Page 6 of Tempting the Earl

“This...gentleman has come all the way from London to meet you, Caillie.”

Despite her earlier lack of welcome and her current hesitation, Miss Morgan’s voice was gentle as she spoke to the girl. If he hadn’t already guessed how important his sister was to the woman, that she tried to hide her own resistance to his appearance for the child’s sake would have told him a great deal.

He understood her lack of hospitality, her reasonable desire to protect her charge. But it couldn’t change his purpose. This was the right thing to do.

He took another step forward as Miss Morgan turned back to face him. Her expression was impossible to read, but he met her gaze with patient expectancy. There was a brief furrow between her brows but then she took a deep breath. “Caillie luv, this is the Earl of Wright.”

In terms of proper introductions, the words were very brief, but the child seemed to understand exactly what they indicated. Bright hazel eyes widened and her mouth formed a small oval of surprise. She glanced to Miss Morgan, who nodded while clearly trying very hard to smile. Then the girl looked back to Colin.

“You’re far too young to be my father,” she stated rather bluntly in a soft burr similar to her guardian’s. “So, you must be his son.”

Colin nodded. “I am.” He cleared his throat. “Which makes me your half brother.”

The girl blinked. Then blinked again. “I’ve a brother,” she stated carefully, as though trying to familiarize herself with the concept.

“Indeed,” he replied.

“Since you’re the earl, I reckon our father is dead, then?”

Colin gave a short cough then nodded. “He passed on a couple years ago.”

There was a brief pause as she seemed to sort out the news in her mind. Then she walked up to him and extended her hand while executing a proper curtsy at the same time. “Pleased to meet you, my lord.”

Following her lead, Colin took her hand and performed a bow. “As I am pleased to meet you, Miss Claybourne.”

She tilted her head as something curious flickered in her gaze. Then she gave a soft chuckle. “This all a wee bit strange isnae it?”

“It is,” Colin agreed as he grasped his wrist behind his back. “But I expect that will lessen as we get to know each other.”

“Right,” Miss Morgan noted a bit sharply as she stepped forward to put a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Well, I must say, my lord, your arrival has been quite the surprise.”

The woman’s gaze held a hard glint of challenge, as though she dared him to refute her by bringing up his letters. Since it didn’t serve his purpose to encourage any more conflict with the woman than what existed already, he held his tongue.

There was a flash of triumph as she continued, “Just how long do you intend to stay in Dumfriesshire?”

“Not long, I’m afraid. I made the trip as soon as I had the opportunity, but my responsibilities in London require a hasty return.”

“That’s disappointing,” the young Miss Claybourne noted with a scowl that swiftly shifted back into a smile. “I reckon that means we’ll have to make the most of your visit, then. You’ll stay and eat with us, of course. I’ve so verra many questions I’d like to ask you.”

Hiding the trepidation that flickered to life at her words, Colin gave a short nod. “I imagine you do, Miss Claybourne, and I hope to answer them all.” He glanced to Miss Morgan. “But I’ve no desire to impose.”

Her expression made it very clear that his whole existence was an imposition. But when the girl glanced over her shoulder, Miss Morgan gave the child a flickering smile. “Of course, His Lordship can stay.”

The brief glare she tossed his way made sure he was left in no doubt that she was only being civil for the sake of the child and he shouldn’t mistake her invitation for any sort of true acceptance of his presence.

“Thank you, Miss Morgan,” he replied. “I appreciate the hospitality.”

“Now then, I’ve a meal to prepare and my kitchen is more than a wee bit crowded. Caillie luv, why don’t you show His Lordship to the parlor then you can take Bramble out to the barn before washing up.”

“Maybe I could take him around Faeglen while you finish up. It’d be far more interesting than sitting in the dull old parlor.”

Miss Morgan’s laugh held only a hint of humor. “I doubt the earl has any desire to go tromping about.”

“On the contrary,” Colin noted. “I’d love a tour.”

The grin the girl flashed up at him made was almost as rewarding as thwarting Miss Morgan.

There was a moment of hesitation before the woman gave a dismissive wave of her hand as she walked toward the stove. “Go on, then.”

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