Page 52 of An English Rose for the Highlander
“Miss Barton,” one of the officials began, speaking up from his seat to steal the attention of the room, “if we can begin.”
Rose gripped Peggy’s arm in a show of solidarity before walking to the officials and taking her seat in front of them. Dominik stood just at her back, his hand resting on the back of the chair, while Rose perched on the edge.
“Lady MacKay, if you please. I am the Lady of Clan MacKay through marriage.”
The man cocked a brow at her, noting the direct challenge Rose offered. She was immediately disputing the claim that she was not married to the man behind her, and the Crown’s man adjusted in his seat, ducking his head before returning his stare to her with a sneering grin.
“Apologies.” He nodded once. “I am Horatio Burns, and my associate, Mr. Bernard Hopkins. We have come today to inquire about a particularly concerning report that the ‘marriage’ between you and the Laird of MacKay was indeed fraudulent, and he is suspected of abducting a person of English residency.”
“I am aware of therumors, Mr. Burns. What information can I provide you that may assist with clearing up this dreadful business?”
Rose felt Dominik’s hand grip the back of the chair tighter, but he said nothing, allowing her to speak for herself. They had discussed this a bit prior to the officials’ arrival, and it was crucial that it did not appear as if Dominik was keeping his wife from speaking the truth.
So, to put on the correct expression and presentation, Rose sat in her seat, poised with her spine as straight as ever. She was not lying to the men; this was indeed the truth of the matter, and she would conduct herself with the highest dignity and courage as she could manage.
“Before we ask for your testimony to the validity of this marriage, we must make it clear here and now that this investigation is not solely based on the hearsay of a few individuals. The outcome of this investigation could indeed affect the status of your position here and in London, as well as the standing of the copper-rich land that was inherited. Since it possessed the stipulation that it would not be granted until you were married.”
Rose nearly choked on her own saliva. She was aware that her own reputation and status were at stake, but the land? Furthermore, how did these officials even know about the copper deposits? That information had been kept from those in the clan since its discovery. Something foul was afoot, and Rose did not know what.
“Excellent,” said Mr. Burns, “let us begin.”
It took everything in Dominik’s person to maintain his composure. The English officials threatened Rose’s status within their Society and Scottish law, and they knew of the deposits found on her inherited land. Something that should not be possible.
“Of course,” Rose replied to the man’s words, her voice as even and calm as ever, “I am at your disposal.”
Despite the fury raging through his innards, Dominik could not deny that his wife had already conducted herself with a level of professionalism and courtesy that not many could manage. She was steady, unfazed by their threats, and appeared as intelligent and informed as any Laird or Lady this keep had ever seen.
He was desperately impressed, full of admiration, and he had to admit relief.
“Very well, firstly, my lady, I will ask you outright. Were you abducted by this man and forced to be his wife?”
Rose didn’t flinch or hesitate. “No. I met Laird MacKay through the English matchmaker, Miss Mirren Wood. She introduced us when I had come to her seeking a husband, and we were married shortly after meeting based on mutual agreement.”
Dominik could hardly steady himself as he watched Rose handle each question and thinly veiled insult the officials threw her way. After all this time together, it was here and now that he could truly see just how brave and dignified she was.
Rose had learned the ways of his people as quickly as she could, and she was even now facing another challenge to ensure the best for this keep and their union. It was truly remarkable, endearing to watch, and he would even go so far as to say that beyond anyone’s doubt, Rose had truly proved herself to be the Lady of Clan MacKay.
“Can you please tell me what you see here?” Mr. Burns held out his hand, and his associate retrieved a thick bit of parchment, delivering it to the man’s gloved hand.
Rose took the same paper, unfolding it carefully and examining the contents. Even from behind her, Dominik could see the official nature of the document as he glanced over her shoulder. The words that stood out to him the most were “promised hand.”
“I don’t understand. Where did you get this?” Rose’s voice had shrunk some, the confusion abundantly evident.
“Can you attest to its validity?” Mr. Burns conveniently did not answer Rose’s question.
“No, it is entirelyinvalid.” Rose shook her head, looking back down at the document. “This appears to be a claim that I was promised to Ambrose Lockhart, Viscount of Egerton. But I canassure you that no such document was ever drafted during our brief time together.”
“A date is set on the paper, my lady. Are you saying that it is false?”
Rose snapped the paper down to her lap, keeping her voice level even as she radiated frustration and fury.
“It is indeed false. This is not my signature, nor is it the signature of my parents. I did not agree with this. Furthermore, Lord Egerton swindled my father out of the dowry, tricking the poor man into delivering itbeforeour marriage. It is because of him that I was forced to go to Miss Wood in search of a new husband.”
Mr. Burns’ expression darkened, the creases in his brow standing out starkly. He exchanged a glance with his partner, Hopkins, and they returned their steely gazes to Rose.
“Can you provide proof that this is not your signature?”
Rose looked over her shoulder at Dominik, and he focused on the intensity of her stare.
