Free True Heart by Arnette Lamb Page A

mother.”
    Virginia hoped Edward Napier appreciated his good fortune. “What of the other three sisters, Mary, Sarah, and Lottie?”
    Staring at Cameron and waving the glove, Agnes smiled broadly. “See? Contrary to what you say, I did not confuse her.”
    How could she forget her older sisters? They had enriched her life, and Agnes had come with Cameron to rescue her.
    â€œStop preening,” Cameron scoffed and pulled Virginia back to the couch. “Your sister Lottie married David Smithson, who is now the earl of Tain. She has too many children to count.”
    MacAdoo chuckled and slapped the chair arm. “Three lads and a sprite of a lassie.”
    Agnes stiffened her neck, thrust up her chin, and said to the room at large. “Never were brighter, more attractive, well-bred children born of a mortal womb.” Placing the back of her hand to her forehead, she added, “Travails though they were.”
    Cameron and MacAdoo laughed at her mimicry. Virginia smiled. Lottie had always been a priss, and Agnes had always mocked her for it. “Um . . . Mary?”
    Agnes sighed and made a task of smoothing out her skirt. “Wed at last to that English scoundrel, Robert Spencer, the earl of Wiltshire. Her daughter Beatrice is four, and I trust a son has brought her to bed as we speak.”
    To an impressionable girl, the four sisters had been mentors and, on occasion, menaces. “Then you all are countesses?”
    â€œNot Sarah. She married a viscount, but Michael Elliot is as distinguished as my own Edward.”
    She spoke with pride, as well she should. Every man with a plowshare or a flail had Edward Napier to thank for his modern tools. If Sarah’s husband were as admirable, Virginia would cherish knowing them both.
    Cameron said, “Sarah has twin sons and her daughter has yet to take her first steps. They make their home in Edinburgh.”
    Someone rapped on the doorknocker. Merriweather hurried to answer the door. “Welcome, Captain Brown. May I help you?”
    A broad-bellied man wearing a dark gray coat and knee breeches over a red waistcoat stepped inside and doffed his hat. So this was Captain Brown, the man who’d led Cameron to Virginia. Mrs. Parker-Jones had told Virginia about him. He looked like a robin, and he peered into the parlor at Virginia as if she were a fat worm.
    â€œAye, I’d like to speak to the mistress if she’ll spare a moment or two.”
    â€œOf course. She’s expecting you. Please follow me.”
    â€œDon’t bother. I know the way.”
    Brown started down the hallway, his shoes sounding loudly and probably scuffing the floor. With bittersweet humor, Virginia realized that she knew more about cleaning a house than running one. But they wouldn’t be here long enough to discover that lie. Her bag was packed. She was ready to resume her life.
    Merriweather moved into the doorway. “Shall I serve refreshments?”
    Everyone looked to Virginia. Food was the last thing on her mind. But as a respectable member of the household, the comfort of the guests was her responsibility. Had they noticed her lapse? Bless Merriweather, she thought. “Please serve tea and some of the berry tarts.” She remembered the brandy Mrs. Parker-Jones had given her. “Unless Cameron and MacAdoo would like something stronger?”
    As if the movement were natural, Cameron draped an arm around her shoulders. “Tea and berry tarts will be perfect.”
    Virginia felt sheltered, even in the casual embrace, and the covetous way Cameron admired her made her heart beat fast.
    Merriweather stood there, waiting for something else, but what? Virginia had no inkling.
    â€œShall I also have rooms prepared?”
    Rooms? No. They were leaving right away.
    â€œNot for me,” said MacAdoo. “I’ll stay aboard ship.”
    â€œA hot bath and a soft bed would be lovely,” said Agnes.
    Virginia