Page 75 of My Highland Rogue
Something had most definitely happened, but since she’d retreated to her rooms, she didn’t know what.
Mr. Campbell had a great deal of tact, and for that she was thankful. He hadn’t asked her how she was feeling in front of Lauren. She’d realized she was grieving, but that grief was never quickly eased. She’d gotten a taste of that with her mother’s death.
The rest of the staff thought that she had been suffering from a bad cold, one that sent her to bed. The tale of her illness hadn’t been enough, however, to stop the parade of people from coming to her door. Mrs. Farmer, bless her, had proven to be a godsend in sending people packing.
What a pity that she’d left Adaire Hall to care for another patient this morning.
Harrison hadn’t spoken a word since he’d entered the room. He’d studied them all in turn as if they were strangers. Jennifer had seen that look before, and it meant that Harrison was spoiling for a fight.
She wasn’t up to a skirmish with him.
“You’ve lost your bridegroom, Jennifer. McDonnell left, if I’m not mistaken.”
She didn’t answer.
“I’m glad you came to your senses and obeyed me.”
She’d never been a violent person, but if she’d had anything at hand, she would have chucked it at him. Thankfully, he didn’t continue talking about Gordon.
“I’m returning to London,” he said flatly.
His announcement had an effect on all of them. Lauren simply stared at her husband. Mary began to cry. Mr. Campbell’s face took on the appearance of a thundercloud. No one looking at himcould have any doubt as to his feelings on the matter. He was incensed.
As for her, Harrison’s words made her plans impossible.
Adaire Hall only had two carriages, one for the family to use and the other that Harrison took to London with him. Since Ellen had brought him home, there was only one remaining carriage.
If Harrison was intent on going back to London, that would trap her here.
“I’ve already made arrangements,” Jennifer said, aggravated that Harrison had forced her to make the announcement like this. “I’ve sent word to Ellen that I’m coming for a visit. As soon as I arrive in Edinburgh, I’ll send the carriage back. Surely you could wait a few days.”
“No,” Harrison said. “I can’t. I choose not to be inconvenienced, Jennifer.”
A different person might have asked why she was traveling to Edinburgh so precipitously, but Harrison never cared about anyone else’s plans, especially if they interfered with his.
“It will only be a matter of days, Harrison. That will give you time with Lauren and Mary.”
“I’ve already told you, Jennifer. I have no intention of being dictated to by you.”
“I would think that someone would want to dictate to you, Burfield. Your manners are deplorable.” Hamish turned to his daughter. “I bought you a pig in a poke, my darling girl. Forgive me, and I hope you’ll note that I blame myself for this disaster of a marriage.”
He stared at Harrison. “I’m taking my daughter back to Edinburgh, Burfield.”
He turned to Jennifer. “Begging your pardon, Lady Jennifer. You have a lovely home here, and I’m sure its history is impressive. It’s Lauren’s husband—or whatever label he chooses to call himself—that I find objectionable. When Lauren’s mother was alive, I didn’t go out of my way to absent myself from my wife. I didn’t live in another city in another country in order to avoid her or my responsibilities. I cannot countenance my daughter being treated with such contempt.”
Mr. Campbell came and stood beside the sofa, extending an arm to his daughter to help her rise.
“You are welcome to travel back to Edinburgh with us, Lady Jennifer. In view of the recent developments we’ll be leaving in the morning. Is that acceptable to you?”
She nodded, shocked by the turn of events.
Lauren didn’t say a word. Nor did the young nursemaid whose eyes had gotten as wide as dinner plates. Even baby Mary had decided to stop crying. Jennifer watched as they walked out of the room in a slow procession before turning to Harrison.
“Are you truly that much of an idiot, Harrison? Are you willing to let your wife leave and take your child with her?”
He only shrugged.
“It’s not a good idea to make an enemy of Mr. Campbell. He’s a powerful man.”
