Page 139 of The Highlander's Christmas Bride

Angus bristled. “Now, see here—”

Nick held up a restraining hand. “While it’s true that Miss Haddon is under my protection, I cannot be happy that Victoria and I know so little about her mother’s situation. It obviously makes it difficult to manage any resulting gossip.”

“Always holdin’ it close to the vest, is Riddick.” Angus sniffed. “Thinks he’s better than the rest of us.” Then he pointed at Alec. “As do ye, laddie. But let’s not forget whose wife is the daughter of the Prince Regent, ye ken.”

That helpful intervention had the expected result. The other men started arguing, with their wives trying to intervene.

For a few moments, Logan almost enjoyed the ridiculous scene. While Victoria was the illegitimate daughter of the Prince Regent, Alec was the illegitimate son of one of the Regent’s younger brothers. And since Victoria’s mother had been a barmaid and Alec’s mother a countess, Logan figured it was debatable when it came to bragging rights.

Then again, Scots tended to take the finer points of family heritage rather seriously.

While the various parties were distracted by the argument, Donella tried to sneak away from the room. She was nearing the door when Logan reeled her back.

“None of that, lass.” He dropped a kiss on her messy curls, barely held in place by the still-lopsided bandeau. “By the way, I like your hair.”

She gave him a shove. “You’re as ridiculous as the rest of them, and this entire episode is making my head ache.”

He tipped up her chin and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “We’ll get it sorted, I promise.”

“You, Kendrick,” Alec barked. “No kissing until you’re betrothed. Better yet, not until you’re married.”

Edie feigned surprise. “I don’t believe we waited, dearest. Perhaps you can refresh my memory, if it’s faulty.”

Alec scowled. “Edie—”

Nick chopped down a hand. “Enough. This discussion has become absurd.”

“Don’t blame me,” Alec retorted. “Angus started the whole damn thing.”

“Now see here, laddie,” Angus snapped. “Yer not too old—”

“What in heaven’s name is happening in here?” interrupted a stern female voice.

Logan sighed at the sight of the woman in the doorway. “Just what we didn’t need.”

Lady Reese marched into the room. “You must cease this ridiculously loud argument. I could hear you from the other wing.”

“Well timed as always, Mamma,” Edie said. “Things were getting a bit out of hand.”

Her ladyship eyed Donella and Logan. “Good God, not again.”

“It’s obviously a family trait,” Edie said, trying not to laugh.

Lady Reese shook her head. “Really, Miss Haddon, I cannot believe it of you.”

“Hang on,” Logan protested. “It was my fault, not hers.”

“That I can believe,” her ladyship replied. “However, I know exactly what to do. We will sneak Donella up the servants’ stairs, and tomorrow you will formally announce your betrothal.”

“We most certainly will not,” Donella said, choosing that moment to go stubborn again.

“Which part?” Victoria asked. “The sneaking upstairs or the betrothal?”

“Both.”

“Pet, you look rather messy,” Edie said. “You have to sneak upstairs.”

“And Mr. Kendrick will certainly be proposing marriage,” Lady Reese intoned. “Or Lord Riddick will have something to say about it.”

---