Marblestone Mansion 01 - Scandalous Duchess

eastern family, was a man of medium stature, with a kind face and a no-nonsense attitude. His dark hair and eyes often attracted the attention of the women, but he had yet to find the one of his dreams.
    Uncertain what he should do, the English butler finished helping the women out of the wagon and then decided to help the men unload the baggage. Once the women were all gathered, Sarah led them around the corner of the mansion to the side door the servants would be using – all except Sassy, who was determined to stay close to McKenna. She followed her mistress through the front door, and ignored Prescot’s obvious disapproval.
    The spacious foyer protruded from the northern side of the mansion and once inside, Hannish found his sister’s speechless expression rewarding. She slowly turned to admire the high ceiling and then the large blocks of white marble on the floor. Fresh flowers in marble vases sat on a long, thin marble table in the center of the room. Marble slab window seats had been placed just under the sills of tall windows that let in plenty of welcoming light. “‘Tis glorious,” McKenna whispered.
    “ It needs a spot of color, but I thought to leave that to Olivia’s taste. A painting or a tapestry should keep it from looking so lonely. The coatroom is through that door and I keep a loaded gun in it, just in case. The parlor is this way.” He ushered her through the wide opening into the next room.
    Behind him, Keith set two traveling cases down and watched Sassy. He could hardly keep his eyes off her as she too slowly turned all the way around to admire the foyer. She had dimples in her cheeks when she smiled, which he found very appealing, not to mention her auburn hair and bold blue eyes. When she finally looked at him, her eyes seemed to completely captivate him and he could not look away. Yet there was a problem; she looked to be only thirteen or fourteen, far too young to think of marriage. Reluctantly, he went back out the door to see what more needed to be brought in.

    “ There is much to be done still,” Hannish said, as he escorted McKenna into an enormous parlor, where a marble, grand staircase curved upward toward the bedrooms on the second floor. The parlor held only one settee that faced the unlit marble hearth, two upholstered chairs, two small tables beside the chairs, and a plant stand complete with vine leaves dangling down the sides. “I hope to complete it in time for winter. The second floor is ours. I have a bedchamber ready for Olivia, but you will use it until one is prepared for you.”
    “ At the other end of the house?” McKenna asked.
    “ If you like. The third floor is for the servants, naturally.” He guided her to the settee and motioned for her to sit down. “There is a convenient sitting room on the second floor, plus this and a smaller one in the back of the house. Then there is a library with too few books, my study, the dining hall, and a ballroom complete with a balcony. The kitchen is in the center of the house and of course, you are free to wander about until you become familiar. Just now, I have a problem I need help solving.”
    It was only then he realized Sassy had followed them. “Lady…I mean, Miss MacGreagor’s bedroom is on the second floor. You’ll not have trouble finding it, for it has the only made up bed, save mine, which is next to it. Perhaps you might see to unpacking some of her night things, but do no more. Tonight all of you must rest.”
    “ Aye, Sir.” Sassy half curtsied and started up the stairs, unaware that houses that size always had a second staircase in the back for the servants to use.
    Hannish smiled at her boldness; he had a feeling he was going to enjoy that one. He noticed, however, that her skirt was too big around the waist and that her belt was not holding all of the extra material in properly. As soon as Sassy was out of hearing he sat down beside his sister. “As I was saying, I have a problem.”
    “ Only one? I am shocked,” said McKenna.
    “ Only one that needs my immediate attention. Of all people, I dinna expect Alistair to come. The last I heard, he vowed never to leave his beloved Scotland. I like him very much, but I already have a butler. Prescot is a very good man and very attentive to the needs of the place.”
    “ You do have a problem. Let me think…perhaps they might pitch horseshoes, race on horseback, or draw swords.”
    “ I am serious.”
    “ In that case, tell them you cannae