He clearly loved animals. That carried tremendous weight with her. He didn’t scoff at the supernatural. He also seemed to have an acceptance, if not a fondness for ghosts. He’d taken the trouble to come here, despite their less than pleasant meeting at Stony Bay. That could only mean hecared.
He knew she wasn’t an innocent. She’d told him the secrets of her past, the foolish choice she’d made, the heartache she carried because of it. If he thought poorly of her, surely he wouldn’t havecome.
Still…
She caught his gaze, hoped her voice wouldn’t hitch. “What is your businesshere?”
To her surprise, he frowned. When he glanced again at her aunt and uncle, his scowldeepened.
“I wanted to secure your happiness.” He paced before the fire, looking like a caged and angry beast. Stopping at the hearth, he braced a hand against the mantel. “Nae lass should be tethered to a man she cannae love. For sure, no’ to someone unable to appreciate her spirit. I saw it as my duty to make certain that doesnaehappen.”
“Then I must thank you.” Ophelia blinked, hope rising inside her. “I had no wish for such aunion.”
“Very well.” Her aunt rubbed her hands together. “You needn’t worry, my dear. We shall no longer consider your uncle’s friend, the widowed landowner who’d expressed an interest in you. Of course…” She slid a glance at Greyson. “You will still need to wed. I do have a more suitable groom inmind.”
Ophelia’s budding excitement evaporated. “Not one of Mr. Dudding’ssons?”
“Mr. Dudding?” Greyson stepped between her and her aunt and uncle. “The name soundsEnglish.”
“And so it should,” Aunt Sarah said, unperturbed. “The family is English. Mr. Dudding is an associate of Mr. Russell’s. Both men are employed by the same Aberdonian shipping company. It has always been understood that if Mr. Russell and I were unable to see a successful match arranged for Ophelia, she is to marry one of Mr. Dudding’s sons. All of themare-”
“Sassunachs.” Greyson shook his head. “We agreed the lass would marry aHighlander.”
“We?” Aunt Sarah lifted a brow. “I believe those were yourwords.”
“They were, but youconsented.”
“You are mistaken.” She smiled. “I told you clearly that I could not seek such a paragon as you suggested, a tartan-clad, hill-roaming Highlander. I’ve already decided on a husband for my niece. She will be most happy, that I can promiseyou.”
“I would meet this man first,” Greyson said, his voice dark, almost a snarl. “Nae, I demandit.”
“Oh, that is quite impossible.” Aunt Sarah remained firm. “Nor would you be able to dissuade him. He is most eager to haveher.”
“He is, eh?” Greyson’s voice darkened even more, a definite snarlnow.
Aunt Sarah nodded. “Beyond all doubt. I am certain the wedding will be soon, possibly withindays.”
Ophelia stared at them. “That isn’tpossible.”
“Of course, it is.” The older woman made light of her argument, her gaze on Greyson. “A special license can be procured, a carriage ride to any anvil priest. Gretna Green might be too far, but there are other smithies closer by. Her groom will think ofsomething.”
“She can also be whisked off into the night, claimed in the old way.” Greyson stepped closer to Ophelia’s aunt and uncle, towering over them. “You’ll ken what I mean, both of you. Or has the great granite city of Aberdeen, with its niceties, made you forget how our ancestors settled suchmatters?”
“We’ve forgotten nothing, Mr. Merrick.” Aunt Sarah looked up at him, a small smile playing across her face. “It seems youhave.”
“No’ this.” He scooped Ophelia into his arms and strode with her from the room, the Russells hurrying afterthem.
“Behold how a Highlander solves problems,” he tossed over his shoulder. “Dinnae think to stop me or I’ll recall even more of my forebears’ roughways.”
The older couple caught up to them. “You are behaving madly,” Aunt Sarah argued, snatching at Greyson’s cloak. “There will beconsequences.”
“That I know.” Greyson didn’t break stride. He did lean down to drop a swift kiss on Ophelia’s brow. Then they were at the door and he stopped to face her family. “The first will be you sending letters to these Duddings and the deep-pursed widower. You will state that a suitable husband has been found for your niece. The task will be the last required of you. From this moment on, she’s under mycare.”
“What do you mean?” Ophelia squirmed in his arms, twisting round to peer up at him. “You’re kidnappingme.”
“That, too,” he agreed, looking more fierce than ever. “Though I’d rather say we’re embarking on a grandadventure.”
“Should I fear you?” Ophelia wasn’t the least afraid. Far from it, she smiled, her heartthumping.
