Page 55 of A Rogue in Twilight
“Oh dearie!” Mrs. Graham fanned herself. “MacArthur, compose yourself!”
Elspeth’s cheeks burned as bright as her eyes. “Fortunately, Lord Struan was there to help me,” she said. “Imagine if I had been truly alone out there.”
MacArthur tapped his fingers on the table. “I commend you for considering my granddaughter’s well-being, sir, but what of her reputation?”
“We were in extraordinary circumstances,” James said.
“Extraordinary,” Elspeth repeated. “Grandfather, I saw the fairies riding!”
“What!” MacArthur stared.
“Over Struan lands,” she said. “We heard the horses. Or I did. And I saw—” She stopped. “I will tell you later. It was an exceptional night.”
“How exceptional was it,” her grandfather growled.
“Lord Struan was an utter gentleman,” she said, lifting her chin.
James blew out a breath, not sure that was entirely true. “I understand the situation appears dire, Mr. MacArthur. I knowsuch things can jeopardize the reputation of an entire family. I am prepared to make it right.”
“Make it right?” Donal MacArthur regarded him, then Elspeth. James felt his heart beat fast, anticipating. “You would offer to marry her?”
“I have done so already. I would ask your blessing.” He could not look at Elspeth just then, but felt her hot gaze on him. He knew this was not how she wanted to reveal it.
“Huh.” MacArthur leaned toward Elspeth. “And will you have the man, then?”
“No,” she said, and set down her teacup.
“He’s a fine gentleman with a title and property, and seems to have good morals. I believe he has a good heart as well. I believe you found a good one.”
“He is, he does, and I have. But my answer is no.”
“He has a fine estate,” MacArthur went on as if she had not blatantly refused. “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. He can take you to the Lowlands.”
“I do and I can,” James told Elspeth. “If you want.”
“I do not care to go to the Lowlands again,” Elspeth said firmly, quietly.
“Highland or Lowland, the decision was made when you stayed the night at Struan House,” MacArthur said. “The two of you make a fine match.”
“We do,” James ventured.
“We do, but I do not want to marry,” Elspeth said.
“Peggy Graham thinks you must marry, do you not, madam?” MacArthur boomed.
“Lord Struan is a fine gentleman and Elspeth is fortunate,” Mrs. Graham said. “But if the lass refuses, she has her reasons and you should listen.”
Despite that, Donal MacArthur raised his china cup in salute. “To Struan!”
“Grandda, you must listen. But I see you will not.” Elspeth stood and went to the door. “I have weaving to do. This matter is not decided, so do not celebrate.” She left.
“There, that’s done,” MacArthur said in a satisfied tone. “She will be married.”
“Let her make up her own mind, Donal MacArthur,” Mrs. Graham said.
