“Who started them?”

“I dinna know, sir, for I’ve been here since, but I’ll run and see what’s been discovered.”

“Do that and report back.”

The man gave a short bow and raced off.

“Goodness,” Moira murmured.

Ross turned back to her, his face an unhealthy red. “I can assure you that wasn’t caused by ghosts, either.” He took her elbow. “Now, where were we?”

She smiled and covered his hand with her own. “You, my lord, were about to show me something from Egypt.”

His expression softened and he squeezed her fingers. “Ah, yes!”

They entered the study and Moira’s gaze instantly swept the room. There was no sign of Robert.

Is he hiding in the curtains?

Her gaze swept across the floor to the curtains. There was no way a person could hide behind them without their feet showing.

Robert would find a better place.

She smiled up at Ross. “Do you mind if I open some curtains? It’s a bit dark in here.”

“Of course. I shall help.”

“Thank you.” She crossed the room, waiting until Ross’s back was turned so she could look for Robert. She bent over to peek under a settee, but saw nothing. Scurrying, she went to another large grouping of furniture and looked under a fringed chaise. She’d just straightened when Ross turned.

She dropped into the chaise. “What a lovely ride! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to show me your beautiful mountains.”

He beamed as he crossed to her. “They are lovely, aren’t they? Although not as lovely as my companion.”

She pressed a hand to her cheek and said in a chiding tone, “Oh, Sir Lachlan!” Perhaps Robert escaped and we just missed him. He could have—Then she saw the edge of his shoe under the huge oak desk, in the direct line of sight of anyone sitting down.

She hopped up, surprising Ross. “So? Where are these treasures of yours?” she asked.

“A few of them are on display here.” He waved a hand toward the shelves at the far end of the room.

She gave them a cursory glance, not daring to move away from the desk. “I see. Those are . . . nice. But do you have some that aren’t on display?”

“Of course. There’s not room here for all of them.”

“Where do you keep those?”

“Somewhere safe,” he replied in a tone suggesting it was too complicated for a mere female to understand.

She’d love to smack that patronizing look off his face. She walked to where Ross now stood beside the shelves he’d pointed out, making certain she was between him and the desk. “Your collection must be worth a fortune. Is that why you have guards set up outside?”

“Guards? No, no, Mrs. Hurst, you mistake. They’re merely footmen.”

“But there are so many.”

“I dislike surprises. They make sure there aren’t any.” He chuckled, then captured her hand and pressed a fervent kiss to it. “No need to worry your pretty head over it, m’dear. Some things are better left to the men.”