The Lyon's Laird: The Lyon's Den

by Hildie McQueen

  “My main family keep is about double the size of this home. However, I house many people there. My mother, two brothers, an elderly aunt and several of my guards live there. Clan Maclean holdings includes two large villages and five farms.”

  Gideon became animated, adding, “Clan Maclean boasts over five hundred warriors and archers that protect the clan and our allies from encroachment.” He motioned to Camren. “Do not forget the other homes, the smaller Maclean keep and house where your uncle, Calum, lives.”

  It was obvious that Gideon had noticed that the family was doing their best to impress, so he did the same in return.

  “We have a country estate that is quite large, as well,” Prudence interjected, raising her nose into the air. “However, I am not keen on country life. I prefer the excitement and vibrance of London.”

  Camren looked to her. “I am afraid you would not care for Highland life then, Miss Monroe.”

  For a moment, she seemed taken aback by his comment, but then smiled. “Oh, I am sure life can be interesting there, as well.”

  By the time he and Gideon were able to extricate themselves from the Monroes, the sun was setting. Upon climbing into the carriage, both let out long breaths.

  “That was positively painful,” Gideon said. “I wish there was a bottle of whisky in here.” He looked around just to be sure.

  Camren closed his eyes. “I hope they do not pursue the idea of either one of us marrying that woman.”

  Gideon shook his head. “I am going to sell the property I won straightaway. Since winning it, I’ve received numerous invitations to call on people I have no desire to meet.”

  “We could move there for the rest of the season and sell it just before returning to Scotland,” Camren suggested. “Boasting that address may help our business.”

  He laughed when Gideon growled in annoyance and leaned forward to speak. “I’d rather return to Scotland unsuccessful than suffer through another evening like this one.”

  Upon arriving at the townhouse, they both settled into chairs, seeming to have no energy to do much more than breathe.

  Daniel appeared with a tray, on it a stack of envelopes. He lifted an eyebrow at Gideon. “Most of these are for you.”

  “Perhaps we should speak of returning to Scotland?” Gideon asked. “I may leave sooner than you.”

  Camren was in total agreement with his friend. However, the monetary gains from sales in England had the potential to be vast. Although his own holdings were large, he did wish to help with the many requirements of his clan.

  “I have many people that require help. It is my obligation to our clan to ensure they are cared for. Just one more month and we will return.”

  Gideon grunted. “Being here in London society should be preferable to most things, but I find I’d prefer a battle to being here.”

  Chapter Seven

  “There is much to do for the wedding.” Evangeline’s mother hurried into the parlor where she sat, followed by the seamstress. She stopped and gave her daughter a sharp look. “Honestly, Evangeline, should you not be doing something other than reading?”

  A dress had already been chosen, most of her clothing packed. Several trunks with her belongings lined the hallway upstairs.

  “The marriage is not to take place for another five days, if we count today.” She stretched. “A lot can happen in five days.”

  “Four days,” her mother corrected. “Mrs. Langley is delivering the last of the gowns I ordered. Gowns made from thicker fabric since life in Scotland could be rather harsh in the winter.”

  At her mother’s sniff, Evangeline felt her own chest constrict. “Why did it have to be someone who lives so far?”

  “I didn’t suspect he’d be the one,” her mother confessed. “I also chose Lord Whitaker, knowing his sharp mind and wit would be compatible with yours.”

  Evangeline fought the urge to shudder. Although attractive, Lloyd Whitaker was too young and a bit feminine in her opinion. “Mother, you are not a good matchmaker.”

  The seamstress motioned for two young women to enter. Both had gowns over their arms. It would be an entire morning before they were done.

  “Laird Maclean is to come this afternoon,” her mother said. “He’s requested to take you on a carriage ride.”

  Shivers of awareness rushed through her and, immediately, the last time she’d ridden in a carriage with a man came to mind.

  “I’d prefer not to.”

  “We’ve already accepted,” her mother replied. “I took the liberty of replying for you.”

  Hours later, Evangeline trudged to her room after the seamstress left. A messenger had arrived with several invitations for her and her mother to attend tea the following afternoon. The only reason for the invitations was obviously fodder for gossip.

  The only one they accepted was to visit the Edwards’ home, since Rose and her family would be one of the few guests at the marriage ceremony.

  Although a message had been sent to her sister, Priscilla, it was not probable they’d have enough time to travel and attend.

  “I have yet to find a way out of this,” Evangeline said out loud. “Whatever can I do?”

  Fran hurried in. “I’m sorry, Miss Genie. I was detained in the kitchen. Sit so I can comb your hair.”

  “No need,” Evangeline replied. “I did it myself. Come sit,” she said as she patted a chair next to her. “You must tell me everything you’ve heard about my situation.”

  Fran bit her bottom lip and looked to the side. “Most of it is not agreeable in the least, Miss.”

  “It cannot be worse than what’s been said in the past.” Her stomach tightened with the familiar ache since her fall from grace. “Tell me.”

  “Well,” Fran started. “First of all, everyone is scrambling to find out the reason Laird Maclean would propose. They suspect you and he… well that you are with child.”

  Evangeline rolled her eyes. “That is not as bad as I’d think. There must be more.”

  “Some say that the laird is indebted to your father and was forced into it.”

  As much as she wanted to know, at the same time it was horrible how the people she’d once counted as friends seemed to relish ways to say bad things about her. At one time, she’d been the toast of London society. She supposed, in a way, she still was, giving them much for conversations over drinks.

  “What else?”

  At Fran’s hesitation, Evangeline prepared herself to hear something truly hurtful. “Laird Maclean called on Miss. Prudence. Susy said they were quite intimate when she walked in on them,” Fran continued, referring to her cousin’s maid.

  Her eyes flew wide. “When?”

  “Yesterday. He remained at the Monroe estate until quite late. Susy also inferred that Laird Maclean initiated a walk about the garden to be alone with Miss Prudence.”

  It was not surprising that Prudence would find a way to spend time with Camren. There was an underlying reason for it. Besides the fact that Camren was a handsome and eligible bachelor, Prudence would find a way to repay what she considered a betrayal. Both she and Prudence had been enamored with Avery Hamilton, but it had been Evangeline he’d chosen to pursue.

  Prudence had never forgotten, often accusing Evangeline of stealing him away despite the fact Avery had never once called on her.

  “Was anything else said?” she asked in a flat voice.

  Fran studied her for a moment. “There is nothing more of note. Most comments were unkind, but the vicar’s wife did say that she is glad to hear you will be married off and kept from any more convictions.”

  “She is kind,” Evangeline said and wiped an errant tear. “This entire situation has brought back what happened in the past. I wish Mother would have listened to me and not gone forward with this ridiculous notion. Laird Maclean is not the least bit interested in marrying me, I’m sure.”

  When the footman announced Camren Maclean’s arrival minutes later, and he strode into the sitting room, Evangel
ine did her best to keep her heart from pounding. Part of her reaction was his appearance.

  Wearing the fashion of the time, he still managed to look every bit a Scot. Unlike most Englishmen, his olive skin and sun-bleached hair were testament to the hours spent outdoors.

  “Miss Prescott,” he said as he bowed over her hand and then placed it in the crook of his arm. “Shall we proceed?”

  “I must speak to you.” Evangeline attempted to pull back, but he held her fast. “You may change your mind about…”

  He pinned her with a knowing look. “We can speak in the carriage. I am tired of being indoors and it is a beautiful day.” It was an open carriage which allowed for everyone to see them. Not particularly what Evangeline wished for at the moment.

  “Can we avoid Hyde Park?”

  “I had not planned to go there.”

  For the first few minutes, they rode in silence. It wasn’t awkward, more of a time to gain their bearings. Camren reached for a basket on the bench opposite them. “Would you like some wine?”

  “If I am to be honest, I’d prefer something stronger,” Evangeline replied with a grimace. “I have much to tell you.”

  From a flask in the basket, he poured them each whisky and settled back against the plush seat. “I find this mode of travel rather interesting,” he began. “I am not used to going anywhere unless on horseback. On occasion, I drive a loaded wagon, but it is rare.”

  After a sip of her drink, she studied the view for a moment, allowing the warmth of the whisky to flow down her throat. “I imagine the surroundings are much more beautiful where you are from.”

  “The city has it’s qualities,” he replied. Although if he were to be honest, most of the time he found the views lacking.

  “You are being generous,” Evangeline replied. “When I visit the country estate, I can spend hours riding. Just the freshness of the air alone is wonderful.”

  When she found him studying her intently, she took another sip of whisky. “I hear you visited with my cousin.”

  Camren nodded. “I did.”

  “And I imagine she did not hesitate to give you the details of my ruin.”

  “I would rather hear it from you, Miss Prescott. If we are to be married, I prefer only honesty between us. Tell me.”

  Was it what she wished for? If anything, she’d expected him to call off the wedding after speaking to Prudence. Her cousin had probably not only informed him of her fall from grace but had embellished freely.

  The marriage had to be called off. Not because she wasn’t attracted to him, but because she did not wish him to be saddled with a ruined woman with a physical impediment.

  “I was young and quite foolish. My actions on that day were wrong, and I carry the consequences with each step. My leg injury is a permanent reminder of my fall from grace.”

  His face hardened. “You do not say to be regretful.”

  “Of course, I am.”

  “For the betrayal or for being caught?”

  Her breath caught. “Betrayal?” Of course, Prudence must have intimated that Avery was her suitor.

  “I believe the gentleman in question was your cousin’s…”

  “He was not.”

  The air around them seemed to still and Evangeline wished Camren would have listened to her and not insisted on going out.

  They rode down cobblestone streets to the outskirts of the city until they had a view of more open areas between large estates. The crisp air flowed around them for which Evangeline was thankful. She’d stopped talking, needing time to organize her thoughts.

  In the meantime, Camren sipped his drink and poured a second. There was a shift in him, as if a wall were erected between them that had not been there, at least not to her the day he’d first visited.

  “Why would your cousin accuse you of something that is not true?” he asked, his face devoid of expression.

  Every explanation on the tip of her tongue sounded more ludicrous than the next. Up until that day, she’d considered their rivalry something in the past, a misunderstanding of two young, emotional girls.

  She met Camren’s gaze. “Before he became my suitor, Prudence and I shared an admiration for him. I suppose she is still bitter over the fact he chose me.”

  “I see.” It was hard to tell if he was convinced or not, but he did seem to relax.

  “To be clear, Laird, I will not fret if you believe me or not. You asked that we be honest with each other and I, too, prefer it.”

  “It’s good to hear.” Camren leaned closer, his lips to her ear. “I must admit feeling a great attraction to you, Miss Prescott. I can certainly understand why a man would choose you.” The caress of his warm breath against her sensitive skin caused an immediate urgent reaction. Her breath caught and her eyelids fell closed. It had been so very long since she’d had a man so close.

  “I-I…” Words evaded her at the touch of his lips to just below her jawline.

  He pressed a kiss to her jaw. It was soft, almost hesitant.

  Evangeline swallowed and turned to study the placid expression on his face. Nothing came to mind. She could not think of a thing to say.

  If only this once, she had to know what it would be like to kiss him. A plan was already formulating, a way to avoid marriage. Although if she were to be honest, he was probably the very type of man she would not mind being bound to.

  However, the sordid details of her past had reared on the lips of London society and surely would reach the ears of Camren’s family even before they arrived.

  Her gaze moved to his lips, with an unspoken request. Camren responded and his mouth covered hers.

  Without thought, she cupped his face with her right hand. His face was smooth, the skin warm under her fingertips. Fiery awareness trickled through her veins to pool in the most delicate part of her. How could a simple kiss cause such a reaction?

  Longing made her want to demand more from him, but at the carriage going over a rough patch and swaying side-to-side, reality crept ever so slowly into her muddled brain.

  His hand was now at her waist. His fingers pressed into the fabric and, for a brief moment, Evangeline imagined them touching her bare skin.

  “I am not sure what came over me.” She placed her hand against his chest and gently pushed him back. “We must speak. How do you feel about our situation?”

  His darkened gaze moved over her face and then away to the scenery passing by. “I am prepared to go forth with the marriage. I have given my word. However, I must make it clear that I will never tolerate infidelity.”

  If only the ground would open and pull her into its darkened depths. Heat rushed to her face and her eyes burned as she turned away to stare blindly at the road before them. Of all the humiliations since the incident, his pronouncement felt like a stab through her heart.

  The sheer embarrassment of being considered a harlot was enough to make her want to jump from the moving carriage. Instead, she closed her eyes and forced the bile that threated to erupt from her back down.

  “If I ever marry, my entire body and soul will belong to my husband. However, Laird, you do not know me, and I find your remark insulting. You have no reason to trust me and I understand that. Despite what my cousin may have alluded to, I was faithful to the one man who was my lover and he was never her suitor.”

  “I am not alluding to anything other than making a statement to the matter of our future relationship. We will be married, Miss Prescott, and I do expect fidelity and I vow to be faithful to you as well. My first marriage ended because of a lack of it.”

  Her eyes widened. Of course, it made the current situation even worse. Not only did he have doubts about her, but the entire situation was probably a stark reminder of what had happened.

  “I understand,” Evangeline replied. In truth, she was sure he would not have made the remark as strongly if she were anyone else. Someone who was not scorned by society for promiscuity.

  Just then, a rider appeared in the distance. The silv
er-hued stallion was familiar, and she narrowed her eyes, attempting to get a clearer view.

  The rider sat tall in his saddle, the familiar figure moving closer until there was no question of his identity.

  Evangeline’s blood ran cold.

  Approaching at a rapid pace was Avery Hamilton, the man who’d played a major part in the ruin of her reputation.

  He seemed intent on coming toward them, so much so that Camren ordered their carriage to stop.

  Avery’s dark gaze surveyed Evangeline for a long moment before sliding to Camren. “Good afternoon, Evangeline.” He cocked an eyebrow and waited to be introduced.

  Without any alternative, she let out a breath. “Avery, I introduce Laird Camren Maclean. Camren, this is Lord Avery Hamilton. A family acquaintance.”

  The men exchanged a slight bow of their heads, neither breaking eye contact. Neither ceded until Evangeline interrupted.

  “Have a good day, Avery.”

  The lord’s gaze swept from her face, past Camren and to the driver. “I am glad to see you are venturing out again.” With that, he touched the brim of his hat and rode away.

  Evangeline sat still, her gaze straight ahead. If only the infernal day would end.

  The bell over the door at The Tattered Page dinged as a she entered. Prudence sniffed at the unpleasant smell of books and dust, both left on the shelf much too long. Her day was going well. Already, she’d sent Avery Hamilton on a fool’s errand and now to find out information to further humiliate the harlot cousin of hers.

  Behind the counter was a man she assumed to be in his mid-thirties. He wasn’t too unpleasant to look upon, although it was definitely not someone she should notice. He was definitely a poor man, with little more than the tidy shop.

  “May I help you, Miss?” His brown gaze fell on her for an instant.

  “I am looking for my cousin, Evangeline. Is she here?”

  He seemed surprised at her question. “No, Miss. Her book club meets on Wednesday mornings.”

  “Goodness.” She feigned confusion. “Why did I think she said today? What time is the book club held?”