Page 74 of A Rogue in Firelight

“Highland gear is a display of the pride and dignity of Scotland,” she said. “But I wonder if King George can appreciate the pride and tradition in the Scottish character.”

“He might try,” Ronan allowed.

Ellison still looked prim, a curious mood for her, he thought. “Back to the protocols,” she said, turning a page.

“Fire away, Miss Graham. Lord Darrach is fascinated,” Ronan drawled. Sorcha giggled again, but their petite and earnest teacher sent him a withering look.

He must stop teasing her, he thought. The ruse distressed her, from her role as tutor to his as viscount, her father’s involvement, and Ronan’s casual air too. But it could not be helped now. And since humor could make her eyes sparkle, he would try.

“Very few Scots have met the king or any royalty, unless they have attended court in London,” Ellison said.

“Then tell us, what fancy steps and phrases must we backward Scots learn?”

“Sir,” she warned gently, “do take this seriously.”

“Madam, I do.” He met her eyes directly.

“Papa says notable gentlemen will be invited to a levee at Holyrood Palace the day after the king arrives. You will receive an invitation, sir. It will come to Papa’s office, and you and Mr. Corbie will be in his party to attend the gentlemen’s levee.”

“Mr. Corbie too. How exciting,” he murmured.

Sorcha, stitching away, looked up. “Will ladies be invited to this as well?”

“A separate assembly will be held for ladies, with gentlemen escorting them. An evening ball is also planned for another evening.”

“It truly is exciting!” Sorcha said. “Darrach, will you attend the ladies’ assembly?”

“My invitation may only be to the gentlemen’s levee.”

“Surely you will be asked, as a Highland viscount!”

“Papa will make the arrangements for Darrach,” Ellison said. “You will be introduced there, and Papa will do that. Guests can only be introduced to the king by someone who has previously met him. Papa will be introduced to him when he arrives,” she went on. “Or you could give your card to the Lord-in-Waiting, who can present you.”

“My card?”

“You will need a few. Mr. Corbie is having some printed up for you.”

“Very helpful. Ah, Balor, come to join us!” Glad of the interruption, Ronan patted his knee as the little terrier trotted into the room and came straight to him.

“Will Lady Strathniven introduce us, Ellison?” Sorcha asked.

“I believe so. She will be introduced before we will. When a person is introduced,” Ellison went on, consulting the booklet, “they approach the royal dais between the lines of dignitaries, attendants, cabinet ministers, and so on. A lady must curtsy deeply to the king. A gentleman will drop the right knee and kiss the king’s hand.”

“What then?” Ronan stroked the dog’s warm, silky coat, feeling the rapid little heartbeats under his hand. He needed to know what to expect after the introduction.

“The crowd will be so great that each person must move forward. But guests must never turn their backs to the king when departing.”

“And this takes but a few moments?”

“Sir Walter says here that introductions take less than a minute.”

“And then it is done.”

“Aye,” she replied softly, watching him.

“And Lord Darrach will wear full Highland dress,” Sorcha reminded them.

Ellison nodded. “Gentlemen must wear full dress. Those who have an officer’s rank may wear their uniform, and Highland gentleman may wear their regalia.”