’s settled then.”
Rose entered with a tray. “You look tired, Miss Fenella. I told you staying hunched over a desk all day would wear on you.”
“Doesn’t bother me a bit,” she argued around a mouthful of biscuit as Rose steeped the tea leaves. She leaned back and stifled a groan. “Perhaps a little.”
“A hot bath would be just the thing,” Rose agreed. “I’ll tell the maid to heat up some water.”
“Thank you. You’re a dear.”
“Grandmama,” Fenella said after Rose had left, “could I ask your opinion on something?”
“Of course.” Her brown eyes studied her granddaughter sharply. “There are no other randy goats bothering ye?”
“Oh goodness, no. It’s something I’ve found in the ledgers. I’m not sure if I should bring it up to Ian or not.” She chewed her bottom lip, her foot tapping the carpet. “Some of the older entries seem odd.”
Aileen straightened and set down the teacup. “Go on, lass.”
“As you know, every business has regular entries that are repeated each month—deductions paid out to suppliers. But there is a particular one that stops after the last accountant quit.” She sighed. “Perhaps it’s nothing.”
“Humdudgeon!” Her grandmother scowled. “What’s yer gut tell ye?”
