Circulating amongst their guests did not guarantee all would be welcomed. Traditions like this drove Elise stark raving mad. She much preferred more intimate gatherings. But the last few weeks at the castle had opened her eyes. Her parents were good people, and she honestly enjoyed Sophie’s company, and Roddy’s when his rare visits home coincided with hers. As for Cairstine, Elise determined to reserve her judgment. Cairstine was still young. Elise had changed quite a bit after she’d left home. Perhaps Cairstine was the same.

Before Elise could respond, the Duke and Duchess of Southerland stopped to chat. “Och. How pleasant to see you again, Lady Elise,” the duchess said, extending her hand.

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Elise curtsied.

“Are you back from your travels, or is this another short stay?” the duke inquired.

“I’m home for the time being.”

Harry, standing half a head taller than most men in the room, joined Zander at the end of the queue. The two of them conversed animatedly as they inched their way toward her family. From time to time, Elise cast glances in Harry’s direction. His dress uniform fit his tall frame and emphasized the broadness of his shoulders.

“And may I ask who your escort is this evening?” The duchess craned her neck to take in the younger men in the room.

Nosy woman. She was forever throwing her husband’s heir in her direction.

“He’s the military gentleman with Zander Matthews.” Elise nodded toward Harry.

The duchess gave Harry the once-over, her expression filled with open approval.

Elise didn’t blame her. A military uniform tended to produce that response in a number of women. And when one filled it with an impressive specimen like Harry Benson, the end result had a mouthwatering effect on its observers.

“Come, my dear. We’re holding up the queue.” Southerland took his wife’s arm and moved up the line.

Elise had never been easily bowled over by a handsome face, but the sight of Harry Benson in No. 1 Dress sent prickles over her entire body.

Harry appeared comfortable among her parents’ guests. It probably didn’t hurt that he had grown up at Ashford Priory and his best friend was an earl. But it was more than that. Though he was no slouch at university, Harry had acquired his polish after their breakup. She now accredited it to his time on General Patterson’s staff.

The duchess stalled and held up the line again.

“He’s very handsome,” Sophie commented behind her hand.

“Who?” Elise asked. Was Sophie referring to Ahern or Zander?

“Captain Benson.” Sophie’s blue eyes filled with admiration. “How did you meet him?”

“I’ve known Harry for ages.”

“Are you seeing him?”

Sophie’s question nagged at her while Elise shook another round of hands. Dating Harry? When it came to Harry, her emotions were tangled.