The knowledge took several seconds to sink in.
Isla merely stared up at Colonel Archer, her jaw sagging open.
And then a torrent of emotion rushed in—relief, surprise, blinding happiness—turning the world blurry.
“It’s mine?” she whispered. “Malton Hill is truly mine?”
“As far as I understand matters, yes.” Colonel Archer shrugged.
She turned to Tavish, a tear tumbling down her cheek. “Malton Hill might be mine, Tavish!”
“’Twould appear so, lass.” He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.
“Do you suppose?”
“Och, aye! Look at Grayburn there.”
Isla wiped her tears from her eyes and turned to her brother. His red-faced fury was all the confirmation she needed.
“Gray, you cannot appropriate a property that legally is mine!” Isla shook her head.
“Agreed.” Matt turned to Gray. “Not only does it go against our mother’s wishes, but it is, in a word, illegal. Even for a duke.”
The silence in the wake of Matt’s words was damning.
Gray said nothing.
Instead, he shot them all a look of pure vitriol, turned, and walked out of the room.
Isla stared at the space he had just occupied.
Her gaze drifted back to Matt. A dent had appeared on his brow, and the book in his hand trembled.
However, he met her eyes with a quiet sort of resolution.
“I’ll speak with Gray and likely involve my solicitor,” Matt said. “Thank you, Colonel Archer, for bringing this to our attention. Who knows what else Gray has hidden from us in our parents’ wills? It will be good to have it all out in the open.” He walked toward the door.
Love for her brother swelled Isla’s chest. “Thank you, Matt.”
“Aye, thank ye,” Tavish added.
“Think nothing of it.” He paused, studying them both. “I assume you plan to remarry?”
Isla laughed, looking up at Tavish. He grinned down at her.
“I fear your sister has experienced a rather abrupt change of fortune,” Tavish began.
“And we haven’t had a chance to discuss it,” Isla added.
“But . . .” Tavish’s smile grew.
“I see.” Matt swallowed, his shoulders straightening. “Isla, as Gray has bowed out, I should very much like to defend your marital interests. I insist upon a marriage contract being drawn up.” He laid the words down like a gauntlet, as if he expected Tavish to object. This new assertive version of Matt caught Isla by surprise.
“Of course.” Tavish’s head snapped upright.
Isla held up a hand. “Matt, there is no need for—”
“Nae, he has the right of things, love. Ye are a woman of property, and your interests should be protected.” Tavish kissed her forehead before glancing up at Matt. “I appreciate ye seeing to your sister’s legal rights, my lord.”
