Page 29 of A Scot for Bethan
Her beauty meant that men would not stop looking at her, but with only one purpose in mind—to take her to bed, not to the altar. They would only ever want her as a leman, not a wife.
“There is only one thing men will ever want from me, and it will never lead anywhere. I’m hardly an enviable party. As you know, my grandfather was a brewer, my family was dispossessed of what little land my father had managed to acquire before the invasion, and I have no fortune to compensate for that fact.”
There was a silence and the body against her went unnaturally still. What was happening? What had she said? Slowly, she straightened her back to look at Cameron. Gone was the teasing in his eyes. He had never looked more serious—or more alluring.
“Youdohave a fortune now. That’s what I came to tell you.”
It was her turn to still. Had she heard him right? She had a fortune? How? Had her brother given Cameron some money to be handed over to her once they had arrived in Scotland? It seemed unlikely, as he had little to spare, but it was the only explanation she could think of.
The silence stretched, quicky becoming unbearable.
Cameron stood up and started to pace around the chapel, evidently trying to find the best way to word his explanation. In the end Bethan lost patience and planted herself in front of him. The master of bluntness was choosing this moment for being circumspect? Well, she would not stand for it.
“Speak, damn you!” she hissed. “You can’t expect me to wait patiently after what you just said!”
He gave a sigh and shook his head. “I had forgotten what unsuitable language you had acquired at the tavern. So unladylike.”
“You know I’m not truly a lady, you’ve said it enough times,” was her curt retort. For once she was not in the mood to tease him. “And believe me, you have heard nothing. Do not force me to say more.”
“Heaven forbid that I should. We are in a chapel, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
The light in his eyes, however, seemed to suggest he would like nothing more than to hear what she was capable of. But Bethan didn’t indulge him. He’d just made the most shocking revelation, and she needed to hear more. His face lost all trace of amusement, and she knew that was finally about to answer her question.
“Listen. I was not aware of this, as I was already on my way to Wales by then, but about a month ago Dougal was rewarded by the Bruce for his loyalty to him. It seems his involvement was of crucial importance in several of the sieges they’ve laid over the years. Added to the estates he holds from my brother, it makes for a considerable fortune. And, when he lay dying from the bloody flux that killed him, knowing he was not going to make it, he bequeathed it all to you.”
“To…?”
“To you,” Cameron confirmed, his gaze unwavering.
Thunder fell at Bethan’s feet. “But why?”
“Dougal was not without honor, and he knew this union had been arranged to ensure your future.” He shrugged. “I imagine he thought to use that as compensation for having failed to make you Lady Cambell and leaving you in a difficult situation.”
Yes… But if what she had heard was true, her situation was not as dire as she had first imagined. She was now a rich woman, by all accounts.
“Are you sure?” She could barely believe it.
Cameron gave a rueful smile. “Aye, I’ve seen the papers, it’s official. But don’t rejoice too fast. Unfortunately, your problems are not over.”
“What do you mean?”
“It seems that Dougal made no mystery of his intentions regarding his will and the news of your new fortune has spread fast. Master McDuff tells me that a number of local lairds of all ages and importance were seen lurking around Crois Dhubh in the last two weeks, biding their time like the vultures they are while Dougal lay abed.”
“That’s awful!” Bethan was appalled. How the men thought she would even consider marrying anyone who showed such cynicism was beyond her.
“Some asked to pay their respects to you yesterday after the funeral but were told you were resting. Most pretended to understand, but one was rather insistent. I need not tell you that your reputation as an extraordinarily beautiful woman, however old you may think you are, is only adding to your appeal.” The corner of his mouth curled up. “So, it seems that you will have to fend potential suitors off rather than try to lure them in.”
Well.
Bethan stared at her feet, speechless. What a spectacular reversal of fortune. She was a rich woman and free from a marriage she had never desired. Even more importantly, she was now in a position to marry whomever she chose—and apparently, candidates were already tripping over themselves to get to her. It was a lot to take in.
“I will need some time to think,” she murmured.
“Of course.” Cameron stood up. “Take all the time you need.”
A moment later, she was alone in the chapel.
It did not take Bethan long to see that Cameron had been right about her problems having just started. The next day, no fewer than three visitors came sniffing about, two of which were old enough to be her father and rather rough-looking. The youngest one had been so bold that she had barely noticed his fair countenance. At least the two oldest ones had been respectful.
