Page 148 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
“That wouldn’t stop Arnprior. But you do need to get on it before events overtake you.” She paused outside the door to the breakfast room, looking serious. “Sometimes you think you have all the control in the world, and then something happens and . . . you realize you don’t.”
Victoria had learned that lesson. It sounded like Ainsley had too.
The breakfast room was a cozy retreat that overlooked the loch. Decorated in cheery shades of yellow and pale green, its furnishings were comfortable rather than formal. The family generally started the day together with a hearty breakfast there, but this morning the only person present was a footman.
“Good morning, Andrew,” Victoria said. “I’m happy to see you did not fall sick with that awful cold.”
“Och, I’m as strong as an ox, miss. Besides, Mrs. Taffy would like to kill me if I fell ill, what with half the household down.”
Then he gazed at Ainsley with an expression that could only be described as smitten. Most of the men in the household reacted the same way to her—except for Royal, who’d clearly left smitten somewhere on the road from Glasgow.
“Would ye like some fresh coffee, my lady?” Andrew asked.
“Please.” Ainsley went to the sideboard and piled toast, fruit, eggs, and ham onto her plate.
It wasn’t considered ladylike to display a robust appetite, but Ainsley clearly didn’t care. Victoria considered it an endearing trait.
“Speaking of men and what to do with them,” Victoria said after the footman departed, “have you and Royal talked at all?”
Ainsley scowled. “Why would I discuss anything with that idiot?”
“Because he kidnapped you, and you were alone with him in a carriage for hours? Unlike Miss Peyton and Miss MacBride, you were not chaperoned by Angus.”
Ainsley crunched into her toast, taking her time to chew before she finally answered. “I don’t care if my reputation is ruined. I’m not marrying Royal Kendrick.”
“Dearest, I don’t mean to pry—”
“Then please don’t.”
“But I’m going to,” Victoria said firmly. “Why are you so unconcerned about your reputation? The damage could be severe.”
Ainsley patted her mouth with a serviette before meeting Victoria’s gaze. Her expression was surprisingly bleak.
“Because it’s preferable to the alternative, which is having to marry the Marquess of Cringlewood.”
“All right,” Victoria replied. “But ruining your reputation seems rather drastic. After all, you might wish to marry someone else one day.”
“Trust me, I won’t.” Ainsley’s grim determination brooked no argument.
Victoria put down her teacup. “I’m not familiar with Lord Cringlewood. Clearly he is not very nice.”
“Nice? The man’s an utter pig,” she said darkly. “Actually, I think I’d rather marry a pig than him.”
“Why don’t you simply refuse him, then?”
“Because of my blasted parents. Papa was thick as thieves with Cringlewood’s father, and they arranged this long ago. Cringlewood wants to get his hands on my money—and on me.” Her quiet voice sent chills down Victoria’s spine.
“Is that why you’re in Scotland, to get away from the marquess?”
“That’s just a side benefit. My father sent me up here for punishment, thinking a winter in the Highlands will be enough to bring me to my senses.” She snorted. “How little he knows me. Even if I froze to death it would be preferable.”
“I’m so sorry, Ainsley. I truly wish there was something I could do.” Victoria sighed. “Of course, I’m not in a position to help anyone at the moment.”
Ainsley waved a hand. “I’ll be fine. And I’m sure Arnprior will protect you. That man never takes no for an answer when it comes to safeguarding his family.”
“Are you talking about me?” Nicholas asked as he strode into the room.
“You have no idea,” said Ainsley with a wry smile.
