“I can do more than hit targets,” Merritt said. “I can pursue and hunt game while moving behind cover. I’m comfortable with using telescopes and field-glasses, and I’m good at calculating distance even on open terrain. And, unlike Ethan and his agents, I can literally stay within arm’s reach of you most of the time, including at night.”
Her mother’s voice came from beside the French doors. “Merritt darling, you know I’m usually the first to say to hell with proprieties. But it falls to me to point out that you can’t stay at the home of an unmarried man without … well …”
“I’ve already thought of that,” Merritt said. “We could stop at Gretna Green on the way, just as Uncle Sebastian and Aunt Evie did.”
“First,” Keir said coolly, “I have no’ proposed yet. Second, there are no border weddings in Scotland now. They changed the law twenty-five years ago. People have to bide in Scotland for at least three weeks before they’re allowed to wed.”
Merritt frowned. “Drat,” she muttered.
Uncle Sebastian cleared his throat. “Actually …” He pretended not to notice as Keir sent him a damning glare.
“Yes, Uncle?” Merritt prompted hopefully.
“There’s an ancient Scottish tradition called marriage by declaration,” Sebastian continued, “that’s still legal. If you state in front of two witnesses that you both freely consent to become husband and wife, the local sheriff will have it registered.”
“No waiting period?” Merritt asked.
“None.”
“And it’s legal outside of Scotland?”
“Indeed.”
“How perfectly convenient,” Merritt said in satisfaction.
Keir’s expression had turned thunderous. “You’re no’ going with me,” he told her. “I’m putting my foot down.”
“Darling,” she said reasonably, “you can’t put your foot down, I’ve already put my foot down.”
His eyes narrowed. “Mine is bigger.”
“Mine is faster,” Merritt said. “I’m going to start packing.”
She fled before he could reply, and he followed at her heels.
AFTER THE PAIR had left, and Ransom had gone to write some telegrams, Sebastian remained in the parlor with Westcliff, Lillian, and Evie.
Westcliff went to Lillian and slid his arms around her. “Well,” he asked, “would you advise locking her in her room, or should we threaten to cut off her allowance?”
A rueful smile crossed Lillian’s lips. “I couldn’t help but wonder if you regretted having taught her to shoot so well.”
“For a moment,” Westcliff admitted. “But MacRae won’t capitulate. I could see it in his face.”
“I pity the lad,” Sebastian commented. “In her ladylike way, Merritt is a sledgehammer.”
Wryly, Westcliff commented, “All three of my daughters are hellbent on making decisions for themselves. They always have been.”
“Mine as well,” Sebastian said. “Much to my dismay.” Noticing the way Lillian and Evie glanced at each other and smiled, as if at some shared reminiscence, he asked, “What is it?”
“I was remembering the conversations we used to have with Annabelle and Daisy,” Evie told him, “about the things we wanted to teach our daughters.”
Lillian grinned. “The first point we all agreed upon was, ‘Never let a man do your thinking for you.’”
“That explains a great deal,” Sebastian said. “Evie, my sweet, don’t you think you should have asked me before filling the girls’ heads with subversive wallflower philosophy?”
Evie came to him, slid her arms around him, and tucked her head beneath his chin. He could hear a smile in her voice as she said, “Wallflowers never ask permission.”
KEIR FOLLOWED MERRITT into her room and closed the door with a little more force than was necessary. She turned to face him, her lips parted, but he held up his hand in a staying motion before she could get a word out. He was angry and worried and filled with agitation, and he didn’t want to be soothed or cajoled. He needed her to understand something.
“Sit,” he said gruffly, pointing to a chair next to a little table.
Merritt complied, arranging her skirts and folding her hands neatly in her lap. She watched calmly as he paced back and forth in front of her.
“Since I came to London,” he said, “I’ve been twisted and spun about like a bobbin winder. I lost the entire whisky shipment, along with every last bottle of Ulaidh Lachlan. I was stabbed and almost blown to smithereens. I gained a new father I’m no’ sure of yet, and a fake father who’s trying to have me murdered. I learned I’m about to acquire a great load of real estate I dinna want, and if I live long enough, a peerage title I already hate. And I learned I’m no’ even Scottish. And more important than any of the rest of it … I’ve fallen in love for the first time in my life.” He gripped the arms of the chair and lowered to his knees with his thighs spread to bracket hers. “I will love you, Merry, until my last breath of life. You understand me well enough to know it would destroy me if the least bit of harm came to you. How could I let you risk yourself for my sake? How could you even ask such a thing?”
“I ask because I love you.” Her lips trembled. “And I want to be your partner.”
“You are.”
“Not if you’re planning to leave me behind the way Joshua did. That’s not what a partner does. He tried to protect me by going away to solve a problem on his own, when we should have faced it together.”
“’Tis no’ the same,” Keir said in outrage.
“It feels the same.”
“There’s nothing wrong with a man protecting the woman he loves.”
“Can’t I protect the man I love? No one could dispute that you’ll be safer with me there.”
“I thunderin’ well dispute it!”
“What if someone enters the house at night while you’re sleeping?”
“I’ll have the dog with me. He’ll let me know. And Ransom’s men will stop an intruder long before he comes in.”
“What if the intruder manages to sneak by them? What could you and Wallace do if he has a weapon?”
“I’ll learn how to shoot one.”
“That’s not something you can learn in an afternoon. You need many, many hours of practice, and even then, there’s an enormous risk of accidents when you’re in a situation filled with that much pressure and uncertainty.” She leaned forward to clasp her hands on either side of his face. “Let me go with you,” she said earnestly. A faint smile tugged at one corner of her lips. “I’ll be the extra rib that protects your heart.”
Keir pulled back abruptly. The motion sent a stab of pain through his ribs, and he swore. Rising to his feet, he sent her a glance of mingled torment and frustration. “You can’t, Merry.”
The hint of a smile had vanished. “Because you doubt my abilities,” she said rather than asked.
Keir shook his head. “Because you are my heart.” He turned and left the room while he was still able.
Chapter 34
KEIR WANDERED AIMLESSLY AROUND the house, brooding. If Merritt were able to recognize what an impossible situation she’d put him in, everything would be so much easier. His refusal to take her to Islay had nothing to do with his respect for her, which was enormous. Her well-being would always take precedence over his, because she was what he valued most. Because of who he was as a man. Because he loved her.
He found himself meandering down the hallway that led to the study, and heard the sound of voices coming from the open door. Without making a conscious decision, he paused at the threshold and glanced inside. Kingston and Westcliff were talking with the comfortable ease of old friends, a tray bearing a brandy decanter and crystal glasses between them. Keir missed sitting at the tavern talking with friends, or lingering with some of the men after work to finish the day with a taste of whisky, or “dramming,” as they called it.
Kingston looked up and smiled as he saw Keir. “Come in, my boy.”
I
t was disarming to see the change in the duke’s expression, the elegant features softening and warming. And in response, Keir was surprised by a feeling of kinship, and relief, and the expectation of a good conversation. He realized he was starting to like the man’s company.
As he entered the room, he paused in front of Westcliff, knowing something had to be said about his relationship with Merritt. “Sir,” he said, and cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Earlier … Merritt gave the impression that a certain question had already been asked and answered. But I would no’ do so without first discussing it with you.”
The earl’s expression was difficult to read. “A father’s consent isn’t necessary in the case of a widow marrying for the second time.”
“’Tis necessary to me, milord,” Keir replied. “If you’re of the opinion she’d be ill-served to have me as a husband, ’tis your right to say so, and my obligation to pay attention.”
Westcliff regarded him thoughtfully. “There’s no need to enumerate the obvious challenges you and she are facing. I’d rather ask how you’re planning to handle them.”
Kingston picked up his brandy and stood. “Good God,” he said with amusement, “if it’s turning into that sort of conversation, I’m going to pour the lad a brandy. Take my chair, Keir.”
Keir complied, and sat facing the earl. “I dinna have an actual plan yet,” he admitted. “But I would do everything possible to protect her and take care of her feelings. She would never go wanting. I would listen to her opinions, and treat her as a beloved companion, always. I’ll work very hard, and sacrifice what I must. If she’s no’ happy living on Islay, I’d live somewhere else.”
The duke gave him a glass of brandy, and half sat on the heavy mahogany desk nearby.
Westcliff seemed struck by the last words. “You’d move away from the island? You’re that convinced she’s worth it?”
“Of course. There is but one Merritt. And no’ one minute of the day does she cease to be a joy to me.”
That drew the widest, most natural smile Keir had seen yet from Westcliff. “If you can say that after her determined display this afternoon, I think you’ll do well together.”
“’Tis proud I am that she’s such a fine marksman,” Keir assured him. “But it was no’ necessary for her to prove. There was never a chance I would allow her to go into danger with me.”
“You’re a fine young man,” the earl said. “For what it’s worth, the union has my full support. However, marrying a Marsden can be a knotty proposition, even with one as amiable as Merritt. If I may share a bit of hard-won wisdom …”
“Please,” Keir said readily.
“I do a fair amount of riding on my estate,” Westcliff said. “With every single horse I own, I often lay the reins on his neck and let him move forward to find his own natural balance and gait. I’ve seen far too many overbearing riders constantly manage and adjust the horse to force its obedience. Every little toss of the head or momentary hesitation is corrected. A variety of torturous bits, spurs, and straps are employed to make it submit. Some horses endure such treatment, but far more are ruined by it. Their spirits are broken, and their temperaments permanently soured. Always let a horse be a horse.” He paused. “Do you take my meaning?”
“Aye, milord.”
“Was an analogy really necessary, Westcliff?” Kingston asked. “You could have simply said, ‘Please be kind to my headstrong daughter and don’t break her spirit.’”
“Force of habit,” the earl said. “None of my sons pay attention unless it’s horses.” He swallowed the last of his brandy and set the empty glass aside. “I’ll take my leave and let the two of you talk,” he said, and stood. On the way to the threshold, he added, “Incidentally, if it’s ever mentioned that I used that analogy for handling my daughter, I’ll have no choice but to say it’s a vicious lie.”
“I understand,” Keir said, and drowned a grin in his brandy.
Kingston remained half-sitting, half-leaning on the desk. “If you don’t mind my asking,” he said after Westcliff had left, “how was it left with Merritt?”
Keir gave him a resigned glance. “If I don’t take her to Islay, it somehow proves I don’t value her as a partner.”
“That’s the Marsden streak,” Kingston said dryly. “Not a single one of Westcliff’s brood doesn’t fantasize about saving the day in one way or another.”
“’Tis because I value her that she can’t go.”
“She’ll come to understand.”
“I hope so.” Keir took another swallow of brandy and sighed shortly. “She’ll have more than enough opportunities to save the day in the coming months and years.”
The duke crossed his long legs and idly regarded the tips of his polished shoes. “Keir … I believe I understand some of what you’re feeling. Particularly the part about facing a mountain of responsibilities for which you’ve never prepared. However, you’re absolutely capable of handling it all, and eventually you’ll find the right people to manage your affairs. Meanwhile, I can think of no other woman more perfectly suited to help you through it than Merritt.”
“What about the people in her circles? The fancy folk.”
“What of them?”
“Will they give her a hard time of it, for marrying below herself?”
Kingston appeared mildly startled. “Below? Your rank and pedigree are superior to hers. Not only are you the son of a duke, but on your mother’s side, you’re descended from an ancient Saxon family.”
“But manners, bearing, education—”
“Irrelevant. Above all, society respects lineage. Therefore, you’ll find their expectations of you and your behavior will be most elastic. If you descend into lunacy, they’ll call you delightfully eccentric. If you act the dullard, they’ll praise your refreshing lack of pretense.”
A reluctant grin spread across Keir’s face.
“Whatever you may need,” Kingston said, “in the way of advice, connections, capital, or anything else, do not hesitate to come to me. I’m always at your service.” He paused. “Later, when there’s an opportunity, I want to introduce you to your two remaining siblings. You would enjoy their company. You and Gabriel, in particular, are much alike in temperament. He married into the Ravenel family, and his wife is a thoroughly charming woman—”
“Oh, Pandora is my favorite!” came a new voice from the doorway, and they both glanced at the threshold where Seraphina was standing. “She’s very witty and fun, and a bit odd in the nicest possible way.” With her slender form clad in a green dress, and her brilliant golden-red hair trailing over her shoulder in a thick braid, she reminded Keir of a mermaid. “May I interrupt just for a moment?” she asked, beaming at them both. “I have something important to show Keir.”
Kingston gestured for her to enter, and Keir started to rise to his feet.
“No, sit right there,” Seraphina urged, and took the chair next to his. She held a folded length of parchment in her lap. “Phoebe left a note asking me to go through our family genealogy books to see if we had any Scottish ancestors. She found none on your mother’s side at all, and she said you’d be disappointed if there were none on Father’s side.”
Surprised and touched by both sisters’ concern, Keir shook his head with a smile. “Dinna worry about that, Seraphina. I decided ’tis enough to be Scottish in my heart.”
“Still, you wouldn’t mind if I told you we have some Scottish blood, would you?” she asked, her eyes twinkling. “Because I’ve discovered that we do in fact have a Scot in our family tree! It’s been overlooked because he’s not in our direct line. I had to trace the connection through some female ancestors instead of going only through the male lineage. But we are very clearly indisputably descended from a Scot who was our great-great-great-great-great … well, let’s say eighteen-times-great … grandfather. And just see who it is!” Seraphina unfolded the parchment, which was inscribed with a long vertical chart of connected names. And at the top—
ROB
ERT I
King of Scots
“Robert the Bruce?” Keir could feel his heart expanding in his chest.
“Yes,” Seraphina said gleefully, leaping up and bouncing on her heels.
Keir stood, laughing, and bent to kiss her cheek. “One drop of Robert the Bruce’s blood will do the job. I could no’ be happier. Thank you, sister.” He tried to hand the chart back to her, but she shook her head.
“Keep that if you like. Isn’t it wonderful news? I have to go tell Ivo we’re Scottish!” She left the room triumphantly.
Keir chuckled as he folded the paper and slid it into his pocket. He glanced at Kingston, who had managed to quell his own smile long enough to finish his brandy.
“I’ll say good-bye to you in private now,” Keir said. “I’ll be leaving at first lark song.”
The duke looked at him alertly. “A day early?”
“’Tis easier that way,” Keir said, and paused bashfully. “I want to thank you for safeguarding the trust on my behalf. You’ve fought for a year without even knowing if you’d find me.”
“I knew I’d find you,” Kingston said quietly. Turning abruptly businesslike, he walked to the other side of the desk and opened a drawer. He pulled out a calling card, took up a pen from a carved agate holder, and unstopped an inkwell. “I’m giving you my London address,” he said, writing on the engraved card, “and also the name of a manager at the club, who always knows my whereabouts. Send a telegram if there’s anything you need. Anything at all. I—” He broke off, set the pen down, and took a moment to discipline his features. “It’s difficult to let you leave, knowing Ormonde is going to send someone after you.”
“I’d rather be shot at,” Keir said, taking the card from him, “than spend all day in court as you’ll be doing.”
Kingston responded with a mirthless chuckle.
Keir hesitated for a long moment, and came to a decision. Feeling self-conscious and vaguely idiotic, he reached down past the collar of his shirt, hooked his finger on the chain around his neck, and tugged until he’d fished out the gold key. He cleared his throat and tried to sound casual. “I wondered … if you still …” His voice trailed into silence as he saw Kingston reach for his waistcoat pocket. The man’s usual adroitness seemed to have deserted him as he worked to unfasten the watch chain. “ ’Tis only a formality,” Keir muttered.
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