As they approached the house, Montgomery realized the difference between Gleneagle and Doncaster Hall lay not solely in their locale. Gleneagle had offered an uncomplicated welcome to anyone who approached it. Doncaster Hall seemed to reserve judgment upon its occupants. Once measured and approved, however, a man never wanted to leave.
This was more than a home or a structure. Doncaster Hall was a heritage, a history, proof that the Fairfax family had existed.
That was what his grandfather had wanted to replicate.
People were depending on him at Doncaster Hall just as they had at Gleneagle. Decisions had to be made, decisions he’d pushed away, chosen not to address. He’d effectively escaped into his airships, into the minutiae of designing a baffle rather than thinking about the people who needed him.
How many were employed in various Fairfax industries? He was a little ashamed to realize he didn’t know.
“I think, perhaps, that it’s time I became the 11thLord Fairfax of Doncaster in truth.”
“Why not?” she asked. “You’re no longer a borrowed Scot, Montgomery.”
Surprised, he turned his head to look at her.
She nodded. “You’re a real Scot,” she said, picking up her skirts with both hands and walking several paces in front of him. She turned to face him, her skirts swinging, a smile lighting her face.
“How does one become a real Scot?”
She smiled, an enchanting expression that made him want to kiss her again.
“You’re brave,” she said. “You’ve proven that. Not only from being a soldier in your war but being a pilot in your airship.”
She regarded him steadily, and he met her gaze head-on. “You’re morally brave as well as physically brave.”
“I doubt I’m as virtuous as all that,” he said.
She ignored him, continuing. “You take responsibility. A Scot does that.”
“Does he?”
Her smile was back, as was the sparkle in her eyes. “A Scot also has a certain knowledge of his own value.”
“Arrogance, you mean.”
She shook her head. “No, not at all. A Scot simply accepts that he’s a better man than most.” Her glance teased him to disagree.
“You’ve the same feeling for Doncaster Hall as you did Gleneagle,” she said, looking toward the house. “Perhaps even more so. You have everything your grandfather wished and dreamed about.”
“Does that include a wife who understands me?”
She renewed him, a stunning admission. She didn’t just possess a Gift. Shewasa gift.
“Do I?”
Before he could answer, Edmund stepped on the path.
“Edmund,” he said, nodding at his solicitor. “I’ve misjudged you.”
“In what way, Your Lordship?”
Montgomery smiled, an expression that chilled Veronica. Mr. Kerr should be careful of his next words. Despite his smile, Montgomery wasn’t feeling the least bit affable at the moment.
“I thought you behind the effort to sabotage my airship.”
To his credit, Edmund appeared genuinely shocked.
“I would do no such thing, Your Lordship.”
