Page 68 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

Lissie's heart was a tremble as the heavy door to the chamber creaked open. Despite her misgivings, Lissie could not help the giant jolt that went through her spine.

"Lissie!"

He smiled at her fulsomely, his slender features greeting her unexpectedly. As he walked into the chamber, the smile froze on Lissie's face.

"Trenton?"

Shock palpated Lissie. The hot red blood that had pumped into her veins suddenly stopped. Feeling faint, Lissie watched him helplessly.

"What are ye doing here?" she asked, suddenly suspicious. Then, a thought ripped through her.

"Is Will alright?" she asked point-blank.

Trenton just laughed. "Alright? Aye, I'll say he's alright. He's just right, apart from his ailing heart."

Lissie's eyes widened up at the mention of heart. Was Will alright? Why wouldn't anyone just say?

"Well, what does he want?" she asked simply.

"I mean, dear lady, that he wants you, of course. Not that flighty creature, Lettie. Heavens, the girl has already cost him a fortune in furs, gems, and horses. But he just wilnae say it."

Lissie's heart missed a beat. But the excitement she felt remained where it was.

"Why say it? Why nae just act on it?" she said, as plain as ever. Lissie shot him a look of pure pain. Then she shook her head. "If ye're here on his bidding, then tell him I⁠—"

"I am not here for my brother, madam. I am here for myself," said Trenton simply. He knelt down on one knee.

Lissie, who had not been expecting this, gasped.

"Trenton..."

Lissie put her hand to her mouth. She could not believe her eyes. Trenton, on the floor beneath her, kneeling with her hand in his.

"Lissie, I know I am a poor second, but please consider my hand," said Trenton, his pale hairline pinkening as he remained on the ground.

Lissie was so shaken up, she barely knew how to respond.

"Please don't go back to Scotland. We will all miss you. I will miss you. London is dull without you. There's a way out of this. You want to marry a noble, well, how about me? I am simple, and kind, and will not ever expect anything from you. What say you?"

"I..." began Lissie, overwhelmed. She hardly knew what to say. She thought back to the previous evening. It had been fun being with Trenton. She enjoyed his company.

However...

"Pray, do not mock me. I have thought about this. It would be a marriage in name only, and I don't want an heir. Just allow me the honor of marriage."

Feeling strangely touched, Lissie smiled. "Trenton, thank ye kindly for yer help," she said softly. "But I cannae. It is nae fair on him, me, ye, or the others. I must leave London today "

Trenton smiled ruefully.

He is not such a bad chap, thought Lissie playfully. He is trustworthy and could be fun. But deep down, Lissie knew they could never be any more than just friends.

"I'm sorry, Lissie," said Trenton, rising from the floor. He shook the dust from his bright doublet and hose. Lissie noted he was especially gay that morning, at odds with her crashing heart.

"I thought it worth a try to do anything to stop you from leaving and making a mistake you will both surely regret. Oh, and I thought I might amuse you."

He smiled bravely. Lissie felt a pang of regret.

"It did," she said with a soft grin. And it had. Trenton's antics had cheered her, albeit very briefly.