Page 3 of Lyon of Scotland
“Jonathan,” Hannah said hastily, “this is Lord Strathburn. My lord, may I introduce the Honorable Jonathan Whitworth of Rothbury. Lord Strathburn is the Right Honorable Lord Lyon now,” she added. “King of Arms of Scotland.”
“I am not familiar with that title,” Whitworth said.
“He is English,” she told Dare apologetically.
Dare nodded stiffly. “I have met Lord Rothbury. His estate is just over the border, as I recall. Well. Again, my congratulations.” With a pointed stare for Whitworth, he stepped back. The young man took Hannah’s arm more gently this time. As they walked away, she glanced back at Dare, her cheeks burning pink.
Engaged!Disappointment pulled hard at him. If only he had spoken up earlier to let her know of his interest… He sighed, shook his head.
He was not keen on this Whitworth, but it was too late. Then he wondered if Sir Archibald shared the sentiment. Perhaps that was why the artist was keen for his daughter to work as a heraldry painter in Edinburgh. If the girl had the skills needed, it would be a way to keep her here when she wanted to go to London. Clearly something troubled the father, and Dare suspected it had to do with young Mr. Whitworth.
“Bonny girl, Miss Hannah,” Walter Scott said, joining him then with a tap of the cane to catch his attention. “She doespretty portraits and captures her subjects beautifully. My dear wife was thrilled with the ones she did of our daughters. Wonderful little pictures. There are some examples displayed on the wall over there.”
Dare nodded. He had noticed the little framed likenesses earlier, though he had not realized she had done them. “I saw them. Exquisite work. Miniatures are quite popular, being affordable and portable. And a good miniaturist is a rare talent.”
The man took a sip of his drink, then continued. “Her doting Papa wants her to stay here and paint, but I gather she wants to go to London. Recently she became engaged to that yellow-haired lad—son of an English marquess with an estate in York. Does some financial work for his father in London. Soon she may be lost over the Border, alas.”
“I heard about the engagement. How nice.” Dare felt the sting of it again.
“Sir Archie does his best for his motherless girls, but they do grow up quickly, as I am learning as a father myself. Excellent family. Such bonny girls. The youngest is becoming especially pretty.”
“An enthusiastic musician, but rather young,” Dare said. “Sir, if you hint on my behalf, I am not looking for a wife yet.”
“The new Lord Lyon is quite eligible, everyone tells me. He should marry soon.”
“Someday. He is no longer brokenhearted, but has become philosophical after war, and now, with all his responsibilities, he has no time for marriage.”
“As a friend and one who delights in marriage and family, I urge him to reconsider.”
Dare glanced involuntarily toward Hannah Gordon, standing with her fiancé. “I should. But I am very much occupied lately.”
“I am glad the government recognized your worth, Dare. But do not bury yourself in work at the cost of all else. Burning the candle at both ends is never wise.”
“No one burns candles more thoroughly than you, sir.” Dare chuckled.
“Then find a helpmate to bring peace and balance into your life, and you to hers. You have a title, an estate, a prestigious civic position, and respect. Time you established a family and a legacy.”
Dare grinned. “I will take your advice to heart.”
“See that you do. The government made an excellent choice in appointing you, especially with King George now on the throne. He will need new armorials for his coronation next year, and the Scots must be in the discussion.”
“I agree. In the fall, I plan to visit the College of Arms in London to that end.”
“I will be in London in the fall as well. We will make plans to meet. As for a helpmate, lad, I heartily recommend it.”
Dare nodded, watching Hannah Gordon, all cream-and-gold beauty and blushing whimsy. But her smile was meant for another.
“Someday,” he said.
“I wish more Scotsmen would wear the tartan kilt,” Hannah told her sister Maisie. “It is so dignified and romantical. I quite like it.”
“You must mean Lord Lyon. Oh aye, very bonny. Do not tell my husband I said so,” Maisie answered with a little laugh.
“Come now, Lord Kintrie has your heart as securely as you have his. I am so glad you two finally reunited. That is romantic too!” Hannah sighed. “I am glad to see Lord Strathburn here tonight—the new Lord Lyon. Whenever he attends Papa’s gatherings, he says very little. Quite reserved. I find that rather appealing too,” she added.
“And I will not tell your fiancé you said that,” Maisie teased. “Did Lord Lyon have a word with him? I saw what looked like a rather stern moment.”
Hannah glanced at Jonathan Whitworth, who had walked away to greet a friend. “Jonathan can be—enthusiastic. Lord Lyon simply reminded him to be more courteous. It was chivalrous, I thought. Jonathan was ruffled over it but I soothed his feathers. I hope I will have loyalty and devotion in my marriage as you have in yours.”
