She turned to face them, keeping one arm around Tavish’s waist.
Colonel Archer seemed resigned, his face more serious than usual. But his quiet support of Tavish said volumes about the man’s character.
Matthias appeared . . . bemused, she supposed. Isla had stayed up late with him, talking of everything and nothing. He was supportive of her marriage, even if he thought her rash to be tying herself to a man of little means.
“If your penury becomes too dire, please write,” he had said.
Isla had hinted at Matthias becoming an investor in Tavish’s whisky venture, and her brother hadn’t rejected the idea outright. Though he did have questions and preferred to speak with Tavish directly about the proposed venture.
Gray, however . . .
Her ducal brother glowered, his gaze dropping to where Tavish held her snug to his side. It hurt that, even now, Gray was more focused on his petty need for vengeance against the Balfours than caring about her wishes as a human being.
“I suggest you remove your things from my property immediately, Isla,” Gray said. “As long as you are allied with that man, you are not welcome here. Your dowry and Malton Hill are now forfeit.”
Once, such words from her brother would have shattered Isla. But now? Now, she had a heart full of love and hope for a life full of affection and joy.
“I would not expect otherwise, Gray.” She shifted to holding Tavish’s hand, intent on the door and collecting her things. “We shall be leaving.”
She had taken only one step when Colonel Archer spoke up.
“A moment, if you all please.” A frown creased his forehead. “I do have one question.”
Isla paused. Tavish squeezed her hand.
“What is it, Fletch?” Tavish asked.
Colonel Archer looked at Gray. “Malton Hill is forfeit?”
Gray’s brow darkened.
“Why do you ask, Colonel?” Isla asked. “Gray controls my dowry.”
“Yes, he does. But Grayburn spoke with me regarding all that when we were discussing a possible marriage cont—”
“I strongly suggest you remain silent, Archer.” Gray clenched his jaw, his gaze drilling into Colonel Archer as if attempting to will him into silence.
Colonel Archer paused.
Matt finally stirred from his position against the wall, stepping forward. “Please go on, Colonel Archer. I am interested in hearing what you have to say.”
“Matthias!” Gray shot their brother a warning look. “It is of no import.”
Matt returned with a raised eyebrow. “Why silence the man then?” He motioned for Colonel Archer to continue.
Swallowing, Colonel Archer shifted on his feet. “I cannot say I know much, Lord Matthias. As I said, His Grace and I were in preliminary discussions of marriage contracts regarding Lady Isla’s dowry.” He gave Isla an apologetic smile. “Based on what Grayburn disclosed, I was given to understand—”
Gray made an outraged noise. “Archer, anything I disclosed was in confidence and should be—”
“What did you learn, Colonel?” Isla asked, her heart pummeling her ribcage.
Colonel Archer smiled down at her. A beatific smile.
“Malton Hill is not, in fact, tied to your dowry, Lady Isla. Yes, Grayburn controls whether or not your dowry goes with you into marriage, but he cannot control Malton Hill.”
“What do you mean?” A quiver had started in her knees.
“The estate was bequeathed to you as part of your mother’s will and devolved to your ownership when you came of age on your twenty-first birthday. Malton Hill has always been yours, Lady Isla, regardless of who you marry.”
