Page 22 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

“Mister Hamilton, then,” Cameron said.

“Neither is Mister Hamilton receiving guests this afternoon.”

“I sent a note that I would be calling at three o’clock,” Cameron said. “And three o’clock it is.”

“I cannot—”

“Inform Mister Hamilton I am here, or I will inform him myself,” Cameron cut in.

Like any consummate butler, the man gave away none of what he was thinking. “As you wish, sir. If you will wait here.”

Cameron realized too late the man’s intention, and the door closed. He stared for three heartbeats, nonplussed. He hadn’t had a door slammed in his face since he’d been seventeen and Lord Carley had nearly taken off his fingers when he’d refused Cameron’s offer of marriage for his daughter. He smiled at the memory. That day had taught him to keep his fingers out of the way. He was no longer a teenage pup chasing his childhood friend.

Cameron waited a full three minutes, then went around to the side of the house to the seven-foot wall and vaulted onto the ledge. He dropped down onto the other side and strode around the house to half a dozen stairs leading to a rear entrance. He descended the stairs and, as expected, the door was unlocked. He opened the door to the kitchen. The servants’ chatter came to an abrupt halt. One maid cried out and took a step back. An older woman with a cap that barely covered graying curls drew herself up.

“Forgive the intrusion, ladies. I am Viscount Weston, Lady Alison’s fiancé.”

Murmurs went up, along with knowing glances. Of course, they’d all heard the scandalous news that their mistress had been caught in his bedchambers.

“I had an appointment to see Lady Alison, but was turned away at the door.” He gave them his most charming smile. “I believe I have displeased my future bride, so…” He shrugged. “Well, I climbed the wall, and here I am.”

He wasn’t surprised when some of the younger maids nodded and one even cast him a wistful look. Cook, however, gave him an appraising glance, and said, “Lady Alison has a right to stay in her room, if she wishes.”

He gave a low bow. “Indeed, madam. I respect her wishes, but my note requesting a three o’clock call has also gone unanswered. I fear I am at a loss and would appeal to your good nature to allow me an audience with Mister Hamilton.”

A speculative light appeared in her eyes. Cameron wondered if she, too, didn’t care for Lady Alison’s cousin.

“I believe Mister Hamilton is in the library. If you will follow me, I will take you to him.”

“I much appreciate your assistance,” he said, then to the other women, “Ladies.”

They curtsied and he followed the cook from the kitchen. They ascended the stairs to the first floor and, in the hallway, he said, “May I ask your name, madam?”

“Mrs. Cummings.”

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Cummings.”

“A pleasure to meet you, sir,” she said. “Even if our meeting was unconventional.”

He noted the hint of humor in her voice, but said with mock gravity, “Again, forgive me. I am anxious to see Lady Alison.” She looked sharply at him, and he added, “Once she agrees to see me, of course.”

“I will see to it that she is informed of your arrival.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Cummings,” he said with genuine gratitude.

They turned a corner in the hallway and ascended a set of stairs to another hallway. Voices sounded up ahead and Mrs. Cummings slowed.

A woman said, “I will not have it, do you understand?”

Lady Alison.

“You will do as I say,” a man who could only be Lady Alison’s cousin replied. “The decision is final. You will marry whomever I say you will marry.”

“We shall see,” Alison replied. She emerged from the open doorway and turned right, in the opposite direction from their approach, and hurried away.

Mrs. Cummings slowed even more.

Cameron grasped her arm and pulled her to a stop. “Perhaps we should wait just a moment, then go on. That way, we will not embarrass Mister Hamilton.”