Love in the Highlands by Barbara Cartland Page B

and master?" she echoed in astonishment. "Whoever do you mean?"
    "You told me that you were betrothed to Lord Elswick."
    "Which makes him my fiancé, not my lord and master."
    "Isn't it the same thing?"
    "Certainly not!" she said indignantly.
    "But does he see it that way? To my eyes he looks like a tyrannical kind of man."
    "I do not permit him to order me around," Lavina said loftily.
    "Then you'll come riding with me tomorrow?"
    "Yes, I will."
    Impulsively he seized her hand and kissed it.
    Despite her confident words Lavina was a little unsure exactly how Lord Elswick would react. So that evening, just before everyone went up to bed, she wished him a good day's fishing, and informed him that she would be riding with Sir James McVein.
    "I hope you enjoy the day, ma'am."
    "You do not object?"
    "Why should I? You will of course be properly accompanied by a groom – "
    "Well, I – "
    "In fact, I'll mention it to Sir Ian immediately." He gave her a smile. "Just in case you should happen to forget."
    He went off immediately to speak to Sir Ian, and returned with the news that two of the McEwuan daughters would also be accompanying them.
    Then he told her that he hoped she would sleep well, and went up stairs, leaving her fuming.
    The following day she and Sir James set out on horseback, accompanied by Isabel and Geraldine McEwuan, and a groom. At the end of an extremely dull day she returned home, in a mood to quarrel.
    She was unable to quarrel with the Marquis, however, as he was not there. The gentlemen arrived home while she was dressing for dinner.
    As always the table was enlarged by several neighbours, one of whom, Eglantine McCaddy, was the local beauty, also known for her singing.
    At dinner she had the honour of being seated next to the Marquis, who paid her a great deal of flattering attention, seemingly entranced by her charms.
    For the life of her, Lavina could not see what he found to admire. To her the 'beauty' seemed overblown and vulgar, her attractions obvious, her laughter too noisy.
    And this was the man who loathed and abominated women, bowing down before this coarse temptress, while his fiancée looked on!
    Her singing was no better. Her voice was loud, which was about the best that could be said for it. Why the Marquis had to insist on accompanying her was beyond Lavina.
    Somehow it was this that upset her most. His piano playing had been a secret between them, hinting at a greater closeness, possible in the future. By revealing it to the world he had mysteriously devalued it, and that hurt her more than she wanted to admit.
    When the performance was over there was loud applause, which the two performers received with a theatrical simulation of modesty that made Lavina want to throw something at one – or both – of them.
    As the party repaired for the night the Marquis drew Lavina aside for a private word. There was a glint in his eyes that might have been amusement, or perhaps something more disturbing.
    "Are you angry with me?" he asked.
    "I have every reason to be – carrying on like that in front of everyone."
    "At least I didn't kiss her hand, or try to slip away for a private tryst, as you attempted."
    "We were going riding," she snapped.
    "To be sure you were! Did you enjoy it?"
    She glowered at him.
    "What do you see in him, Lavina?"
    "He is charming company," she said stiffly.
    "And I'm not. I'm a curmudgeon with rough manners. But it was to me that you turned for help, because the very qualities that make me a disaster in society make me strong enough to help you.
    "You cannot have it both ways. If you are falling in love with that man then say so. I'll withdraw my suit and leave you to him."
    "Oh no, you mustn't – "
    "But I will if you give me cause. Think about it. Perhaps an engagement to him would serve your purpose just as well."
    "I do not wish to be engaged to him," she said with soft vehemence.
    "Just to flirt with him? I see. Let me warn you against that. I will not be made a