Page 10 of The Lyon and the Unicorn
“Well!” a voice cried. “I’ve never seen anything the like!”
“What can we expect fromher?” Miss Peacock said. “She shouldn’t be allowed out in Polite Society.”
Murdo turned toward Miss Peacock, then he smiled and popped the peach slice into his mouth, before resuming his attention on Miss Martingale, who now bore a look of wide-eyed terror.
“Sweet Lord! What’s happened?” The duchess appeared, her eyes gleaming with anger. “What have youdone?”
“Ma’am, don’t be angry with the lass,” Murdo said. “I asked her to indulge in a game my countrymen play on occasion. Ye see—I was thirsty and wanted to taste her drink, and she obligingly gave it to me.”
“Do all Scots toss their drinks at each other?” the duchess asked.
“Only when there’s anRin the month.”
“It’sJune,” she retorted.
“Then she can toss a drink at me when September comes,” Murdo said. “I’ll make sure to keep my mouth open.”
Miss Martingale let out a snort. Murdo met her gaze, and his heart swelled as her lips curved upward and mirth danced in her eyes.
“At last!” he cried. “If I’m not to be gifted with your hand for this next dance, then I’ll settle for a smile.” He turned to the duchess. “Ma’am, there’s nothing to admonish this young lady over. She’s committed no sin.”
She fixed her imperious gaze on him. “I know that. I was askingyouwhat you’d done to upset my daughter.”
“It wasn’t my intention to cause her pain,” Murdo said. “If I did, I apologize unreservedly.”
He glanced at Miss Martingale, hoping for another smile, but she scowled.
“Have I caused further offense?” he asked.
“In my experience, anunreservedapology is a false one,” she replied. “It’s weak to apologize when you don’t mean what you say.”
“Are ye accusing me of falsehood?” he asked.
“No, I’m accusing you of sycophancy toward a duchess.”
“Clara, my love,” the duchess said, placing a hand on Miss Martingale’s shoulder. Then she turned her clear gaze to Murdo. “Isthat what you’re indulging in, sir? Sycophancy?”
“It’s the last thing me andmy kindcan be accused of,” Murdo said, “though we Scots are often subjected to prejudice.”
Miss Martingale colored. “I-I didn’t mean…”
“Whatcanwe accuse you of, sir?” the duchess asked.
“Our frankness,” Murdo replied. “We’re too honest for our own good, which lands us in trouble up to our ballocks.”
Miss Martingale let out a coarse laugh, then stopped herself, her cheeks reddening further.
“Clara, my love…”
“I know, Mama,” Miss Martingale replied. “I’m trying to behave, honest.”
“But it’s difficult when such a model of bad behavior stands before ye?” Murdo said.
Footsteps approached and two identical young men joined them, their stern blue gazes directed at Murdo.
“What have you done to upset our sister?” one said.
“It’s my fault, Corn,” Miss Martingale said. “I’ve landed myself in trouble up to my…” She glanced at Murdo, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
