Serena’s fingers laced together. The young woman who’d seemed supremely confident searching a book for hidden messages now appeared flustered. “I’d hoped ye might help me navigate the city upon arrival. I willnae be needing a chaperone. But I’d be obliged if ye could spare the time to show me about just a bit.”
The look of trepidation on the calm, blunt-spoken young Scotswoman’s face was surprising, but Johanna could certainly understand Serena’s show of nerves. The prospect of embarking on a journey across the Atlantic was daunting enough. But the challenge of making her way about a bustling, crowded city after living in the rugged Highlands might trigger a bit of apprehension in the bravest of souls.
“It would be my pleasure.” She’d welcome the opportunity to show Serena the city she’d long loved.
“Verrae well, that’s perfect.” Serena nibbled another bite of scone. “We’ll have a grand time. I’m sure of that.”
“Indeed.” Pity the anticipation didn’t soothe the relentless pain in Johanna’s heart.
Hurried footfalls thudded down the corridor, rushing toward Johanna’s study. She didn’t even have to glance at the door to identify the source.
“Auntie Jo, we have a guest.” Excitement brimmed in Laurel’s girlish tones as she bustled through the door. She stopped in her tracks and placed her hands on her hips, inspecting Serena with eyes that were perceptive beyond her youth. “Oooh, I love your hat. May I get one like that?”
“When you are a young lady who’s made her debut,” Johanna said with a smile. “Miss MacMasters, this is my niece, Laurel.”
“My, I’d know that wee lass anywhere. The girl is a miniature of ye,” Serena said with a smile.
“You are his sister, aren’t you?” Laurel asked quite matter-of-factly.
“I presume ye’re referring to Connor. The rascal is indeed my brother.” Serena’s reply came easily.
Laurel scanned the room, then rushed to peek into the hall. “Is he here?”
Serena’s brows quirked, but she met the question with a knowing smile. “Nay, lass. I’m sorry. He is not.”
“Oh.” Laurel’s expression went suddenly glum. Was it Johanna’s imagination, or was the child disappointed by his absence?
Serena finished the last bite of the biscuit. “I’m sorry to be rushing off, but I am expected at the Savoy. Would ye care to join me?”
The thought was tempting, but one glance at Laurel doused the notion with thoughts of bathwater and clean clothing. The girl looked as if she’d been digging ditches all day.
“What’s happened—why do you look…like that?”
Laurel grinned. “You mean the dirt on my dress, don’t you?”
“You know quite well that’s what I mean. What happened to you?”
“I’ve been tending the flowers in my garden. They looked rather neglected.”
Johanna felt her brows pinch. “Your garden is in pots, darling. However did you manage to get half their contents on you?”
Laurel’s shrug looked distinctly evasive. Somehow, she wasn’t telling the entire story. Of that, Johanna was certain.
Serena smiled. “Ah, ’tis nothing hot water and a clean dress won’t cure. I’ll have my driver wait.”
“But your engagement at the Savoy…it would be impolite to delay you.”
“Think nothing of it.” Serena fixed her attention on Laurel. “Now go clean yerself up, lass, and find something pretty to wear.”
“But a child? At the Savoy?”
Serena shrugged and flashed a smile. “I’m a MacMasters, Johanna. I’m used to stirring things up a bit.”
“Auntie Jo, what should I wear?” Laurel nearly bounced with excitement. Johanna realized she’d already lost the battle.
“Hurry upstairs, darling. Scrub your face and hands while I select a dress for you.”
“My velvet dress would do nicely. The red ribbon is especially delightful,” Laurel called over her shoulder as she dashed out of the room.
“An excellent suggestion,” Johanna agreed.
“Quite a precocious child,” Serena said, wandering to the bookcases. A twinge of anxiety rippled through Johanna at the sight.
“She reminds me so very much of her mother.”
“The bairn resembles ye. Ye share the same spark in yer eyes.”
“Thank you.” Johanna searched her mind for the location of the dress Laurel wished to wear. In which trunk had she stored the garment?
“I’ll be fine here while ye gather the bairn’s things for our excursion.” Serena ran a fingertip over the spine of a shelved volume. “Ye’ve no reason to worry. I promise I haven’t brought my scalpel.”
With a little laugh she feared sounded entirely unconvincing, Johanna moved to the door. “I’ll have Mrs. Mitchell bring a pot of tea.”
“Thank ye, but that willnae be necessary.” Serena selected a book from the shelf and studied it for a long moment. “Johanna, I wanted ye to know…” Her brow furrowed, and she seemed to search for words. After a few ticks of the pendulum on the mantel clock, she met Johanna’s gaze. “I am looking forward to getting better acquainted aboard ship. This will be a most exciting journey.”