Highland Heiress - By Margaret Moore Page 0,75

said, stepping forward. He cut a glance at the still-struggling Robbie. “Although I can appreciate that you are quite distraught, Sir Robert, if you’ll compose and pacify yourself, we shall be able to make our intentions known, and the sooner we do, the sooner we shall be able to come to terms. Mr. McHeath, there is an important matter of legal business we need to discuss.”

The man had to be an attorney, Gordon thought as Robbie stopped struggling. Moira nodded at the servants, who released him and stepped back.

This was hardly the time or place for any sort of legal business, especially when Robbie was in a rage. “I don’t know who you are, sir, but if Lady Moira wishes you to go—”

“I do!” she interjected.

“Then I suggest you do so. If you leave your card, she can contact you for a more appropriate interview, without Sir Robert’s volatile presence.”

“Gad, you have changed sides!” Robbie growled as he wrenched himself free. “After all I’ve done for you, I never thought you’d desert me, and over a fickle woman, too!”

“Robbie, you’d better go, and take this fellow with you,” Gordon said, his hands balling into fists as he tried to contain his temper.

Moira glanced at the butler, the look a summons, and he and the footmen came forward again.

“Oh, we’ll leave,” Robbie retorted, “but not just yet. Go ahead, McBean, give him the papers.”

The solemn McBean reached into his jacket and drew out a packet of folded foolscap.

“Not only am I maintaining my suit against Moira, I’m hoisting you on your own petard and suing you, too,” Robbie declared, his expression triumphant. “As you ought to know, Gordo, old chap, the Scots have a charming little thing called the Law of Delict, which means I can take you to court for conduct that harms the interests of another. You’re supposed to be representing my interests, not Lady Moira’s. Instead, what do you do but turn traitor and try to persuade me to drop a suit I have every chance of winning, as McBean here agrees. How did she manage to get you to do that?” He ran a scornful gaze over her. “I think we all can guess.”

Moira stepped toward him. “Enough of your sordid implications! Say another word like that, and I’ll sue you for slander!”

She realized the moment the words left her mouth that that was not a wise thing to say. Robbie’s face flushed with even more outrage.

Gordon hurried forward, getting between the two of them. “Robbie, enough. Sue me if you will—that’s your right—but we’ll discuss this later, when we’re all more calm.”

“So you aren’t going to try to deny the charge? Good for you,” Robbie said, his voice dripping with angry disdain. He curled his lip as he looked at Moira. “Thank God I didn’t marry you, or I would no doubt have been cuckolded within the year.”

“You…you cur!” Moira cried.

“Go, Robbie, now, or I’ll drag you out of here myself,” Gordon warned.

“If you do, I’ll have you charged with assault!”

“I’ll risk it.”

Gordon’s coldly, fiercely spoken words made the color drain from Robbie’s face.

“I’ll meet you anywhere and any time you name, except here,” Gordon continued, “where I hope we can talk like civilized gentlemen.”

“The only place I want to see either of you ever again is in court,” Robbie declared. “And let the best man win—so you’re going to be broken and bankrupt, Gordo, probably within the year.”

“I doubt it. I can, after all, represent myself,” he replied, his rage ebbing as he remembered Robbie’s financial straits. “I trust he’s paid you a retainer, Mr. McBean. If not, I suggest you insist upon that immediately.”

“I believe I can look after my own interests,” the solicitor replied. “I also think it would be advisable, Sir Robert, if we took our leave. Quarrelling like fishwives will get us nowhere.”

“I agree,” Gordon said, reaching out to take Moira’s hand again. “Good day, Mr. McBean.”

He said nothing to Robbie while Mr. McBean made a slight bow, the very model of politeness, as if they’d just experienced a calm, rational conversation.

With a scowl, Robbie started for the door, followed by his solicitor, until they all heard the unmistakable sound of carriage wheels coming to a halt at the front of the house. Walters hurried away, followed by one of the footmen; the other remained behind, keeping an eye on Robbie and his new attorney.

With Gordon right behind her, Moira hurried to the window and looked to see who had arrived.

She