Page 55 of Laird of Twilight
“Extraordinary,” Elspeth echoed. “Grandda, we saw the Riding!”
MacArthur stared, teacup in hand. “On Struan lands?”
“Aye. We heard the horses, and we saw—I saw—” She stopped. “I will tell you later. It was an exceptional night.”
“How exceptional was it,” her grandfather growled.
“Lord Struan is a gentleman,” she said with dignity.
“I understand how this appears, Mr. MacArthur,” James said. “And I realize such things can jeopardize a family’s reputation. I am prepared to make it right.”
“Make it right,” Donal MacArthur repeated thoughtfully. He regarded James and then Elspeth. “Normally we would speak alone, you and I, sir,” the older man said. “But this is not the usual. Do I understand that you are offering to marry her?”
“I am. I have told her so.” He could not look at Elspeth, but felt her hot gaze turned keenly on him.
MacArthur grunted and looked at her. “And will you have the man, then?”
“No,” she said, setting down her teacup.
“He’s a fine gentleman,” her grandfather said, “with a title and property, and apparently good morals. I believe he has a good heart as well.”
“He is and he does. But my answer is no,” Elspeth said.
“He has an estate and a lineage to be proud of,” MacArthur went on, as if Elspeth had not blatantly refused, “and a generous income. Sir, may I assume that your income is excellent?”
“I am, ah, comfortable,” James said, feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
“There,” MacArthur blustered, waving a hand. “And he has a teaching position and a house in Edinburgh as well.”
“I do,” James said, watching Elspeth. “And a Highland property.”
“I do not care,” she said firmly.
“Whether the man is Highland or Lowland, the decision was made for you when you stayed the night at Struan House.” MacArthur said. “The two of you make a fine match.”
“We do,” James ventured.
“We do not,” Elspeth said decisively at the same moment.
“Peggy Graham agrees with me, do you not?” MacArthur boomed.
“Lord Struan is a true gentleman,” Mrs. Graham said. “But if the girl refuses, she has her reasons and you should listen to her as her grandfather and guardian.”
The old man raised his china cup. “To Struan!”
“Indeed, Grandda, you should listen to me. But you have not.” Elspeth stood. “I have weaving to do.” She went to the door, turned. “This matter is not decided by any means, so do not celebrate.” She shut the door firmly behind her.
“There,” MacArthur said in a satisfied tone, “that’s done.”
“You are interfering, Donal MacArthur,” the housekeeper said.
“Stubborn as yon lass is, we need to interfere. Eh, Struan?”
“I rather like her stubbornness, sir, and she has her reasons, as she said,” James replied. He stood. “Let me see to the matter properly, sir. Mrs. Graham, thank you for the excellent supper.” He bowed his head and went toward the door.
“Hoo hoo,” Donal crowed as James left. “A wedding for sure, Peggy dear!”
* * *
