Page 78 of Midnight Conquest

Minutes later, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown of deep green, her hair hastily pinned back, Davina stood outside the study. She inhaled a steadying breath before knocking.

“Enter,” Tammus’s voice called from within.

She pushed the door open and stepped inside. Her uncle sat at the desk, his usually stern expression marred by an even deeper scowl—if that was even possible. A large book lay open in front of him, his thick fingers drumming against the wood with an impatient rhythm.

“Uncle,” Davina said, dipping her head in greeting.

Tammus didn’t return the pleasantry. Instead, he slammed the book shut with a loudthud, making her flinch. “Arthur Forbes has changed his mind,” he said, his voice clipped.

Davina’s heart soared, but she kept her face carefully neutral, bowing her head to hide the smile threatening to break free. “Oh?” she said, her voice soft and measured.

Tammus’s scowl deepened. “Aye. Last night, he was content to wed you. This morning, he decided he didn’t want such a headstrong woman.”

Her lips twitched. She couldn’t help it. “I see.”

Her uncle’s eyes narrowed. “You see? That’s all you’ve to say? You sat there last night, arguing about the damn star constellations. He didn’t want to talk about them, and you pushed the subject anyway.”

Davina raised her chin, meeting his gaze without flinching. “Star gazing is a hobby I thoroughly enjoy. I also enjoy Greek mythology. What am I supposed to do, Uncle? Sit there with my mouth shut and pretend I don’t have thoughts of my own? That I don’t enjoy hobbies?”

Tammus pinched the bridge of his nose, frustration radiating from every line of his weathered face. “Aye. If it would get you married, mayhap that’s exactly what you should do.”

She stared at him, stunned. “Are you so desperate to see me married that you’d put me back into a miserable union? You know what Arthur would have done to me. You know he’d have mistreated me in the name of ‘disciplining’ his wife. And for what? Because talking about stars made him uncomfortable?”

Her uncle sighed, sagging back into his chair. “All right, lass. You’ve made your point,” he admitted gruffly. “You were not compatible, and of course I don’t want you completely unhappy.But Davina…” He leaned forward, clasping his hands together with a grave expression. “I’m going to level with you. My business needs me back home. This is taking up too much of my time. I’ve one more suitor lined up for you. He’ll be here on the morrow. The fifth and final one.”

Davina opened her mouth to protest, but he held up a hand to stop her.

“Please, lass,” he said, his voice weary. “Pleaseconsider this one. He’s your age, bright, kind, and a good chap. If this one doesn’t suit you, I…”

Davina dared to hope he was reconsidering her original offer to run the wool business under his name. She leaned forward, holding her breath.

“Fergus MacLeod has… Well…”

“MacLeod?” Her voice rose with disbelief, fists clenching at her sides. “After what he did to me, you’d actually consider him?”

Tammus stood, planting his fists on the desk with a thud. “You’re not leaving me any choice, Davina! And don’t ask again to run the wool business yourself! I see that look in your eye. Even under my name, it’s still illegal! How many times do I have to tell you?It. Is. Illegal!So, if you don’t want to marry MacLeod, you’d best find something ye like about Finlay McIntosh. I’d wager he’s a damn sight better than Fergus. Those are your options.”

Davina bowed her head, her breath coming shallow and tight. What choicedidshe have? She closed her eyes. “I promise,” she whispered at last. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

Relief softened Tammus’s features. He nodded. “Thank the saints.” He gave her a once-over. “You look like you didn’t sleep well.”

“I had a difficult night,” she admitted. “The thought ofwedding Arthur Forbes…” She shook her head. “I’m glad he changed his mind.”

Her uncle nodded. “So am I, lass.”

Her stomach growled loudly in protest, and her cheeks flushed as Tammus chuckled.

“Off with you now and break your fast.”

“Aye, Uncle.” Davina curtsied and rushed out, closing the door behind her.

She fought the tears on her way up the stairs.

Back in her chamber, Davina leaned against the door and let the tears spill down her clenched jaw.

Rosselyn scurried to her side. “Youdohave to marry Forbes?”

Davina shook her head. “Uncle said he changed his mind, but if I don’t accept this next suitor, he’s going to give my hand to Fergus MacLeod.”

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