‘I do not wish to offend you. God forbid. It is more than my life is worth to do so. But I must be frank. Bryce Cullan has a shocking reputation as a womaniser, drunkard and gambler, and his vices are baked-on, seeing as he has been indulging them from a very young age.’
Maren smirked at Clara. ‘I have to own that I am rather fond of Bryce’s wickedness, and I take great pleasure in his vices.’
Clara blushed and looked down at her hands. It was as if Clara’s stays were perpetually laced too tight, and she had no breath for rebellion or scandal. ‘You have been out in the world, Maren, and so you may try to shock me, but I am not ignorant of the ways of the world and what men will do,’ she said. ‘But, Maren, there is also the fact that Bryce shot an innocent man.’
‘What?’
‘Oh. You did not know. ‘Tis not my place to say, and forgive me, but for someone with a keen mind, you are remarkably uncurious where your husband is concerned.’
‘Then why say it? Tell me what you know?’ cried Maren.
Clara smoothed her skirts. ‘No. I will not. And before you judge me a fortune hunter or a weak and silly fool who has sold herself, go and ask your husband about Silas Cranstoun and his wife, Millicent. Ask him why Jasper told Bryce he had to wed as soon as may be or get disinherited.’
***
Bryce and his father were having a heated argument when Callum breezed in with a cheery, ‘Good day to you both.’
Being well acquainted with the arguments of father and son over the years, Bryce’s friend was not in the least embarrassed to interrupt them.
‘I hope I am not visiting at a bad time,’ Callum continued. ‘I could hear the raised voices from the yard. Is anything amiss?’
‘Aye. It most certainly is,’ snapped Bryce. ‘My father is the biggest fool on this earth.’
‘Nothing whatsoever amiss, Callum,’ countered Jasper. ‘And you may be the first to carry my good news to our neighbours. I am to be wed.’
Callum’s gaze flicked to Bryce, who rolled his eyes. He recovered his good manners soon enough and extended his hand to Jasper. ‘And who is the fortunate lass?’ said Callum.
‘Clara McMullan,’ declared his father.
Callum’s jaw dropped. ‘But wasn’t she the one who…?’
‘Yes, yes, but not anymore. I have been lucky enough to secure the lady’s heart.’
‘Well, Laird Cullan, if you have found love, I could not be happier. Let me be the first to congratulate you on your good fortune. An excellent choice may I add.’
‘I think so, but Bryce has decided to be disagreeable about it,’ said Jasper.
‘I have not. I have merely pointed out that you might take time to consider this match more carefully,’ said Bryce.
‘As you did with yours, son?’ said Jasper, rendering Bryce silent. Jasper clasped his hands together. ‘Well, I am off to recover my betrothed from the clutches of Bryce’s wife.’
‘I saw the ladies in the garden as I rode in,’ said Callum.
‘Were any blows being exchanged?’ said Jasper with an acid look at Bryce.
‘No.’
‘Then all is well. I will leave you to calm my son. Good luck in that unhappy task, Callum.’
When Jasper had gone, Bryce turned to Callum. ‘See what madness grips us this day, my friend.’
Callum laughed. ‘No greater than your recent madness marrying a woman you knew nothing about.’ He frowned. ‘Is your father in earnest, do you think?’
‘Oh, aye. My erstwhile intended, Clara, will soon trot down the altar with my father. That is if he is not too old to trot,’ said Bryce in disgust.
‘Now there, you are uncharitable. Jasper is a vigorous and healthy man.’ Callum frowned. ‘In fact, I am not sure I could best him in a fight.’
‘He is nought but a blind fool running after a pretty face.’
