Page 78 of In the Highlander's Bed

“There are those who know,” the duke said. “Phillip has done what he can to keep your name out of the papers in any form.” When she frowned at Phillip’s name, he said, “I know you don’t trust him, but Phillip isn’t a bad sort. He may have let his temper have the best of him over your sisters, but Charlotte has him completely wrapped around her finger. My brother loves your sister very much. He would not do anything to harm you.”

His brow creased with concern as he said, “However, if Gordon were alive, if he were to come for you, he’d risk hanging. The government would have no choice.”

“What about the others? The rest of the clan? Are they not as guilty?”

“Gordon was the instigator. The rebellion at Nathraichean would have ended months ago save for him. If he did escape,” he said, meeting Constance’s gaze, “he’d best not be in the country.”

But he would be alive.And for her, that was enough.

“I only knew him almost two weeks,” she murmured. She frowned. “I know what Charlotte is going to say. She’ll think me odd for having fallen so completely, so utterly, in love.”

His Grace laughed. “She has no room to talk, lass. She’s in love with my brother.” He turned serious. “I love my wife very much, and yes, it came upon me in less time than a week. One day I was alone, and the next my world was filled with her. Heart and mind.”

“Yes,” Constance agreed, understanding exactly what he meant. “I didn’t even like Gordon when I first met him.”

“Ah, well, that’s true of everyone who meets Gordon.” She knew he was teasing, understoodthen that he’d known this man well. That’s why Gordon had listened when the duke spoke to him in private that fateful day at the ruins.

“I wish I’d returned with him,” she whispered.

He sobered immediately. “We’re glad you didn’t. Who knows what your fate would be…or the fate of that bairn you might be carrying? Gordon didn’t want anything but the very best for you. I saw the look on his face when he made his choice. He loved you, lass.”

Her eyes burned at tears she blinked back. She’d spent enough time on sorrow. Now, she had to be brave. “What should I do?” she asked.

He took her hand. “Something that will be very hard,” he answered. “The family has talked, and for all his faults, my brother’s suggestions make sense. Even my wife agrees.”

“Suggestions of what sort?”

The humor left his eyes. In its place was compassion. He knew she wasn’t going to like what he was about to say. She curled the fingers of her free hand in the bed sheets. “Go ahead. Tell me,” she said, surprised at how calm her voice sounded.

“They are going to suggest a marriage.”

She noticed his use ofthey.“You disagree?”

“No, I agree, even if there is not a child. You don’t understand how devastating rumors can be. I hear whispers in my trail wherever I go. It’s not easy for my wife, but our love is strong and we have each other.”

“Whereas I have no one,” she surmised. “And you would want me to marry for what reason? To squelch rumors. It seems a shallow course.”

“Marriages have been made for much less. And I would want a man who can protect you and your child.”

Constance shook her head. “Who would have me? Who would want another man’s child?”

“You are looking at this the wrong way,” the duke said. “You should consider that any man would be lucky to have you.”

“And the child?”

“Yes, him too. Only, time is of the essence, Constance. The man must think the child is his own. You can never let him know the truth.”

His suggestion shocked her. “But that is a lie.”

“No, it’s survival. It’s the only way that child will stand a chance at living a good life.”

“What of the child? Is he never to know his true father’s name?”

“In time, perhaps. If and when you deem it right.”

Constance raised her hands, pressing the heels to her temples as if to shut out such a decision.

The duke stood. “I’ve said enough.” He walked to the door. “Think on it, Constance. It’s your decision to make. I’ll support you whichever way you choose. However,” he said, “I want Lachlan’s son raised well. The blood of Scottish aristocracy will flow in his veins.”