Page 72 of The Falconer

‘That’s quite unnecessary.’ Her gaze finally settles on me. ‘I’ll endeavour to be brief.’

‘Here we go . . .’ Gavin mutters.

Lady Cassilis glares at him sharply before continuing, ‘I hope you realise this situation with my son has put me in quite a precarious position.’

I can barely concentrate on her words. The illness is now a storm inside me. Heat swirls along my veins as my heart pumps venom through my system. My heartbeat roars in my ears. God, can nobody else hear it? It’s so loud, so slow.Thump. Thump.

‘Lady Aileana,’ the viscountess says.

‘Aye?’ I dare not say much, struggling as I am just to catch my breath. Black dots dance in my vision and I try desperately to blink them away.

‘Yes,’ she corrects.

I don’t respond. I concentrate on my laboured breathing. Gavin looks over at me and I attempt my best reassuring smile.

Lady Cassilis continues, ‘As my son is a gentleman—’ Gavin’s loud snort interrupts her, but she ignores it. ‘He has decided that the best way of resolving the situation is to wed you.’ The viscountess regards me grimly. ‘I agree with his decision.’

‘Splendid,’ I whisper.

Catherine frowns and mouths, ‘Are you well?’ I nod, a mere shift of my head, because that’s the only movement I can manage. Catherine doesn’t look convinced. The viscountess goes on and I try to listen, but I must appear distracted.

‘Aileana, have you heard a word I’ve said?’

‘I beg your pardon, Lady Cassilis.’ I swallow and offer the viscountess a wan smile. ‘Please, do continue.’

The viscountess draws back her shoulders. ‘As I was saying, I also agree with your father that this will have to be settled quickly. The Stewart name is old and renowned, and as you have an impressive dowry and lineage, I’m willing to concede to this match. After all, I refuse to see my family’s reputation tarnished because some . . . some foolish girl seduced the only remaining Stewart heir.’

My head snaps up at that.Foolish girl?Rage simmers inside me and my defences begin to crumble. That carefully composed and maintained façade of calm is failing me. My polite pretence almost slips.

‘Mother,’ Catherine says, aghast. ‘That is not at all appropriate.’

‘Is that what you think happened?’ I speak carefully, with more control than I feel.

Over on the settee, Gavin turns his head to me. He must hear the change in my voice, the undertone of anger creeping in. His eyes widen a fraction – in fear, I realise. He knows what I’m capable of.

You scare the hell out of me.

Last night, it hurt to hear him say that. I find those same words empowering now. To be feared is an elixir. I can be terrifying, strong, untouchable. In that world, I don’t have to worry about reputations or marriage.

‘I think we are far past what is appropriate, Catherine,’ Lady Cassilis replies. ‘Aileana has already attracted excessive attention, so my motive is to mitigate the inevitable gossip as much as possible. If we have the ceremony in a fortnight, there will be less talk if a child is born early.’

Gavin chokes low in his throat and stares at his mother in shock. Catherine perfectly mirrors his expression.

I stand. My cheeks burn with the fever and anger I can no longer suppress. ‘Out.’

Lady Cassilis’s jaw drops. ‘Ibegyour pardon?’

‘Was I not clear? Get. The hell. Out. Of my home.’

Even Catherine turns to me, mouth agape. ‘Aileana!’ she gasps.

I never show this side of myself in public, but I can’t hold it back one moment longer. My body trembles from the venom in my blood and my carefully maintained mental control is disintegrating. My rational thoughts are fading . . . gone.

There is only anger, my hot skin, my pounding head, my roaring heart, and people in the room who need to leave.

‘Go.Now.’ I say it with more force.

Lady Cassilis draws herself up. ‘I was willing to set aside our differences for the sake of my son. But I see I was not at all wrong about you.’ She strides to the door in a flurry of silk skirts. ‘Catherine,’ she snaps, before exiting the room.

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