Page 41 of The Lyon and the Unicorn
They entered the building to find Clara’s parents in the hallway.
Her stepfather frowned, his eyes darkening with disapproval.
“Where have you been, Mr. McTavish?” he asked. “You’re two hours late.”
“Papa Harcourt,” Clara began, “we were—”
“I didn’t ask you, daughter. I asked yourguest.”
“We’ve been walking on the moors, sir,” Murdo said, his voice wavering. Clara squeezed his hand, and her stepfather’s frown deepened.
“I see.”
“Harcourt,” Mama said, “I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.”
“I’d like to hear it.”
“I want to marry yer daughter,” Murdo said.
Clara’s stepfather drew in a sharp breath. “Have you taken advantage of my daughter, young man?”
“I love her.”
Papa Harcourt shook his head. “I confess I’m disappointed.”
“Why, because he loves me?” Clara asked.
“Of course not, child, but I suggest you look in the mirror. Any fool can tell that you’ve both been—”
Mama placed a hand on his arm. “Harcourt, darling, perhaps you should grant Mr. McTavish an audience. Let him explain himself.”
“There’s nothingtoexplain!” Clara said.
“Apart from the fact that a man I’ve invited into my home has taken advantage of my daughter?” her stepfather said.
“Forgive me, sir,” Murdo said. “I didn’t… I mean, we didn’t…”
“Papa, Ilovehim,” Clara said. “He hasn’t done…” She hesitated. “I mean…he said he wouldn’t…dishonor me—or dishonor you.”
“I should think so,” Papa Harcourt said. “Anydishonoring, as you put it, will be dealt with severely. As it is, your actions have already compromised my daughter.”
“I’ve no wish to dishonor her,” Murdo said. “I wish to marry her.”
“And her fortune? Your estate is in need of funds, is it not?”
“How do ye know that?” Murdo asked.
“I make it my business to know that which might impact on my daughter’s happiness.”
“Papa, please,” Clara said. “He doesn’t care about my dowry. He said if I was a pauper’s daughter he’d still marry me.”
Murdo drew her close. “Sir, if Clara had nothing, still I’d want to marry her. I love her.”
“On so short an acquaintance?”
“I fell in love the moment I set eyes on her,” Murdo said. “With the passing of each day, that love has only grown. Can ye not understand how a man could fall utterly, completely in love with an extraordinary, spirited young woman such as yer daughter?”
“A pretty enough speech, coming from the man who wishes to deprive my daughter of a London Season.”
