The Highlander's Yuletide Love by Alicia Quigley Read Free Book Online

Isobel
tells me how much you enjoyed the exhibit at the Royal Academy two days ago.”
    Sophy glanced at
Ranulf. He stood behind Francis, his face politely bland, but she thought she
saw a touch of curiosity in his eyes at the mention of the Royal Academy. She
resolutely looked away and focused her attention on Francis.
    “It was
beautiful. I found Mr. Constable’s work, The Hay Wain, to be of particular
technical and artistic merit. I wish I could paint so well.”
    “Perhaps one day
you will, child,” chirped Harriet. “After all, did your papa and I not promise
that you may try?”
    Francis nodded. “Isobel
mentioned that you would be returning to Scotland soon, and Sophy would pursue
her craft. I am very happy for you. But I am being remiss. Lady Glencairn, do
allow me to present Colonel Stirling.”
    Ranulf bowed
over Harriet’s hand and then straightened, smiling down at her warmly. “I am
delighted to meet you. I’ve heard much about you from the Exencours. They are
both very fond of you and, I’m told you are responsible for them making a match
of it.”
    Harriet’s eyes
widened as she looked up at him. “Gracious, how kind of you,” she said. “But I
had very little to do with it. Indeed, Lady Morgan—that is, Lady Eynsford
now—had far more of a hand in the matter than I! I am very pleased to see them
so happy together, though. There were days I despaired of ever talking sense
into Isobel!”
    “Young lovers
can be so difficult,” agreed Ranulf. “I am happy that wiser heads prevailed.”
    Under Sophy’s
startled gaze, Harriet giggled delightedly. “How kind of you to say so, Colonel
Stirling, though I fear it cannot be said that I am known for my wisdom! Still,
young people do not always know what they want.”
    “They are
fortunate to have a friend such as you,” said Ranulf.
    “So we are,”
said Isobel. “I don’t know what we would have done without Harriet. Colonel
Stirling, I believe you must remember Lady Sophia Learmouth?”
    Ranulf turned to
Sophy with a smile that seemed cooler to her than the one with which he had
greeted Harriet. “I am delighted to meet you again, Lady Sophia.” He bowed
elegantly.
    Sophy inclined
her head. “Colonel Stirling.”
    “Do I understand
that you are a painter?” he asked politely.
    “I do paint, but
indifferently,” said Sophy shortly.
    “Never say so,
my dear!” Harriet looked up at Ranulf earnestly. “She is truly talented, and
really very devoted to her work. Why, when she was still a girl I had taught
her everything I knew, and when I told her she need not paint anymore, she
burst into tears! It’s seldom a day goes by that she does not have a brush in
her hand.”
    Ranulf turned
his attention to Harriet. “Then she has you to thank for her skill, Lady
Glencairn,” he said smoothly.
    “Oh, not at all!
Why I never had a fraction of her brilliance,” protested Harriet. “I merely
shared what poor abilities I had with her, and she has far surpassed me.”
    Ranulf turned to
Sophy. “I would like to see your work sometime.”
    “Perhaps,” said
Sophy repressively.
    “Of course you
must!” chimed in Harriet. “What an excellent notion. I’m sure a gentleman with
your vast experience of the world must know a great deal about art. We shall
have a family dinner party—just the small group of us—and Sophy can show you
her paintings. I’m certain your advice would be appreciated!”
    Sophy’s eyes
widened in horror. “Mama, I don’t think—” she began, just as Isobel made a
hasty gesture.
    “Colonel
Stirling does not—” she said, but Ranulf smiled down at Harriet, a hint of laughter
in his eyes.
    “That sounds
very pleasant, Lady Glencairn. I would be delighted to dine with you en
famille ,” he said.
    Isobel raised
her eyebrows in surprise and glanced at Francis, who returned her look. Sophy
flushed beet red.
    “Mama, you must
not tease Colonel Stirling. He cannot possibly be interested in our family, and
certainly