Ross’s heavy eyebrows lowered. “Now see here, Hurst, I didn’t come here to—” His gaze locked on something past Robert’s shoulder and all words disappeared from his lips.

Robert hid a smile and followed the man’s gaze to where Moira stood, the sunlight from the window catching the red of her hair and limning the pure line of her cheek. “Oh. My wife, Mrs. Hurst. Moira, this is Ross of Balnagown Castle.”

Ross bowed. “Mrs. Hurst, I didn’t realize you were attending.”

Moira dipped into a curtsy, looking engagingly graceful while holding out her left hand for Ross to kiss.

To Robert’s astonishment, a simple gold wedding ring sparkled in the light. Where the hell did she get that? It was a masterly touch, one he hadn’t thought of.

Ross hurried forward to take the proffered hand. Moira held her curtsy a moment longer than necessary, giving his lordship a nice look down her décolletage.

You are good, ma chère. Very good.

Moira stood, looking up at Ross through her lashes as if shy. “I shouldn’t be here. I fear I foisted myself upon my poor husband.”

“Yes, she did,” Robert drawled in a bored tone.

“Sir Lachlan, I hope you don’t mind, but I couldn’t resist the chance to see your beautiful countryside. The highlands are so romantic! The mountains and lochs, even this little inn looks as if it belongs in a painting.”

Ross beamed at the seemingly artless speech.

Robert smoothed the lace at his wrists and sighed impatiently. “Moira, please, don’t monopolize Sir Lachlan.” To Robert’s amusement, Ross was still holding Moira’s hand, one thumb rubbing her wedding ring, as if he was desirous of erasing it completely.

Ross collected himself with a visible effort. “Well, perhaps we should stay here a bit before we continue on. You must be tired from your journey.”

Though Ross spoke to Moira, Robert said, “An excellent idea. I am a bit fatigued.” He crossed to the fire and took the seat closest to it. “Ross, pray have a seat.”

It was a rude move, since a gentleman would have seen his wife seated first.

Ross sent Robert a hard look and then made a point of offering the next best seat to Moira, who took it with a blush. How does she do that?

Ross sat down near Robert while Carmichael took a seat at the table, discreetly out of the way.

Robert stretched out his legs and examined the sheen of his boots. “I am delighted you made the trip here. I expected only Carmichael.”

“It was a lovely day, perfect for a ride.”

“You rode?” Robert lifted the monocle to Ross. “I thought Balnagown was still some distance.”

“It is six miles down the road. I ride at least an hour every day. It keeps one fit.”

“Riding is so . . . bouncy. It was uncomfortable enough getting here by coach. By the way, my luggage should be arriving later. Two more coaches, in fact.”

Ross looked confused. “Two?”