Page 27 of Beware A Wallflower's Wrath
His face relaxed. “Shall we save a piece for Colin?”
She nodded. “How are ye, Fin?”
His brown eyes glinted with a deep green as he stared at her for a moment. “Colin says men are known for making mistakes. But the good ones try to fix them.” He drummed his fingers on the table, causing Mac to jump up and growl. He absently reached down and rubbed the dog’s back.
“So should we allow your father the chance to right his wrong?” She held her breath. Their future course depended on his next words.
“Aye, why would I no’ want to ken my father? Ye loved him enough to want to marry him, so he must have some fine qualities.” He looked at her again, a smile forming. “And my ma has been lonely for so long. It would be nice to see her happy and smiling like Rose is when she’s with Colin.”
Her wise, kind boy. “Mo luran, how was I ever lucky enough to have ye for a son?”
“I’m no’ promising anything. If he’s worthy, I’ll be honest about it. But I willna spend time with a mon I dinna like.” His expression was serious now. “He must treat us both with respect.”
She nodded, wondering how to go about the meeting. “How soon would ye like to meet him?”
“No time like the present,” he said, mimicking Colin.
“What if I pack a picnic and we meet him at Glasgow Green tomorrow night? Near Nelson’s Column?” She tried to sound light, as if his acceptance wouldn’t change their world.
He nodded. “Sure. And Ma?”
Annis raised her brows.
“I suppose it’s a wee braw that my da isna dead. Especially since I carry his name.”
Robert read the note again.
Lord Robert,
Fin and I will meet you at the Glasgow Green near the Nelson Column at six o’clock. I will pack a basket for dinner.
Annis
Short but so sweet. Robert would meet his son tonight. He felt as nervous and giddy as a green boy. Folding the letter, he tucked it away in the desk, grabbed his hat, and left the hotel. Turning to his right on Trongate, he made his way by foot to the Low Green, crossed its broad expanse and proceeded toward the obelisk rising to the clouds and the High Green. They had already arrived, a blanket on the ground, and a basket set in the middle.
Annis and Finlay stood in front of the column and turned at his approach. A black Scottie sat next to the boy. His step almost faltered as he took in an almost identical vision of himself over twenty years ago. Tall and lanky, Finlay stood taller than his mother but not as tall as Robert. Yet. He remembered how he’d added a few inches between his sixteenth and seventeenth year. He surmised Finlay would too.
Stopping in front of them, Robert removed his hat and bowed to Annis, then held out his hand to his son.
“Finlay, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Had his hand trembled a little when he’d extended it? Did he sound too formal? He didn’t want to scare the boy off.
“I’d like to say I’ve heard a lot about ye, but…” Finlay’s grip was firm, mature. He grinned as his words trailed off with a shrug of his shoulders.
Robert didn’t know if his heart was breaking from not knowing this boy from birth, bursting with pride, or both. “Well, we must remedy that.”
They sat together on the blanket, eating hand pies and savoring the last of Mrs. Douglas’s shortbread. Robert spoke of England and his role as a barrister. He enjoyed the questions his son asked. Finlay was an intelligent boy.
“Have you decided what you would like to do with your life?” he asked. “Are you in school?”
Fin nodded. “I go to a public school in the mornings, and I’m working at the textile mill in the afternoons. I want to be a part of the family business. Colin says I’m his protégé.”
“You’re a clever young man. I imagine he’s very proud of you.” Robert held back the smile as Fin’s chest puffed out. “I would enjoy a visit to the mill. Perhaps you could give me a tour?”
“Aye, I’ll ask Colin. Right now, I’m a dock worker. He says I must ken every level of task if I’m to understand the complexities of an operating mill.” Fin tipped his head and studied Robert. “Did ye have to start the same way with the law?”
“Absolutely. I gave up three years of my life to observe and assist other successful solicitors and barristers. I’ve often thought of becoming a mentor myself for aspiring barristers.” He smiled and gave Annis a side-glance. “Do you think I could make a living here in Glasgow?”
“I dinna ken much about the law, but I dinna see why no’ if ye worked hard,” said Fin as he tossed Mac a bite of crust from his pie. The dog jumped and snatched it midair.
