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leaf.” He feigned a shudder as he turned back to the fireplace, the flames reflecting in his boots. “No, thank you.”
    â€œIt’s not about her prettiness or ability to fascinate.” Edana’s voice was uncharacteristically sharp. “Lady Agnes’s dowry is impressive, and you have need of a fortune.”
    â€œI don’t care what her dowry might be. If I must be chained for life, then it will have to be to a prettier and more lively post than that or I will die of boredom.”
    Edana, red-faced, her mouth set in a belligerent manner, snapped out, “If one needs the funds, one must—”
    â€œOf course, of course. And when things get desperate, perhaps I will return to Agryll’s house and court his daughter. But not today.”
    An awkward silence emerged between the two and Ailsa wondered how it was that her grandmother had been privy to the reason for Gregor’s visit with Argyll, when Ailsa hadn’t realized the import at all. She cleared her throat. “However it was that you came, Gregor, I’m glad you’re here.”
    He sent her a grateful look. “Thank you.”
    â€œOf course we are,” Lady Edana said, although a bit stiffly. “When you first arrived, I thought perhaps you’d come because of our misfortune.”
    â€œWhat misfortune?” Concern dimmed Gregor’s smile. “Uncle is not—”
    â€œNae! ’Tis naught like that,” Ailsa said hastily, sendinga dark look at Lady Edana. “’Tis a small situation, but one that will soon be resolved.”
    â€œWe can only hope,” her grandmother interjected. “And it is not small at all. The Grand Duchess Nikolaevna is a very important person.” Lady Edana turned back to Gregor. “She was here, as my guest, and now she’s gone missing.”
    â€œGood God!” Gregor turned a worried face toward Ailsa. “You’ve looked for her, of course.”
    â€œExtensively. And we’ve a tolerable idea where she might be, too.” In a manner of speaking.
    â€œTell Gregor all,” Edana said sharply. “Now that he’s here, he can assist us in the search.”
    â€œHow?” Ailsa’s voice cracked a bit. It was irksome that her own grandmother didn’t seem to think her able to handle this situation without the assistance of a male.
    Edana waved her hand. “Your cousin hunts as if born to it. Your papa has said so himself many times.”
    Gregor nodded thoughtfully, as if he’d already given the matter the deepest consideration. “She has a point, cousin. Thanks to the hours and hours I spent tracking hares with Greer, I’m something of an expert.”
    â€œI was with you every one of those days,” Ailsa said drily. “And I’d call neither of us an expert.”
    â€œTrue, but we’re better trackers than most gamekeepers found today. Even your father noted my ability during the hunts we had before the weather turned, and he doesn’t care for me.”
    â€œGregor, nae! Papa is quite fond of you.”
    â€œHe tolerates me.” Gregor made a face. “I wouldn’t call it more than that.”
    â€œYou’re exaggerating. Papa is nae the most demonstrative of men.” Which was an understatement, indeed. As much as she loved Papa, she knew he could seem quite cold to those who did not know him.
    Edana nodded wisely. “’Tis true, Gregor. Your uncle went the direction of his own papa, who had too much common sense and far too little emotion for my taste. It was a rare day when Cromartie allowed a smile to pass his lips. As for a laugh, I can think of only a dozen times I heard one.”
    Gregor’s expression softened. “That must have been difficult for you, for you are a burst of emotion and light.”
    â€œYou flatterer!” Edana sent him an arch look, her earlier irritation already forgotten. “You are too kind.