“Impudent girl,” Olive grumbled, but broke into a smile all the same. “A few days doesn’t give me much time, but you and Lord Thorne will have an exquisite celebration. The best this town has seen all Season.” Setting her cup aside, she rose and snatched her bonnet and gloves. “I really have much to do. Will you forgive me for dashing off?”
“Of course. Thank you for calling. It was a lovely surprise to see you.”
They exchanged a hug and Olive bustled from the house without remembering to badger Helena about where she had been for two days.
She had just settled with her cup of tea when Fergus came in again. “The watchmaker had the baron’s watch delivered. It’s as good as new.”
He held it aloft by the fob. It spun around glittering in the light. She had forgotten about the broken watch, but she suddenly had an idea. “I realize the jeweler just returned it today, but would you mind too much taking it back to request an engraving? As a wedding gift for Lord Thorne.”
Fergus crossed his arms and frowned. “Take it back? Do you mistake me for an errand boy?”
Her heart dropped to her stomach. “No, I swear I’ve never thought of you as an errand boy.”
He flashed a grin. “I’m teasing, lass. But I willna do it for you. I will do it for Laird Thorne. He’s a decent sort, for a Sassenach.”
Her hand covered her heart; her throat ached with unshed tears. He was giving his blessing and it was a most precious gift. “Thank you, Fergus.”
Twenty-seven
Helena retired to her chambers with a stack of post with the best intentions, but no sooner had she dropped the pile on her desk than Luna dashed from under the bed to attack her petticoat ruffle.
She laughingly scooped the naughty cat into her arms and cooed to her as she scratched under Luna’s chin. Luna’s eyes closed and she began purring at once. “Is this what you wanted? A little attention for the poor neglected baby.”
A light knock sounded at her door before Ismay entered. “Laird Thorne has arrived. Fergus showed him to the drawing room.”
Helena’s heart gave an excited little flip. She deposited Luna on the desk chair and swept from the room to welcome her betrothed.
“Good afternoon,” she called in a cheerful voice.
Sebastian looked up from the glass of brandy he was pouring at the sideboard. “Lady Prestwick, how lovely and fresh you look after your journey.” He abandoned the tumbler and met her in the middle of the room.
She tipped up her face, knowing it probably glowed pink with pleasure at his compliment, and kissed him soundly. “Welcome, Lord Thorne.”
He grinned, making her feel light and tingly inside. “Did you miss me, love?”
“Not a bit,” she lied. Then to prove she didn’t mean it, she twined her arms around his neck and pulled him to her for a more leisurely kiss. His hands brushed slowly to her nape then down to her buttocks where he cupped her bottom as his tongue teased her lips. She opened to him and sank against his unyielding chest on a sigh. Carriages rattled beyond the drawing room window, everyone going about their day as if life weren’t suddenly extraordinary.
Olive was correct about Sebastian, of course. He flirted with scandal every chance granted him, but she wouldn’t have him any other way. And she suspected he wouldn’t have her either if he weren’t a gentleman who embraced risk.
When she eased back, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “If you are any more welcoming, I will carry you to your bedchamber without sharing the good news.”
Helena balked. “But the sun is still up.” He lifted a brow and she chuckled, heat flooding through her. “I know, there are no rules governing such things. Forgive my surprise. I am not yet accustomed to your roguish ways.”
His grin widened. Holding her hand, he guided her to the crushed velvet settee then sat beside her.
She angled toward him. “What is your good news?”
“I have several items. I’m not sure where to start. Perhaps with Gracie?”
“Yes, were you able to make progress on anything?”
“Arrangements have been made for Gracie and Edith to be on a ship bound from Dublin, at least in theory. They needn’t leave the comfort of Lavinia’s now. The owner will send word as soon as the ship arrives.”