Page 75 of Christmas at Castle Dunrannoch
Lady Dunrannoch had said she would encourage Rye to select from amongst his cousins. Would there be an announcement then, before all the guests?
Though Cameron would be unable to dance, he was recovered enough to attend and had refused to allow any adjustment to the plans on his account. He would sit with his grandfather, he said, and enjoy the festivities from a comfortable chair.
Ursula had hoped that Rye would seek her out, but he’d been closeted with the earl most of the day—discussing his various duties, she supposed.
Or which of his cousins he’ll be marrying…
Ursula laid out her blue silk with the smallest of sighs, and was about to change into it when there was a knock upon her door.
“Lady Iona?” Ursula stepped back to allow the earl’s daughter entry. “Is everything all right?”
“You won’t mind my intrusion, I hope.” Iona glanced about the room’s meagre furnishings. “I wanted to thank you for helping Cameron. With so much commotion yesterday, I fear your kind efforts were overlooked.”
“I did nothing at all,” Ursula protested. “The level-head was all Lord Balmore’s. I acted only as he instructed.”
“Nevertheless, I’m indebted.” Lady Iona pressed her hand upon Ursula’s. “And I’ve brought something.” Over her arm, she was carrying a length of amber-golden tulle. “The warm tones should suit your complexion. It was a favourite of mine in the year my husband courted me.” The colour rose to Lady Iona’s cheeks. “We shall not recall how many years ago that was, suffice to say that I had Cameron the following year, and the dress never fitted again. I should long ago have passed the gown to someone who would gain pleasure from wearing it.” She laid it carefully beside Ursula’s upon the bed.
Beneath the tulle was a layer of palest peach silk, while golden threads embroidered the yoke of the bodice. It was not in the current fashion, but the elegance of the gown was timeless.
A surge of gratitude filled Ursula’s chest. “It’s truly beautiful, and I’ll be honoured to wear it.”
The thoughtfulness of the gift touched her more deeply than she could say. She’d seen herself only as an outsider at the castle, but this kind action spoke otherwise.
“I trust you’ll enjoy this evening, Miss Abernathy, though we may be a little topsy-turvy, due to Lord Balmore’s novel suggestion.”
Intrigued, Ursula invited Lady Iona to take the armchair by her fire.
“Food and beverages are to be set out along one side for guests to help themselves,” explained Lady Iona, “So that our staff can join in the dancing—at least for an hour or two.”
How like him, thought Ursula. She added another brick of peat to the fire and stirred the embers.
Lady Iona seemed in no hurry to leave. There was something wistful in her manner, and perhaps rather sad. Even in a house so filled with people, one might be lonely, Ursula knew.
For some moments they sat in companionable silence, until Iona spoke again.
“The Yuletide cèilidh used to be such a gay affair, but it’s harder to persuade guests to make the journey these days, even with the train coming across the moor.” She gave a deep sigh. “Of course, we cancelled altogether last year, and Lady Dunrannoch was adamant that, since it’s only been just over a year since Lachlan’s passing, we should invite only a handful of the local notables and their families. Now, at least, with the whole household invited, we’re sure to see some jollity. Lord Balmore is insistent that everyone should enter into the Christmas spirit.”
“And I’m sure they shall.” Ursula nodded her encouragement.
“Arabella—the first Lady Balmore I should say—is terribly put out,” Iona went on. “But I think it’s a wonderful idea. It’s been far too long since we organized something of this sort—for all the household to enjoy. The Countess was a little taken aback but she’s come round quickly—with the proviso that staff will need to return to their duties at ten o’clock.”
Ursula suppressed a smile.
“Arabella’s a good sort really but she’s never understood Highland life. She’s from an old Stirling family and wants to make us just as grand here. She doesn’t seem to appreciate that the Dalreagh clan are moorland people. We’ve a brave history of raising arms and doing battle but, these days, we’re little more than farmers. The way Arabella carries on, you’d think we should be having royalty to dine every other week! Truly, I think she’d be happiest setting up home again in the city. I’ve made the suggestion more than once, but she seems remarkably attached to the idea of remaining here. I suppose we can’t always understand people’s motives.”
“It sounds as if the new Lord Balmore has the right idea, anyway.” Ursula’s heart warmed, hearing all that Iona had to say of him.
“Yes, and he and Cameron have been getting along splendidly. Lord Balmore has proven himself to be very much ‘hands on’, wanting to learn everything—and seeking out Cameron’s advice.”
“That’s good to hear. And—” Ursula hesitated, uncertain if Iona would think her speaking out of turn, “Cameron doesn’t feel resentful of Lord Balmore having swooped in, as it were, and claimed what might have been his?”
Lady Iona shook her head. “Quite the reverse. You see, it’s always been Cameron’s wish to practise veterinary medicine. He began at the university a few years ago but felt obliged to return to Dunrannoch once Brodie and Lachlan were gone. Grandfather wasn’t well enough to manage alone and we needed a male member of the family to take charge. The arrival of Lord Balmore has him ‘off the hook’ as it were—although I know he’ll be pleased to continue giving whatever support he can. He’s only twenty-two but he’s grown up here and there’s very little he doesn’t know.”
“And, I hope you won’t think me forward in asking, but how does the other Lady Balmore feel about things? She’s still grieving I know, but does she wish to continue making her home here?”
“Oh, Mary?” Lady Iona looked thoughtful. “Her own family are from Aberdeen—something big in fishing. I don’t think she’s terribly happy here, but nor does she seem keen on going back to the coast. I suppose she might remarry, in time, but really, it’s her girls she cares about most.” Iona frowned. “If we’re to find husbands for them all, it would make sense for her to take them to town. Lachlan didn’t leave her a great deal of personal wealth, but she has a set of rooms in a townhouse in Edinburgh. If grandfather might settle something on her, I believe she’d be delighted.”
Lady Iona gave an embarrassed laugh. “I’m sorry. I babble on sometimes. Please forgive me. Our family trials are our own affair—and nothing for you to worry over, Miss Abernathy. I’m sure you have your own future to look to, and will be glad to leave behind this rather desolate place.”
