The coach slowed to a stop, a swarm of footmen rushing to let down the steps.

Moira placed her gloved hand in Robert’s. “We’re going to have to play this very carefully. A man with Ross’s resources will be unchecked out here in the middle of nowhere. He’s like a king.”

“Only not held to public opinion,” Robert replied softly, assisting Moira down the steps. “We’ll discuss this later.”

Ross was handing his horse to a footman and hurried forward on seeing Robert and Moira alight.

Moira flashed her breathtaking smile. “Sir Lachlan, I was just telling my dear husband what a lovely castle you have! I am quite charmed. Pray tell me that there is at least one ghost!”

Ross laughed indulgently. “Oh, there are many of them. I shall tell you about them all at dinner tonight.”

Robert pulled out his monocle and examined the castle with an absent air. “Yes, it’s quite impressive.” He dropped the monocle and let it swing against his waistcoat. “I do hope there’s port in that large pile of rocks. I’m dying of thirst.”

Ross bowed, tearing his gaze from Moira with obvious reluctance. “Mr. Hurst, I’ve some of the best port in all of England. I’ll have a bottle delivered to your bedchamber.”

“Thank you.”

“I hope the coach ride wasn’t too rough for you.”

“No, no.” Robert yawned behind one gloved hand. “Though I am a bit saddened there wasn’t more of interest to see to pass the time. I slept the entire way.”

Ross looked startled. “I thought you’d enjoy seeing the castle from the road and—”

Moira placed her hand on Ross’s arm. “Oh, do not ask Hurst to express his interest in a mere building.” She gave a merry trill of laughter. “My husband prefers a good cravat to architecture.”

Though she was playing her part to perfection, Robert felt a flicker of annoyance. He met Ross’s interested gaze with a shrug. “I’m afraid I don’t enjoy a bucolic existence.”

“Unless it has to do with fashion, gaming, or antiquities, Hurst is likely to be cursed with boredom,” Moira said playfully.

“I also like port,” Robert said loftily. “You cannot forget that.”

Ross laughed and led the way inside, past the two footmen who held open the monstrous arched doors. “Och, Hurst, you’ll find yourself with enough port to swim in. I have plenty of antiquities, too. But I’ve no patience with fashion and gaming.”

More footmen came forward to take Moira’s pelisse and gloves. As Robert handed over his gloves and hat, he saw that the great hall was resplendent with symbols of heraldry. An impressive display of flintlock pistols and muskets were arrayed upon the tall walls in an intricate circular design. A similar design on the opposite wall was comprised of swords of varying sizes.

“Goodness,” Moira said, staring about wide-eyed. “You certainly have a lot of weapons. Have you used them all?”

Ross had handed his coat to a servant and turned to answer the question, dumbstruck as his gaze fixed on her with avid interest.