Eight Hunting Lyons (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Chapter Eight

B eatrix could not contain her enthusiasm as their carriage rolled through the streets of Edinburgh toward her father’s grand home. It was situated on Canongate near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In the opposite direction stood Edinburgh Castle, perched upon a mighty granite rock and towering over the city.

Chimneys spewed smoke into the air, and the streets were crowded with shoppers and working men hurrying about their day. They passed by St. Giles Cathedral and the old Scottish Parliament Hall as the High Street blended into the more elegant Canongate, where much of the Scottish aristocracy resided.

She was excited but also felt an ache within her heart as her journey was now nearing its end. “Lucas,” she said in a whisper when he assisted her down from the carriage, insisting on attending to the chore even though two footmen and a butler were standing at the ready. “When will I see you again?”

“Soon, Beatrix. I won’t ever be far from ye, lass. Ye have only to send word to me if ever ye need anything. Ye know where I work, and I’ve given ye the direction to my home. I’ll also see ye at the upcoming social gatherings.” He placed her arm in his as he escorted her inside her father’s imposing townhouse.

Lady MacGlory hurried down to greet them and ordered tea set out. “Your rooms are ready, and I have assigned a lady’s maid to each of you. I shall show you upstairs shortly but do join me in the parlor. Lady Rochester, how was your journey? Not too difficult, I hope.”

“As delightful as can be expected. Lord Lyon was an excellent escort.”

Lady MacGlory smiled at him. “We cannot thank you enough for bringing them to us. Beatrix, your father has been looking forward to seeing you. I will send word to him at the bank to rush home immediately.”

Beatrix’s heart began to skip beats as she smiled at her stepmother. “Thank you. I am so happy to be here.”

“This is your home, my dear,” Lady MacGlory said kindly. “You are always welcome.” She then turned to Lucas and cast him an equally warm smile. “Do stay. My husband will arrive shortly, and the two of you can catch up on whatever important business is at hand.”

Lucas nodded and settled in the parlor with the ladies.

Poseidon settled at his feet.

Beatrix grinned at him. “Lord Lyon, I think Posy will miss you desperately.”

He cast her an affectionate smile. “I shall miss the wee laddie, too.”

She wanted to ask him if he would miss her, but he gave nothing away in his expression. He had not come out and explicitly said he loved her that day on the cliff outside of Berwick but had left little doubt in her mind. She knew his refusal to declare it outright was because he first wanted to understand what her father had in mind for her.

Their kiss now felt like a dream. Had he really held her in his arms? Pressed his lips to hers?

She tried to stem her disappointment when her father came rushing in about half an hour later, greeted her and Lady Rochester with all due warmth, then immediately excused himself and disappeared into his study with Lucas.

As the door shut behind them, Beatrix felt as though a door to her heart had suddenly slammed shut. This is how it had always been with him, closed doors. Would this always be the way he treated her? She had not traveled all this way north only to have her father buss her cheek and forget about her.

Lady MacGlory must have sensed her disappointment. “You will have plenty of time to chat with him at supper this evening. It will be just the four of us.”

“Not Lord Lyon?” Beatrix blurted, then silently chided herself for bringing him up.

Her stepmother arched an eyebrow. “Do you wish him to join us, Beatrix?”

She blushed. “Yes, I do.”

“Oh, I see.” She glanced at Lady Rochester, her expression one of dismay. “I gather he has become more than a mere escort. Nothing too serious, I hope. My husband has other plans for Beatrix. A better match in mind than the third son of a duke, as you well know.”

Her aunt chimed in before Beatrix responded with words she would regret. “He is far more than that, Lady MacGlory. But there is nothing untoward between Lord Lyon and Beatrix. He has been a gentleman at all times if this is what concerns you and Lord MacGlory. However, the ultimate decision as to whom Beatrix shall marry must be hers. I will support her in her choice, so long as it is made freely and not under her father’s coercion.”

Lady MacGlory now frowned. “But I thought you liked Greenock.”

“I do. However, I am not going to marry the man. Beatrix must like him. She is the one who must live with him and bear his children.”

Beatrix accidentally stepped on Posy’s paw.

The little pug yelped.

“Oh, dear! Posy, I’m so sorry. I did not mean to hurt you.”

Fortunately, the distraction put an end to any brewing feud over Lord Greenock. But Beatrix worried that her stepmother would report the discussion to her father, who would, in turn, bestow his ire on Lucas.

Well, this was the wonderful thing about Lucas. He was brash and unafraid. He did not bend to Sassenach threats, nor would he bend to threats from a powerful, Scottish lord. “Aunt Harriet, you must be tired from our journey. Shall we retire to our chambers?”

“Yes, dear. A fine idea.”

She turned to her stepmother. “What time is supper? We shall see you then.”

Lady MacGlory rose along with her. “Of course. Let me show you up. We dine at seven. I’ll have refreshments and a tub sent up for each of you now.”

Beatrix cast her a smile. “Thank you, it is most appreciated.”

“My dear, it is good to have you with us. Sometimes, I…” Her stepmother shook her head and laughed lightly. “I am happy to have you with us.”

She showed Beatrix to her room and then hurried out to attend to settling Aunt Harriet.

Beatrix looked around. The bedchamber was more opulent than she had expected. Indeed, quite large, and the polished wood floor was almost completely hidden under the enormous floral-patterned carpet that spanned the length of the room. The bed curtains were of a heavy peach-colored silk, as were the window drapes. The hearth was massive, and the floor immediately in front of it was not merely made of tiles but of rare malachite, a deep green rock resembling jade but sturdier and more beautiful even than marble.

Had she been given this room as a purposeful reminder of her father’s wealth and power? It was not something her stepmother Lottie ever would do or even think of. But her father? This was exactly how his mind worked.

“You cannot intimidate me,” she muttered to herself.

What did she care about the holdings he had amassed? All her life, all she had wanted was for him to share a little of himself with her. Would he do so now?

And what of her circumstances? She was not mercenary, but she had no idea what had been set up for her protection if she remained a spinster. Of course, he intended her to marry. How large was her dowry? Had anything been set aside for her that a bad husband could not touch?

Did he plan to leave her an inheritance?

Not that she desired it. But this was just another example of how badly he had neglected her. Or perhaps it was better described as his maintaining control over her by keeping her ignorant and under his thumb.

By the time the supper bell sounded, she had worked herself into a state. But she curled her hands into fists and took a deep breath to calm herself. Nothing would be gained by confronting her father.

It was also possible Lucas had spoken to him and told him of the importance of…no, he would never listen to Lucas if it meant ceding some of his power. Was not knowledge power as well?

To her surprise, Lucas had, indeed, been invited to dine with them. She had expected her request to be dismissed.

She cast him a beaming smile. “It is so good to see you again, Lord Lyon.”

“And you, Lady Beatrix.” He bowed over her hand and cast her a wink when the others weren’t looking. “Have you settled in comfortably?”

She nodded. “Was my father pleased with the business conducted in London?”

He shrugged. “That remains to be seen.”

But he spoke with such an air of confidence, she could not imagine her father being anything but delighted with Lucas.

She had no time to say more to him before he acknowledged Aunt Harriet and engaged in light conversation with her.

Beatrix glanced around in search of her father but saw only her stepmother.

“He will be down in a moment, my dear. He wanted to read over Lord Lyon’s comments on the contracts first.”

“It won’t take him long,” Lucas assured her, looking quite splendid in his formal dinner attire. “I had very few changes to recommend. Lord Liverpool was more than fair.”

Beatrix nodded, trying to pretend she was not completely taken with him. He may have been dressed finely now, but he still looked like a Highland warrior. The dark cut of his jacket merely accentuated his broad shoulders and muscled arms. “I am glad to hear it. You did spend an awful lot of time on our travels with your nose in those contracts.”

“I had to. Things will move fast once they are signed by your father.”

“Indeed,” her father said as he joined them in the parlor. He held out his arm to her. “Come, my daughter. Sit beside me and tell me all that ye have been up to since I last saw ye.”

It was years ago.

But what did he really care about her schooling or her friends or her life in London? However, she made an attempt to engage in earnest conversation. “I made several friends at the finishing school.”

“Daughters from the finest noble families?”

She nodded. “Some of them were. But I doubt I will see much of them now that I will be living in Scotland.”

“That depends on where yer husband wishes ye to reside.”

“I have no husband.”

Her father cast her an impatient glance. “But ye will soon. Has yer aunt not told ye?”

She nodded.

“Good, then ye know all about the marquess I have in mind for ye. Tell me more about yer schooling. You seem to comport yourself well enough. What have ye learned? Did you fail any subjects?”

“No, but neither did I excel. Had the topics been science or philosophy or mathematics, I am sure I would have graduated with top honors. But this school concentrated on teaching us how to be ladies.”

He frowned. “And are ye not a lady?”

“Yes, but I do not have a good singing voice. Nor am I very good at the pianoforte. My dancing abilities are only passable.”

He harrumphed. “Who cares about those? As long as ye have not turned into a silly, giggling chit without a brain between her ears.”

“I am your daughter. My brain is constantly working, whether I like it or not.”

He finally smiled at that remark. “Lord Lyon said you were smart.”

She took the opportunity to glance at Lucas. “Thank you, my lord.”

“Not at all, Lady Beatrix. I merely told yer father the truth.”

“Papa, what happens now that you will sign these contracts?”

Her father put a hand over hers where she had set it on the table. “Nothing will change. Lord Lyon will be the one making the trips back and forth to Glasgow to supervise the shipbuilding. I will remain here in Edinburgh, as always. We shall have a party in your honor at the end of the week to introduce you to our friends. They are the cream of Edinburgh society, although I am sure Lady Rochester has a thing to say about it.”

Her aunt set down her soup spoon. “I? No, I think Beatrix will enjoy meeting everyone. They will adore her. She is an angel…so long as she is not made to sing.”

Beatrix laughed. “Dear heaven. No singing, please. I shall chase everyone away.”

“Greenock will like ye well enough,” her father remarked. “Ye turned out quite pretty. What do ye say, Lucas? Is she as pretty as yer Lady Marjorie?”

Beatrix coughed.

“Are ye referring to Lord Cunningham’s daughter?” Lucas showed no expression. “She is not my Lady Marjorie, as ye well know.”

“Then ye had better let her know it, for she seems to be of the impression ye will be offering for her hand in marriage.”

Beatrix’s heart shot into her throat.

She winced as her spoon clattered against her soup bowl and muttered a hasty, “Sorry.”

Why had she not considered he was already taken? Or on the verge of being taken? A man like Lucas would be sought after by every young woman. How could a better man possibly exist?

“With all due respect, my lord. I do not know how she would have gotten that impression, since I have never indicated any interest in her. Nor will I ever. As to yer question…yes, Beatrix is more than a match for her. Far prettier, in my opinion. There is a warmth and genuine charm to yer daughter. Any man would be delighted to gain her favor.”

Lucas and her father stared at each other until the silence between them became unbearable.

Lady MacGlory broke the tension. “Beatrix, tomorrow let us sort through your wardrobe. I am sure your gowns are beautiful, but it can get cold up here, and I doubt you have suitable attire for the Scottish weather. I shall take you to my modiste after our morning calls. Thursday is the day we are home to visitors. Send word to any friends in the area you would like to see.”

“I have none here that I know of. Shopping sounds lovely. Will you join us, Aunt Harriet?”

“Indeed. I think I will need a warm gown or two. I expect the temperature to turn quite chilly in the very near future.”

Beatrix coughed again.

She could not tell what Lucas was thinking. He still maintained a stoic expression. But Aunt Harriet’s words had carried a double meaning that they all understood. She was telling her father that she had thrown her support to Lucas’s courtship.

What would her father do to him now?

He had to be angry that his plans for Greenock were falling apart.

The supper finally ended, and Beatrix counted the minutes before she could disappear into her bedchamber. She had yet to spend a day with her father and already feared she had failed him.

This hurt her so deeply.

In truth, she ought to have been better prepared to face this moment since she had given it considerable reflection after that day on the cliffs outside Berwick. Lucas had warned her not to rush to a decision.

But how could she allow her father to simply foist Lord Greenock upon her?

What would he say when she expressed her preference for Lucas?

He already suspected it.

She was not good at hiding her feelings.

And it did not appear that Lucas had taken pains to hide his feelings.

Aunt Harriet had jumped in and laid down a gauntlet for her father. Yes, there was anger between those two as well.

Her father took her arm and drew her aside before she could escape upstairs. “Beatrix, ye must get over this childish infatuation ye have with Lord Lyon. He is not for ye.”

“Why is he unsuitable? He is smart, handsome, and connected to the Duke of Mar. You obviously hold him in the highest regard, or you would not have trusted him on the warship financing.”

“He is a rake and will break your heart. He may have dismissed talk of Lady Marjorie Cunningham, but I can assure ye they are an item. Nor is she the first he has escorted around Edinburgh. The ladies all like him…and he has a healthy fondness for them, if ye get my meaning. But ye needn’t distress yerself. I have a very nice gentleman in mind for ye, one I know ye will like.”

“Yes, you mentioned Lord Greenock throughout supper.”

“Aye, Abel Colquehoun, the Marquess of Greenock, a good man and the right match for ye. What has Lady Rochester told ye about him?” He frowned lightly. “I was led to believe she was in favor of him.”

Beatrix nodded. “Yes, she was at first.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Obviously, she is no longer. Lord Lyon has pulled the wool over her eyes, as well, it seems. Trust me to know what is best for ye. Greenock will make ye a good husband, and ye will be a marchioness.”

“And if I decide I do not like him?”

“It will never come to that. Get to know him, and ye will see I am right.”

“I will, Papa. I promise you.” She did owe him that much. Hadn’t Lucas insisted she attend parties and dance with other bachelors in order to gain experience around men?

He kissed her on the forehead. “That’s my good girl.”

But Beatrix knew she was no longer that desperate child who sought her father’s approval and would sacrifice everything to gain it. If the marquess was not to her liking, she would not agree to marry him.

Nor would she embroil Lucas in any battle between her and her father. This was her fight to undertake, and she refused to be helpless this time.

Of course, this would not be a physical battle.

Brutality was not her father’s way.

He hurt her in quieter ways.

Withholding his love as a means to control her happiness and future.

She would not allow it to work on her anymore.

His behavior also made her appreciate Aunt Harriet’s kindness all the more. What would she have become if not for her aunt and Lord Rochester stepping in to fill the void created by the loss of her mother and the cold withdrawal of her father?

The woman had been a true mother to her and made certain she would never be left destitute. She had also taught her about kindness and generosity. Despite their elevated stature in society, her aunt and uncle had taught her to appreciate what was truly important in life. A fancy home on the finest street meant nothing if it was not filled with love.

As their small party broke up and the ladies made their way upstairs, Beatrix felt an ache in her heart.

When would she see Lucas again?

She had grown used to seeing him day after day, taking breakfast together, walking Posy, meeting his gaze as they rode for hours on end in the carriage. “Oh, I had better see to Posy before I retire,” she said, taking him from her aunt’s arms when they reached the landing.

She returned downstairs, where her father and Lucas still stood in the elegant foyer, discussing business matters.

Her father was not pleased when he realized her intention to walk Posy. “There are servants to take care of this chore.”

Lucas cast her a warm smile. “I’ll take the laddie and bring him right back. He likes me best anyway.”

Beatrix laughed. “Indeed, you are right. Posy is already whimpering at the thought of not seeing you again. Do come around to see him whenever you can.”

“Lord Lyon will be busy attending to important duties,” her father reminded her. “He is no’ about to toss his work aside to walk yer aunt’s dog. I dinna think ye’ll be seeing much of him from now on.”

Ah, another warning.

Beatrix simply nodded and handed Posy to Lucas. “I will wait right here.”

Posy began to lick Lucas’s chin as soon as he took him into his arms. “Och, ye wee beastie. Dinna slobber over me.”

Beatrix watched them walk out of her father’s home into the night. “Papa, you needn’t stay with me. Lord Lyon won’t be gone long.”

“I see the way ye look at him, child. Forget about him, or he’ll crush yer heart. It is the worst feeling in the world.”

She knew he was speaking of her mother. “Do you regret ever meeting Mama? Or sharing the years you had together?”

“That is none of yer business, Beatrix.”

She saw the pain in his eyes and understood this was no easy subject for him. “Were they not the happiest years of your life? So why would you deprive me of a similar joy? I understand that with it comes the terrible pain of loss. But who among us knows for certain what life will bring? I would rather experience the joy, no matter how brief it might turn out to be. I do not want to spend my life avoiding happiness to spare myself the pain.”

He shook his head. “Ye dinna know what ye are talking about. Go to bed now. I’ll take care of Lady Rochester’s dog.”

“No, he won’t go with you. I will wait.”

Her father remained beside her, quietly seething.

She had riled him and now hoped he would not take it out on Lucas. They did not have long to wait before he returned with Posy. “Here ye go, Lady Beatrix.”

“Thank you, Lord Lyon.” She tried to keep the ache out of her voice but doubted she had succeeded.

Even Posy was now staring at her with pitying eyes.

Beatrix’s own eyes began to tear as Lucas bid a curt farewell to her and her father and strode out.

Her father’s gaze remained on her. “Ye see, child. Every parting becomes unbearable.”

He turned, strode into his study, and shut the door behind him.

She was left alone with her sadness as she stood in the entry hall.

As she brushed aside the tears falling onto her cheeks, she realized her father had gone into his study to cry over her mother.

So many years had passed, and he could not forget her.

But was his behavior not also cruel to his current wife? Lottie was a good woman who loved him. How painful it must be for her to know her love was unrequited.

She sighed and shook her head. “Let’s go to bed, Posy. We won’t cure the ills of the world tonight.”

But she had not taken a step before the butler suddenly appeared to open the front door again. “Pearson, I’ve forgotten my documents in his lordship’s study.”

The butler nodded and allowed him in. “I shall advise Lord MacGlory.”

The man hurried to her father’s study.

Beatrix realized she had a moment alone with Lucas. But what could she say to him?

“Beatrix…I thought ye had gone to bed by now.” He strode toward her.

“I was just on my way up. I—”

He swept her into his arms and crushed his lips to hers, a deeply intense kiss that conveyed his feelings as nothing else could. “There is no one else for me, lass. Dinna let anyone tell ye otherwise. If ye want me, I am yers.”

Nothing more needed to be said.

She knew in this moment Lucas would fight for her hand in marriage. She had only to give him the word. But she also owed it to her father to meet Lord Greenock and get that obstacle out of the way. “I had better go upstairs before my father finds us together. Close your eyes.”

He grinned and closed them.

She kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Dream of me, you wonderful, thickheaded Scot.”

“Always, lass.”

She hurried upstairs, leaving him alone in the entry to await her father.

Did he mean it about being hers?

Should she have made a similar promise to him?

What if he was a smooth liar and her father was right about him and Lady Marjorie?