That settled, there were baths to take, and the carriage and luggage wagon to prepare. Everyone tried to remain upbeat for Hannish MacGreagor's sake, but a feeling of dread hung heavy in the air. Sassy wanted to hide and so did McKenna, but to keep from disappointing her brother, she managed to go downstairs to wait with the others. At least she was not required to go with him to the train, which would allow her an hour or two more of solitude without the calamity Olivia was sure to bring.
*
Duchess Olivia MacGreagor was indeed as beautiful as he remembered. For a moment, he felt just the way he had the day he first saw her. Her hair, nearly completely hidden under her outrageously large hat, was the same shade of black he remembered, her features were delicate and her blue eyes had not lost their sparkle. She took the conductor's hand, stepped down and moved forward, letting the valet and her maid disembark behind her. Neither of them looked at Hannish and he noticed. Instead, they both hurried to get in the wagon he brought to transport them.
Hannish opened his arms to his wife, as a husband ought, and smiled as if he was happy to finally see her. With her hat in the way, Olivia's kiss was brief, but she returned his hug with a little more enthusiasm. "How are you, my love?" he asked.
"I am well enough. And you?"
"Very well indeed, now that you are here. Come, I shall take you home." He helped her into the carriage and then looked up at the sky. The afternoon was sure to bring rain and he hoped it would hold off until after he got them all home. He waited until the luggage was loaded, noticed only one steamer trunk, climbed into the carriage and tapped on the window. With a harsher jerk than he expected, the carriage started down the wide road.
"Glory be!" Olivia nearly shouted, as her body slammed back against the seat, "What driver is this?"
"'Tis Dugan."
"I might have guessed, he was never a very good driver."
"I am certain he dinna mean to jerk the carriage."
"I am certain he did…but let us not argue about it."
"Agreed," Hannish said, taking her hand in his. "Might you remove your hat? I have yet to clearly see your eyes."
"Not just now, I wish to look my best when I am greeted. I shall take it off after we arrive."
He puffed his cheeks and decided to change the subject. "How was your voyage?"
"Long."
"And your stay in New York? Tell me you dinna spend my entire fortune."