‘Dismal?’
‘I miss my friends in London, as I am sure you miss yours, from Truro, wasn’t it? I have never been there, so you must tell me all about it.’
Despite his over-familiarity, how easily she could converse with Hew. He was the kind of man she was used to, for her uncle had introduced her to quite a few from time to time in the hopes she would snare a husband. Hew was so well-mannered and attentive, unlike Callum Ross, who grunted and cast his eyes downwards when they conversed, their exchanges stilted and uncomfortable.
Hew gave her a broad smile. ‘Let us dance together, Miss Hennaut. I dance exceedingly well, and I would know you better, for truly, I am captivated.’
‘I do not think that can possibly be true on such a short acquaintance.’
‘But it is, and I must know you better, for my ardour commands it. You should have learnt to take a compliment well by now, for I am sure there have been many cast your way. And as your host, I must insist you dance, Miss Hennaut.’
With that, Hew took her hand and pulled her into his arms and out into the whirl of dancers in the centre of the hall. There was no escaping him as he pulled her against his body, a little too close for comfort. Tara’s face grew hot, and she longed to rush away, but politeness forbade it.
After a while, Hew gazed down at her and said, ‘You are a dainty little thing, to be sure. So bonnie. But come now, we must have some conversation if we are to get to know each other.’
Tara struggled for a safe topic. ‘I see your uncle entertains redcoat officers this evening.’
‘Aye, I saw Lieutenant Forster speak to you. I hear he has been bought a commission by his family, so he is stuck in Scotland at that grim garrison at Fort George. I should not say this, but he is somewhat impoverished and must marry well for money.’
‘I thought the Scots were at odds with the English. I have certainly felt it since coming to Scotland.’
‘Have you indeed? Then we Scots must endeavour to give you a warmer welcome.’ His eyes lit up, and something slimy swirled in their depths. ‘As to the English, my father feels that as we are thrown together with them, we must make the best of it and cultivate new friends, as I am doing now.’ Again that look, which made her long to run away.
Tara was trying to get a little distance between them when she glanced up and met the stern glare of Callum Ross. In the candlelight, his eyes seemed to have turned almost black, and he was rigid with anger. Time seemed to stand still, and when she opened her mouth to say something, he turned away.
‘Miss Hennaut. You are far away. What takes your attention from me?’ said Hew.
‘I…an acquaintance I spotted, that is all. Laird Ross.’
Hew looked about the room. ‘Ah, he is gone, and just as well, for I cannot stand the man.’
‘Why not?’
‘He keeps company with my reprobate cousin, Bryce. That wretch has been hanging about Machrie in my absence, influencing my father, and I do not like it. And as to his friend, well, Callum Ross is a rough fellow with the manners of a peasant and always so surly. He is a dreary dog. No conversation, no humour and nothing to recommend him save that mouldy old castle at Raigmoor to which he retreats like a hermit. Not all Scots are savages, though my cousin’s companion would certainly merit the description. A scowling fellow, is he not?’
‘I think you judge too harshly, Sir, for Laird Ross came to our aid on the road to Inverness. Without his help, we would all have been stranded.’
‘Came to your aid? You amaze me. How so?’
‘Our carriage was stuck in a rut, and he was able to push it out. I was amazed at his strength.’
‘Oh, what Callum Ross lacks in manners and learning, he makes up for in brute strength. He is sturdy as a bull that one and with about as much good sense.’
Hew Gordon laughed at his own jest. She gazed up at his smug, spoiled face and decided that she did not think him so much the gentlemen anymore if he stooped to aggrandising himself at the expense of others.
‘I found your cousin, Bryce Cullan, to be most gentlemanly on my short acquaintance with him.’
‘Bryce has taken advantage of my father’s good nature and generosity of spirit in my absence and is forever at Machrie after coin or food or favour.’
Hew was being very indiscreet to share so many family quarrels with a stranger, but Tara was beginning to learn that Scots were blunt people who spoke their minds.
‘His nonsense will stop now that I am back.’ Hew’s voice was harsh when talking of his cousin, and Tara had the sneaking suspicion it was due to jealousy. Mischievously, she decided to stoke it.
‘He does seem to have a surfeit of charm and is shockingly handsome.’
‘Do you find him so?’ Hew’s grip tightened alarmingly just as the music finished, and her uncle rushed over.
‘Did you enjoy your dance with my lovely niece,’ he said to Hew. ‘I do hope she was entertaining company.’