Page 70 of A Scot on Duchess Square
“What is it?” She was obviously worried about something.
“That Lady Trowbridge is one to cause mischief, isn’t she? She and my family ought to be back in London by now.”
Bram nodded. “Aye, lass.”
“They are not through hurting Miranda. It was obvious during those few encounters we had with them while traveling down to London. Lady Trowbridge and my stepmother will try to get at her through me, I fear. Or am I worrying over nothing?”
“Ye have cause to be concerned. I think those two harpies are no’ above hurting either of ye,” he said, taking Gwenys’s hands in his. “Rest assured, I will do all in my power to protect ye.”
“And Miranda?”
“Aye, of course. However, they are more likely to plot against ye first, because hurting ye is what will cause Miranda the greatest pain.”
“Oh, I know. They are such foul creatures. I understand now why she was so strident in keeping me away from them. They’ll do something horrid now, perhaps whisper in my father’s ear and try to convince him to match me to someone completely wrong for me. Or try something stupid, such as tricking me into a compromising position with some penniless lord they’ve paid off because they cannot bear to see me happily matched to your Douglas.” She shook her head and sighed. “Why would these two who have been blessed with every privilege wish to hurt others?”
“I dinna know, lass. Some people are just filled with bile. But this is why I am determined to stay close to ye and yer aunt. If anyone attempts to harm ye, they’ll be answering to me.”
“That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”
“Nay, lass. It is my pleasure to protect ye.”
She cast him a sweet, lighthearted smile. “On a happier note, we are delighted to have your company for the duration of your time in London. Miranda might not admit this, but she is filled with elation that we’ll be seeing you often.”
He laughed. “Is that so?”
Gwenys nodded. “You should have been with us this morning. She moped through breakfast, hardly touching her food and glum as anything. Then she stared at the wall clock throughout the day. I’m sure she was counting the minutes until the start of our at-home hours, and then frantically watched the parlor door for your arrival.”
“Frantically?” He liked that bit of information, for it was good to have confirmation that Miranda was missing him as intensely as he was missing her.
A groan from the doorway drew his attention.
He grinned. “Good evening, Miranda.”
She smiled back. “I was not frantic or even moping, merely lost in my thoughts.”
Gwenys gave a light cough. “Brooding.”
Miranda laughed. “All right, perhaps a little out of sorts. And I was only staring at the clock this afternoon because you were late and I was worried something serious might have happened to delay you.”
“Oh, what utter rot. You stared at it all day.” Gwenys rolled her eyes. “Just admit you were breathlessly awaiting his arrival.”
“Gwenys!” Miranda sighed and shook her head. “I am glad to see you, Solway.”
He liked it better when she called him Bram, but was not going to insist on it while in Gwenys’s company. “Same here, Miranda.”
Gwenys clapped her hands. “Well, I’ve forgotten something important. Please excuse me while I figure out what it is.”
She raced off, closing the study door behind her.
Bram arched an eyebrow. “The lass is subtle, isn’t she?”
Miranda laughed. “She thinks I am a fool who needs a shove in the right direction.”
“And what direction would that be?”
“Into your arms. Isn’t it obvious? She adores you.”
He stepped toward Miranda and drew her into his arms. “What she adores is seeing ye happy. Do I make ye happy?”
