Page 14 of The Lyon Deception

“Forcing Lady Catriona to marry me—”

“No one is forcing her to do anything,” she said irritably. “It is entirely her choice. And yours.”

She was right, but Sinclair knew that when Catriona saw him, recognized him, realized she had been duped, she would be furious. It may be a very short-lived marriage. Although, he did have the fate of her castle in his hands. She couldn’t walk away from him, at least not too far, without remembering that.

Sinclair reached for the glass of cognac and swallowed it in one go. The burn helped to focus his thoughts. Bessie was right, marriage might be the only way to keep this woman he was falling in love with, and therefore he would have to take the consequences.

By the time Sinclair walked home, it was late, but he was completely sober, and he was already considering his next move. If he didn’t have much time, then he needed to move quickly.

What if he were to call on Cat? But then what if someone in her household knew who he was? It seemed more sensible to lurk about and wait until she was out somewhere. He was aware that young ladies were always going out and about, to the park or a picnic or whatever. He would “accidently” run into her, that was the trick.

Pleased with his new plan, he quickened his pace.

Chapter Eight

Sinclair discovered that putting himself in the way of Cat was not so difficult after all. His housekeeper, a plump and motherly woman called Mrs. Finlayson informed him that she knew of the Countess of Strathmore through her cousin-in-law who was her butler.

“Hocking is a very good butler, if rather dour. There has been some trouble with the countess’s pet cat. A wee monster!”

“So you know that Lady Catriona MacKenzie is staying with her?”

“Her niece? Yes.” Mrs. Finlayson smiled. “A lovely young lady, Master.” Her dark eyes narrowed as if she were joining dots in her head. “Should I send your calling card? I am sure there could be no objection to you—”

“No, no calling card,” he said quickly. “I wondered if you knew whether she goes strolling in the park or shopping in Bond Street, or—or . . .”

Mrs. Finlayson smiled conspiratorially. “I will discover it for you,” she assured him. “Leave it with me, sir.”

Sinclair was happy to do that, and later that day, his housekeeper brought him some coffee and the news that Lady Catriona was good friends with the Snowden girls, Prudence and Harriet, and was planning to walk with them in Hyde Park the next morning. If the weather held.

“Which,” she said, shooting a glance at the window, “I am confident it will.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Finlayson,” Sinclair said with heartfelt sincerity.

She nodded and went to leave, only to change her mind again. She gave Sinclair an assessing look. “Wear your new green jacket, sir. It brings out the color in your eyes.”

Sinclair chuckled. He would indeed wear his new green jacket, and he would put aside all the doubts and fears that were plaguing him and play the gentleman. And perhaps, if he were very lucky, Catriona would be so taken with him that she would not care what his real name was.

He was up early, probably far too early, but he couldn’t sleep. After he was dressed and had lingered over his breakfast for as long as he could, he set out for the park. He spent some time lurking about in the trees, trying to see Cat or the two Snowden girls. Sinclair couldn’t stay in the same place for too long because people would begin to notice and had started eyeing him suspiciously. He didn’t spot anyone he knew, which was a relief, but he had just about given up by the time he finally saw the three girls strolling together on one of the many paths.

The sun was shining brightly, and the three women were dressed in their summer finery. He watched as Cat smiled and responded to her friends’ conversation, her straw bonnet with lime-green ribbons shading her face. Today, many people had converged on Hyde Park, intending to see and be seen, and he guessed that if he did not make a move soon, some dandy would step in and introduce himself. Cat was already garnering a lot of interest.

Sinclair stepped out onto the path ahead of them and then gave a very good impression of being surprised to see them. Although he had prepared a story as to why he was here, he didn’t need to use it. They were so pleased to see him that they didn’t even ask.

“Mr. Sutherland!” Prudence cried.

And then her sister added, “Where is your phaeton?” at the same time, looking about as if expecting to see it.

The young ladies’ enthusiasm was gratifying, and he beamed at them. “It is such a fine day. Why shouldn’t I be out walking?”

“Gentlemen seem to prefer to ride,” Prudence answered him. She shot Catriona a sideways glance, as if she had already guessed the reason he was here, and then dipped her head with a secretive smile.

Catriona looked flushed, her blue eyes sparkling as she met his gaze. “You’re right, it is a verra fine day,” she declared.

They continued to gaze at each other until Prudence interrupted the moment. “Come on, Harriet, let’s go ahead. I think I see your friend Miss Rawlings and her sister.”

Harriet was happy enough to do as her sister suggested. When they had moved away, Sinclair noticed Catriona looking at him again with a tentative smile. She really was a beautiful woman. Her hair peeking out from her bonnet was dazzling in the sunlight, and her lemon-colored dress was high waisted, the skirt falling to her ankles. The neckline showed only a modest amount of her bosom, and he tried not to imagine what she looked like underneath her fashionable clothing.

“I feel like I should thank you again for helping us with our carriage,” she said, taking the arm he offered as they resumed their stroll. “It was such a kind thing to do.”