The Lord's Highland Temptation (HQR Historical) by Diane Gaston

Author:Diane Gaston [Gaston, Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, London Society, England & Britain, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Sensual Story Theme, Military Service, Soldier, Noble Birthright, Haunted Memories, Charade, Butler Disguise
Publisher: Harlequin Historical; Original Edition
Published: 2019-09-01T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

Mairi did not heed her father’s orders. Instead she grabbed her cloak and walked outside into the fresh air. She was so angry and upset she could not bear to be confined to her room like a naughty child. She needed fresh air and exercise and the freedom to move around as she wished.

The night was clear and the moon full enough to light her path to the garden. She walked the paths, the same ones she’d been forced to show Mr Hargreave. Her mind raced.

How could her father be so imprudent? Lucas had been wonderful to her family in so many ways, but they really knew very little about him. One did not trust an unknown person with one’s jewels and other treasures or with the money they might earn when sold. Could her father not see that? And how could her mother go along with such a scheme as if it was the most natural thing in the world?

Why did they trust him, a virtual stranger, but not their own daughter? Had she not proved she’d been right about everything? Why did they constantly brush aside anything she had to say, as if she were nothing but a nuisance?

Mairi paced the garden paths, trying to figure out a way to keep her father from behaving so foolishly. True, Lucas seemed trustworthy. He’d done nothing but help them—he had saved their reputation with the Crawfurds; he had planted the kitchen garden; he’d even polished boots and brushed out clothes—but that did not alter the fact that they did not know him. Men who seemed safe and harmless could still be disguising a dangerous nature.

Mairi had learned that lesson well.

She had no idea how long she remained outside, but long enough for her slippered feet to become tired and achy. She sat on the bench, wishing she would be allowed to observe the sale of the jewellery and other items. She’d make certain they were sold at a high enough price and that all the money came back to her father.

If she accompanied her father to Edinburgh, he would not listen to her. If she accompanied Lucas, though, perhaps he would allow her to manage the sales. Although a man—especially one as tall and strong as Lucas—could overpower her and she’d be helpless—

No. Lucas would not do such a thing. She knew he would never hurt her. She did not know why she knew that, but she did.

On the other hand, he still could steal their money.

‘Miss Wallace?’

She jumped at the voice and instinctively recoiled.

Lucas stepped into her view. ‘How long have you been out here?’

‘Since I was sent from the dinner table,’ she replied sharply. She was not angry at him, though. He’d been the only one to attempt to support her.

‘Your parents were wrong to chastise you,’ he said. ‘You were entirely correct. Your father should handle the sale of the items. He should have charge of the money.’

‘You told him that?’ She looked up.

He glanced away.

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