Page 45 of Lochlan

She glares at Lochlan. “There was no unifying theme. A logo would have done that, something for the public to identify when they hear the name.”

“That's a fair analysis,” Ian says. “I suggest you find someone to do the graphics. I would suggest someone from Scotland, but I think you should use an American firm. Is there anything else?”

“I'd like to go over the numbers with Lochlan,” Fiona says. “I want to make certain we're not giving too rosy a picture of anticipated profits.”

“You'll have the time while you're here to talk with him and give me your opinion. Is there anything else we should discuss?” When no one responds, he levels a warmer gaze on me. “It's important that you know what we're about if you have ambitions to be a part of this family. Now, if you and Fiona will make yourselves ready for our stroll, I'd like to talk to my grandsons in private. If you go back to the conservatory, you can call Aubrey from there. He will lead you to your rooms.”

Fiona is on her feet before I realize I've been dismissed. I glance at Lochlan, but he pays no attention to me; he's already steeling himself for the conversation with his grandfather.

Ian's silent protégé is in the lead as we walk through the halls. She's been in this house for about a day, so it makes sense that she'd know her way around. We find our way back to a conservatory, where the evidence of us in this room has been erased.

The woman who verbally attacked me earlier folds her arms as she gives me an intense appraisal. “Are you hoping to marry Lochlan?”

The direct question has caught me unaware. “We haven't gotten that far.” I toss back, now ready for another volley.

“I'm not asking if he's gotten down on a knee, I want to know if that's your goal.”

Now this conversation is pissing me off. “Why would Ian's protégé care, unless you have designs on Lochlan yourself?”

“My motives are no concern of yours. I'm worried about an American trying to charm her way into this family. I'll give it to you, you have the right pedigree, but not for Lochlan.”

She's probably angry that she's missed her chance to snare Lochlan. Maybe she thinks attacking me will gain her points with Ian, because she's appointed herself the MacTavish gatekeeper. Lochlan warned me about his grandfather. I guess he didn't know about his lovesick protégé. Whatever, I'm done talking. “It's time to call Aubrey; I'm ready to go to my room.”

She's in front of the intercom but hasn't made a move to call the servant.

I move away to give her space. “Look, I'm sorry, but if you have an interest in Lochlan, you need to talk to him; it has nothing to do with me.”

She gives an annoyed toss of her head. “This has everything to do with you. I suggest you listen to my warning; it will save you grief in the long run.”

“Grief? What are you talking about? From what?”

“When he leaves you. And he will, because you don't suit him.”

“Thank you for the warning, but I'm good.” I try to reach around her to ring for Aubrey, but she steps in front of me.

“Let me show you something,” she says, motioning me to a part of the room that isn't glass. She doesn't budge until I move to a large mirror with dried floral arrangement around its base. I study her through the mirror, while Fiona talks to my reflection.

“Lochlan and I were to be married three years ago. It was a large society event with famous and important people who were mostly friends of Ian. A wedding that well attended is always covered by a battery of press. On our wedding day, I was just outside the entrance to the chapel on the arm of my father, waiting to walk down the aisle to Lochlan. All five of my attendants, including a flower girl, had completed their procession.

Lochlan was at the altar with Geordie and four other men he knew from school and the archbishop. When the organ played the wedding march, I stepped onto the carpeted center aisle as the guests rose to their feet. My heart was pounding so loud, I thought they could hear it above the music. Lochlan signaled to the organist to stop the music; he even shouted to be heard. Then he announced to a packed cathedral that he had changed his mind, that there would be no wedding, and then he walked out of the church.

He rejected every attempt I made to speak with him after that declaration. That was the day he changed into someone unrecognizable. The drinking, rumors of drugs, womanizing, and even violence were talked about in the tabloids. His behavior went on for months until Ian admitted he couldn't control his grandson any longer. They quietly shipped him off to America. Lochlan isn't the man you think he is; he hasn't changed.”

I'm reeling from this story of Fiona as the jilted bride and from the fact that Lochlan neglected to mention his connection to her.

“If what you say is true, why do you care?”

“We have a long history together, and if anyone can bring him back to himself, it's me. Seeing him today, I know it's possible.”

“Lochlan has moved on with me. He wants me. I'm not stepping aside for someone he left behind so you can have another shot.”

“This will not end well if you try to hold on to him. We were promised to each other when we were children. Lochlan and I are still tied together. Even with the three-year separation, he hasn't forgotten me.”

I'm tired of playing through the looking glass with her. “If you won't call Aubrey, I'll find him myself.”

Her hand grips my arm. “Look at our reflection and really see it this time.” I glance at us, wondering what she wants me to see.

“When I saw you, I couldn't believe it was true,” she says, releasing me. “Our hair, our golden skin, the shape of our brown eyes. You are a little taller than me, but we could be sisters. You are just a stand-in, Kenzie. Why would he want you when the real love of his life is here?”

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