Page 136 of The Highlander Is All That

“There are no secrets in the St. Claire family,” Victoria chirped.

Nearly everyone snickered at that, but Hamish was not amused. “I would like to speak to Elizabeth in private.”

She stood, looking elegant and regal and sad. She tipped up her chin and said, “Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of my family.”

Damn and blast. This was not how he wanted it done.

He sucked in a deep breath and just blurted it out. “I love you, Elizabeth. With all my heart.”

She sniffed. “But?”

“Is it the duke’s approval keeping the two of you apart?” Anne asked, in a far too knowing tone.

Hamish whipped his head around and gaped at her. “What?”

“Oh, leave off, Hamish. We all know the two of you are in love. And I know you’re worried that the duke will not approve.”

“How on earth did you—”

Anne smiled at Elizabeth. “Well, I’ve written His Grace to tell him what has been going on.”

Hamish’s knees threatened to collapse, so he sat with a thump.

“You have?” Ranald asked, pulling Anne into his arms and kissing her. “Was that what your letter was about?”

“That, and other things.”

“How thoughtful, darling.”

“I’m certain, any day now, his reply will arrive with his unqualified approval.” She smiled again at Elizabeth, who, to Hamish’s chagrin, glowered.

“Did you want to write the widow Dunn for her permission as well?” Elizabeth said in an acidic tone.

His chest clenched. He’d told her that was over. He had. Hadn’t he? “That is not fair.”

“Who is the widow Dunn?” Esmeralda asked.

“Hamish has a widow in Scotland,” Mary chirped.

Victoria glared at him. “You blackheart!”

“I don’t love her,” he sputtered. “It is Elizabeth I love.”

She sniffed. “He loves me so much he won’t marry me if his dear duke does not approve.”

“It’s no’ like that.”

“I don’t understand,” Victoria said. “Anne married Bower without permission. Didn’t you?”

“It’s hardly the same,” Hamish grumbled. “Bower has a title.”

Mary sniffed. “As though that makes a difference.”

“Of course it does.” He immediately regretted the words, because Elizabeth cringed.

“Well, none of that signifies,” Mary said in a cheery gust. “You have to marry her.”

An unnerving silence settled on the room.