Duncan told him. “The main part of the castle, where we now sit, was completed in 1629.”
Winslowe’s gaze traveled about the candlelit room.
“Indeed it is an architectural masterpiece.”
They discussed architecture for quite some time, and Duncan promised the duke that he would show him the plans for future additions and refurbishments, which he kept in his study.
Then, at last, the time was at hand to discuss more important matters.
“So you claim to have developed feelings for my niece,”
the duke prompted, scrutinizing Duncan with a spark ofchallengeover the rim of his glass.
“Aye, Your Grace. It is my intention to love and care for her always.”
The duke leaned forward in his chair. “Love, you say. I watched you this evening, Moncrieffe, and I do not doubt you are smitten, but I am not sure I wouldcallit love.” He sat back. “You are taken with her, natural y. She is a beautiful young woman. I see also that she returns your …affections.It was not difficult to make out. She is completely besotted.” He leaned back again. “But it’sallrather sudden, is it not? By my calculations, you proposed the very day she crossed your threshold.”
Duncan wet his lips and thought long and hard about how he should answer the duke’schallenge. Clearly he was a perceptive and insightful man. “I realize it may seem strange to Your Grace, but I remember Lady Amelia’s father verywell. Iwillalways regard him with the highest esteem. Irecallalso that he spoke with a great love for his daughter. So if I may be blunt…”
Winslowe waved an inviting hand. “Please. I am curious.”
Duncan set his glass down on the side table and rested his elbows on his knees. “I have not had the pleasure of meeting her former fiancé, Colonel Bennett,” he said, “but I do know of his reputation, and I feel it is my duty to inform Your Grace that…” He paused to give the man a moment to prepare himself for what he was about to hear. “Richard Bennett is despised in this country, Your Grace. He is regarded as a tyrant who knows no bounds when it comes to oppression and brutality. Innocent Scots have been slaughtered under his orders; peaceful homes have been burned to the ground. So when I learned of your niece’s engagement, I could not bear the thought of her marrying such a man, so I did not hesitate to violate your country’s rules of etiquette.” He leaned back and stared unshakably at the duke. “And for that I make no apologies.”
Winslowe surveyed him careful y. “You are awillfullman, Moncrieffe, but I see that you are decent and forthcoming aswell, so I, too,shallbe blunt.” He met Duncan’s eyes. “I was surprised at my brother’s decision toallowhis daughter to wed Colonel Bennett. I believe he acted in haste to secure a husband for her before he departed from this world.
Myself…?” He sat back. “I am not fond of the man. I have no concrete proof of any unseemly activities, mind you, but I simply do not care for him.callit instinct, a gut reaction, whatever you please, but I recognize the fact that he has a cruel streak. I have no doubt he can be charming when he wishes to be, which is why Amelia was influenced in the beginning. And when her father passed away—God rest his soul—she was lonely and grief-stricken. I could not help but feel that Bennett preyed upon that vulnerability. Amelia has a generous dowry, and she is the daughter of a duke. Bennett wishes to advance himself, for he has few connections and is not a wealthy man.” Winslowe waved a finger. “He has a great talent on the battlefield, however, and that is where he made too strong an impression on my brother. He saved his life, you know. It was quite a heroic feat.”
“Yes, I’ve heard.” Duncan tossed back the rest of his whisky before he said something distasteful to His Grace, which he might later regret.
“But with my brother gone,” the duke continued, “Amelia’s guardianshipfalls to me. I amallshe has, and Iwillnot let her step into a future that promises unhappiness. I believe you are genuine in your affections for her, sir, and clearly you are a man of great wealth and personal integrity. Iwillsupport your engagement, Moncrieffe, and if Bennett sees fit to complain about it …well, I am a duke now.” He raised his glass again. “I have some influence in the world.”
Duncan sat forward and shook his hand. “I give you my word of honor, Your Grace, that Ameliawillbe happy here.
Shewillbe treated with the utmost respect.”
“Good man.” The duke downed the rest of his whisky.
Duncan gave Winslowe a moment to enjoy the effects of the drink before speaking again. “I hope itwillnot spoil your evening, Your Grace, if I push the subject further.”
The duke sat forward. “Push away, Moncrieffe.”
Duncan nodded. “I spoke earlier of Colonel Bennett’s reputation and what I know of his military tactics. It is my firm belief that the people of Scotland deserve their dignity, and I mean to bring Richard Bennett to justice for his crimes.”
The duke’s bushy eyebrows lifted. “You don’t say. A formal complaint, you mean?”
“Aye. I can bring witnesses, and if you werewillingto hear their testimonies, I would welcome your support.”
The duke considered Duncan’s request. “He is a celebrated war hero, Moncrieffe. The man has medals. Itwillnot be easy. Certainly the armywillnot appreciate it. Norwillthe King.”
“Surely someonewillsee the truth in it, and be moved to do the right thing.”
The duke crossed one stout leg over the other. “Perhaps.
But if not—and if I choose to support you—itwillbemyreputation thatwillsuffer. Imagine it, Moncrieffe—an eccentric English duke, new to his title, taking Scotland’s side in a case against the King’s army.”
“A losing battle, to be sure,” Duncan said.
Winslowe slapped his plump thigh and laughed. “Ah, you fearless Highlanders. How I admire your spirit, always sofullof confidence and vitality, raging across battlefields with your swords and shields held high, even in the face of impossible odds. Ah, to be a Scotsman.” He raised his empty glass.
