Page 8 of To Tempt A Highland Duke
“But I love her!”
“You’ve had a funny way of showing it. I doubt she’ll want to compete for your affections, and no lady likes to be made a fool of. Your recent affair with Lady Carissa is still fresh in everyone’s memory. You should have been celibate for months, then she might believe you love her.”
“I won’t dishonor her. I love her and once we are wed… Besides, I think I can persuade her.”
That made Angus really laugh. “Your charm won’t work on my sister. She knows you too well. Honesty. That’s what she will require.”
He wondered if Angus noticed him flinch. He could not afford honesty. If they learned why he chose Flora, Sir Walter Scott would see him married off to some other virginal young lady and Dougray would have no choice in his lifelong partner.
Angus finished his drink and stood. “Come. If you are serious, then best you woo tonight. I’m going to find my wife in the ballroom. Flora is likely to be with her and Mary. It’s time to see what response your arrogance in leaving this so late, brings.”
Chapter 4
The mood on this hot summer evening was festive as the excitement of the King’s visit built. The thronged ballroom swirled with Scotland’s elite, dressed in their finery and jewels. The warm evening saw the doors of the Palace ballroom opened to the terrace, with the impressive rose garden below, allowing the perfumed floral scents to drown out the smell of overheated bodies.
Unfortunately, Flora stood on the opposite side of the ballroom near the entrance to the card room where the heat and accompanying smells were stifling. She was standing here hoping to waylay Dougray when he finally exited—if he exited. She had her arm tucked through Lady Claire’s. She was hoping Dougray would appear from the card room like most of the other men had during the evening so she could manipulate an introduction. Lady Claire would make him a fine wife. She was one of the prettiest debutantes, clever, her father was a wealthy Earl, his estate was near Glasgow, and most of all she was kind.
Both Mary and her agreed, the woman who would become Dougray’s wife had to be kind, because they would want her to accept Connor. Since Connie was well in the past, and Dougray had recognized his son, both ladies hoped any wife would not see Connor as a threat.
Just then a servant arrived with a silver tray, offering them much needed refreshments. She let go of Claire’s arm and accepted a glass. She thanked the servant with a nod before turning her back on the card room to observe the rest of the ballroom.
Flora scanned the guests, not sure who she was looking for. While she kept her demeanor outwardly cheerful, her mood was anything but. It was as if she understood the rest of her life would now start her down a path that in some small part of her heart she’d hoped would be different.
When her husband had died from a bee sting of all things, she wondered if Dougray would come for her. She’d waited patiently for her year of morning to finish. And then waited. And waited. He had written to her expressing his condolences, but nothing more. In the two years since, he was friendly when they met, but nothing more.
Until earlier today when he had flirted with her in the dining room. What did that mean?
She took a depth breath, trying to keep the disappointment at bay. Yet all the revelry, sights, sounds, and tastes of the most exciting night in Scottish history could not shake a strange feeling of detachment.
“Is there someone in particular you are looking for?” Lady Claire asked. “You are staring with a determination I’ve not seen this evening.”
Mary arrived just as Claire spoke. “Lord Glengarry is on the terrace. He asked after you,” Mary replied with a wink.
Lady Claire immediately thought Glengarry was whom Flora was hunting, when in fact she had no idea who, or what, she wanted.
Liar. You want Dougray for yourself.She inwardly sighed and smiled at the women’s teasing, not bothering to dispossess them of their matchmaking. Lord Glengarry would be a more than a suitable match for her. He has young children, two boys and a girl, plus an older son, so would most likely not care if she were barren. He was rich, handsome, only a few years older than her, and he appeared to be a nice man. She should be honored at his interest.
But her heart was not in it. Her bottom lip trembled. She doubted her heart would be in any match because it only held room for Dougray.
She hoped that when Dougray finally married, she’d be free of his hold, finally knowing that he could never be hers. At the moment her life was at a standstill, still hoping for a miracle. Hoping that one-day he would declare he still loved her. When he finally married, maybe then she could forget him and find a love match she so desired.
Lady Claire looked at Mary and then at Flora. “You have been inside all evening, Lady Flora. Why don’t you get some fresh air on the terrace while Lady Mary and I find her husband? I want to thank him for a kindness he did for my father recently. We shall join you outside shortly.”
She knew they were being kind, but she really did not want to face Lord Glengarry. She did not wish to give the man any encouragement until she knew her mind on the matter.
Mary gave her a small push. “Go on. There are many guests out on the terrace, there is nothing untoward in seeking fresh air.”
Flora excused herself with a discreet murmur, and with cheeks blazing in embarrassment at their obvious plan, she walked at a sedate pace, toward a future she did not want. Her steps slowed the closer she got to the open doors. Her fingers played with the pearls at her neck as her throat tightened. She glanced over her shoulder and saw the women were no longer watching her, so she ducked sideways and hurried toward the grand curved staircase. Upon walking upstairs, she crossed the long portrait gallery and through a few more corridors until she found the small library.
Without thinking, she lifted the latch and slipped inside. Several lamps had been lit around the room and the windows at the far end were open, letting in a cool breeze. She drifted towards the fresh air, not really taking in the room at all.
She stood by the window, her hands on the windowsill, taking deep gulping breaths, trying to quell the hopelessness beginning to overwhelm her.
“Sensible minds think alike.”
She jumped out of her skin, turning at the familiar velvety voice. Her heart sped as her eyes found his.
Like a virginal girl, she could not get her mouth to work. She stood mesmerized by Dougray’s beauty. He always looked magnificent in his formal attire, but tonight as he sat sprawled on the couch, his midnight blue jacket covering a burgundy waistcoat, with his cravat hanging untied at his throat, his handsome face looked wicked, and dangerous, but so inviting. Her feet wanted to dance across the space dividing them, daintily tumbling her into his lap.
