Page 94 of To Wed an Heiress
“No, it isn’t. It’s not all right. He can’t be allowed to do things like that.” He stared at Gregory, now standing, long enough that Mercy put her hand on his arm.
“He’s not worth it, Lennox.”
The man deserved to be beaten into the ground.
“Please, Lennox.”
He finally looked at her. “You’re going to have a bad bruise.”
“At least I won’t need stitches,” she said, smiling.
He admired her determined effort to find some humor in this damnable situation. He wasn’t amused.
He took her hand and turned, walking down the road.
“This isn’t the way to Macrory House,” she said.
“No. No, it isn’t.”
She stopped in the middle of the road and pulled her hand back.
“I can’t go to the castle, Lennox. That wouldn’t be wise. My family is already going to be angry at me because I came after you. I’ve been lectured to death about how I’ve scandalized the whole of Scotland with my behavior.”
He had probably added to the treatment she’d received with his parting words. The fact that she evidently didn’t hold them against him was just one more indication of her character. A character a damn sight better than his own.
Neither of them had been innocent that night, but society punished the female more than the male in situations like this. No one had said a word to him about his actions. He certainly hadn’t been told he’d acted scandalously.
Still, there were other important things to consider. Namely, Mercy’s safety.
“I don’t want you returning to Macrory House, not as long as Gregory is there. He struck you. If he did it once, he’ll do it again and it doesn’t sound like that family of yours would lift a finger to help you. If it’s within my power to protect you, I will.”
She blinked at him. That’s all. She didn’t say a word, only grabbed his hand and held it between both of hers.
“Do you remember why I came to Scotland?”
“To bring your grandmother some money from your mother, as I recall.”
“That was just an excuse,” she said. “The real reason was to obtain some freedom, if only for a little while. For once I wanted to do something on my own. Not to please someone else. Not to keep someone from getting their feelings hurt. Simply on my own.”
“And you think that I’m taking away your freedom if I ask you to come to Duddingston.”
“I don’t recall that you asked me,” she said, her gaze not leaving his face.
“You’re right. I didn’t.” Nor did he feel like asking her now, but it was a good point she made. “Will you come home with me? I want to make sure that you’re safe, that no one will treat you badly.”
She blinked at him again and this time he realized it was because she was trying not to cry. What had he done?
“Please, Mercy.”
“I really shouldn’t, Lennox.”
“If your reputation is in tatters, as you say, what would it matter at this point? Connor can take you to Inverness tomorrow if you’re set on leaving.” He wanted to recall those words the moment he said them.
She shook her head. “My father’s on his way to Scotland. That’s why I haven’t left.”
That was information Irene hadn’t provided.
“Then you can stay at the castle until he arrives. You’ll be safer there. I’ll send word to Douglas that you’re going to be my guest and why. If it makes you feel better, I’ll ask Irene to stay as well. Between her and Ruthie, you’ll have enough chaperones.”
