Page 39 of Some Like It Scot
One of the pros of living through dozens of embarrassing experiences was that my emotions mostly bypassed anger or humiliation and went directly to humor. But thankfully, I turned my laugh into a cough just in time.
I took one of the napkins from the table and dipped it into my glass of cold ice water, offering it to Mr. Logan as he stood. “For the blood.”
Mr. Logan took the offering and began to wipe his face, eyes widening. “The... the blood?”
He looked from me down to the cloth he pulled from his nose, the smear of red undeniable, and with another glance to me, his face went white all the way to his lips... and he fainted.
Thankfully, Lord Wake was already in position to catch Mr. Logan.
Which brought Mr. Lennox from his seat, wine glass still in hand. “What a night!” He grinned and cheered toward them. “I thought Mrs. Lennox’s little hobby would prove a bore, but this is exciting.” He placed his glass on the table and moved to help Lord Wake with Mr. Logan’s limp body. “And the food was excellent, don’t you think?”
I looked from Mr. Lennox’s clueless grin to Lord Wake’s confusion, and back. “Perhaps someone should take Mr. Logan to his room?”
“We’ll take on the task, won’t we, Wake?” came Mr. Lennox’s cheery reply. “What man hasn’t been bashed in the nose a time or two and lived to tell the tale, eh? Do you remember that time in Africa?”
Lord Wake offered a resigned grin to his friend, and as Mr. Lennox recounted some story about a mischievous monkey and a teapot, he silently assisted Mr. Logan out the door.
“Men really can’t stomach the sight of blood, can they?” Miss Dupont pushed up her glasses and placed her napkin back on the table. “It’s a good thing we were here to assist him.” With a sniff, she glanced toward the kitchen door. “I wonder if they plan to serve us the rest of our meal in our rooms?” And with purposeful steps, she headed toward the kitchen.
I stood there, one hand poised on the back of my righted chair and the other rubbing my softest spot, pondering if this was how the first night of our Edwardian Experience went, what was the rest of it going to be like?
Then the hair on the back of my neck stood on edge as I turned to find Mark standing from his seat. He hadn’t moved the whole time. Not even to help.
Maybe Mrs. Lennox should feature a chivalry class. I bet Lord Wake could teach it.
Mark walked toward me, smug grin growing as he neared, and as he passed he leaned in my direction. “I bet this little fiasco I started tonight will overshadow your ‘Falling for a Scot’ post in no time.”
Are you kidding me?Hewas the one who purposefully sent the pig heart toward Ann Lennox? What a jerk move! How on earth had Ieverwanted to kiss him?
And my article’s title was not “Fallingfora Scot,” it was “Fallingona Scot.” I had no intention of falling for anyone on this trip, especially a Scot.
Mr. MacKerrow’s blue eyes flashed to mind, and I quickly pushed them way far back behind a dozen years of memories. “I don’tplanmy situations, Mark! And I don’t hurt people.”
Usually. I mean, if someone does get hurt, it’s completely by accident.
Except once.
“And look what you did to all of the chef’s hard work.” I gestured toward the destroyed table. “You totally missed the mark on this one. Not evennearthe target. The Vision Award is about a whole lot more than how many viewers you have. It’s about content and personality too.”
His eyes narrowed, his nose even flared. “I’m not losing the Vision Award to you again, and if it’s misadventures I need to win, then let the ‘mishaps’ begin.” He made air quotes, and I curbed the urge to slap down his hands.
Had he always been this annoying with air quotes?
“I don’t play games that involve disregarding other people’s safety, Mark.”
“Logan’ll be all right.” He shrugged a shoulder and winked, but just before leaving the room, he turned. “The game is on.”
***
Evidently the disaster from the night before failed to thwart Mrs. Lennox’s plans. First thing in the morning, I found a card slipped beneath my door that read:
Miss Campbell,
Please meet our party in the drawing room after breakfast. The Edwardian Experience must go on!
Mrs. McTavish was able to add enough lace to the bottom of your green gown to have it cover your calves, even though it will still be shorter than is period appropriate. I’m sending this gown with Emily. She knows what to do.
L
