The silence, immediate and profound, did not last. “You what!” Guy burst out.
Angela gasped. “No!”
“It is best for all concerned,” Meg said.
“It is plain foolish,” Guy growled from the shadows.
“Why would you accept him? You do not care for him, let alone love him,” Angela said.
“He is a distant cousin, and so I have known him for years. He has been a support to me with the inheritance and the business matters.”
“He has an unsavory nature,” Guy Hamilton said. “Madam, let me remind you of something.”
“What is that, Guy?” Meg tilted her head.
“Three years ago, I believe, he asked you for a loan. Do you recall?”
She frowned. “Something about—an investment gone wrong. A temporary loan. I gave permission, aye.”
“He has borrowed more since.” Guy Hamilton cleared his throat. “He obtained permission from the bank, based on the strength of your previous permission. Somehow ran it through, and obtained your signature. I wondered at the time, but it was your signature. Now—I wonder if you knew about it.”
“I—thought he had repaid it. I gave it no mind.” She left such things to the bankers. Even Guy Hamilton would accept their approval without much question.
“I see. I do wonder now. I will look into it,” Guy said.
“Oh dear! How can you even entertain the thought of marrying him?” Angela asked.
Meg sighed and looked out the window, heart sinking. “Because—he found out about Sean. And he threatens to make that public if I do not marry him.”
“Dear heavens,” Angela murmured.
“Who is Sean?” Guy asked.
“I am sorry, Guy. I should have told you earlier. I have so much to make up to so many people,” Meg murmured. “Angela, could you explain it to Guy while I visit Dr. MacBain’s house? I am sorry to rush through it, Guy, but—”
“I understand. Mrs. Shaw will make it clear. Go on and do what you must.”
Angela reached across to take her hand briefly. “All of this is understandable, Meg. Truly. I would have done the same in your position.”
Meg nodded gratefully. Angela and Mrs. Berry, her closest female confidantes, knew about Sean’s birth and existence on Caransay, but Meg had never told Guy, nor had he guessed. Now more than ever she wanted to be truthful. She owed that to Dougal and her closest friends as well.
As the coach slowed and stopped, Guy peered out the window. “Here it is. Victoria Street.”
“I will not be long,” Meg said. “Once Mr. Stewart knows the truth, he will send me packing.” Drawing up the hood of her cloak, she stood. Guy stepped out first, offering his hand in assistance.
“Whatever it is, Meg,” Guy said, though he rarely used her given name, “it cannot be so bad.”
She leaned toward him. “It is a wonderful secret—it is time you knew. Angela will tell you.”
“I see.” He walked her toward a tall stone house separated from the street by an iron fence. Light warmed the wide bay window. “Let me go in with you,” Guy said.
“This is something I must do. Stay with Angela. Stay with her always, Guy,” she added.
“I intend to, if she will have me,” he murmured.
“She will. Love finds its way always. Remember that, Guy Hamilton.”
“I will. So should you.” He tipped his hat and went back to the coach.
