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No, she didn’t, but she could imagine that he’d done his best to put their sudden marriage in the best light.

His mother was still speaking. "Hamish told me that you were discussing mathematics and lost track of how long you were alone."

"It’s true. We were." After a hesitation, Emily dared to share at least a little of the truth. She’d approached this conversation sick with dread, but so far Lady Glen Lyon had been very understanding. "I told him the calculations in his paper were wrong, and he didn’t want to quarrel with me in full view of the crowd."

To her surprise, Lady Glen Lyon laughed. "That sounds like my boy. Once his temper gets the better of him, there’s no talking sense."

Encouraged, Emily went on. "He dragged me out into the garden to tell me I was mistaken. No harm would have come of it, except my dress snagged in a bush and it started to rain. He was trying to get me back to my carriage, when someone noticed us and we had to come back inside, looking like—"

"Drowned rats was the story I heard."

Emily felt her cheeks heat. The memory of that night still made her queasy. "I thought we could weather the talk, but Hamish was sure we couldn’t."

"Hamish was right. The scandal was too delicious."

"Yes, his calculations about the comet might have been wrong, but his assessment of London’s appetite for gossip was spot on," she said with a trace of grimness.

"And now you’re wed." Hamish’s mother smiled. "It’s clear that you two are the perfect match, however the match was made."

Emily only just stopped herself from setting her mother-in-law straight. Hamish really must have told her some dreadful lies. "He’s a good man."

"Yes, he is. And a kind and generous one."

"I’m not a conventional choice."

"No, but he’s not a conventional man, and it gladdens my heart that he’s found someone to share his life who can also share his interests. All of my children are clever, but Hamish outstripped the others from the first. His mind moves in a world where very few can follow him."

Emily regarded Hamish’s mother in astonishment. "You really don’t mind that he married me?"

Another of those fond laughs. "Good Lord, I don’t mind at all. Why on earth would you think I did?"

Because we wed under a cloud of scandal.

Because he doesn’t love me.

Because I don’t love him.

"Because I have no fortune."

Lady Glen Lyon took her hand and squeezed it. "Nor did I – or nothing to compare anyway – when I married Hamish’s father. He said he had plenty of money for both of us."

"That’s what Hamish said."

"He’s very like his father – although he looks more like me. No, my dear, you have it quite wrong, if you imagine the family disapproves. It was time for my son to marry, and I couldn’t be more delighted that he chose a woman of brains and common sense."

"But the tattle…"

"The best revenge is living happily, and I can already see you’ve made an excellent start on that. I’m especially pleased to see that you don’t put up with any of his nonsense. Never apologize, my dear, or fear you’re not good enough. In my opinion, my son was lucky to find you. He’s inclined to walk all over most people. It’s that combination of charm and good looks and daunting intelligence."

Hamish wasn’t the only Douglas who possessed those particular qualities. "You’re very kind."

The lovely face brightened in another smile. "I can be a dreadful harridan, as I’m sure you’ll discover over the coming years." She paused. "I can remember being a new bride. It was such a mad whirl of surprise and uncertainty and happiness. Nor is it easy to find your feet when you set up home with a husband. But you’re clever and determined – and pretty enough to put a spark in my son’s eyes. You’ll find your way."

"Thank you. I hope so."

"If you’ll take my advice—"

"Gladly," Emily said fervently, which prompted another laugh.


Tags: Anna Campbell The Lairds Most Likely Historical