she’d be pleased at the news. She did aim to marry a lord.”
A boy ran from behind the house to take John’s horse. Wanting privacy, Angus nodded toward the south corner of the front garden, inviting John to follow. When they both stood beneath a tall willow, Angus released a breath and shook his head. “Annie doesnae tolerate lyin’. I’m walkin’ naked through a bramble thicket, myself, keepin’ yer secret as I’ve done.”
Blinking at the image, John frowned.
“There’s thorns gougin’ away at tender bits, ye ken?”
He stifled a grin. “Yes, I take your meaning.”
“My wee lass is a mite proud.”
“I hadn’t noticed.”
“She willnae care that she might be carryin’ yer bairn. If ye prick her temper, she’ll make ye pay.”
John considered his options. “You think she’ll refuse me, then?”
“For a time, aye. Forever? Dinnae ken.” Angus scratched his chin. “When she was naught but thirteen, I fibbed to her about a calf she’d grown fond of. She’d given the beastie a name, fed it by hand, doted on it. I told her she shouldnae grow attached, as it was meant to be meat. But she’s stubborn. Time came, I had to tell her I’d sold it to a man at the fair who had a farm on the Isle of Skye. A big farm with acres and acres of grazin’ land and grand plans to raise the wee beastie into a bull that could breed his herds.”
“What was your fib?”
“Her calf wasnae sold. It strayed from the herd and was torn apart by feral dogs. Alexander tracked the dogs and put them down. I buried the calf. Changed my shirt. Then, I went home and lied to my daughter.” Angus shook his head. “Tenderhearted lass. She kenned straight away. Forced me to tell her the truth.” He sighed. “Didnae speak to me for a fortnight. It isnae when she’s shoutin’ fit to bring the roof down upon yer head that ye must fear, lad. ’Tis when she goes quiet.”
This did not bode well. “We must marry straight away, Angus. After last night …”
“Aye. I ken.”
“I could wait to tell her about my title until after we’re married, I suppose.”
“Best option. No doubt of it.”
John removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair. Turning the hat in his hands, he considered what awaited him after she found out. Perhaps she would understand once he explained his reasons. Once she realized he’d given her everything she’d claimed to want. Perhaps she’d be vexed for a short while then forgive him quickly.
“Aye, she’ll hate ye pure and proper. Dinnae ken how long it will last. A year, mayhap. Two. Annie is a lass of strong sentiment.” Angus braced his hand on John’s shoulder. “But better she has yer name first, eh? Then, even if she kills ye, her reputation is safe.”
John groaned and rubbed his jaw.
“I recommend gifts, lad. Cannae go wrong with gifts.”
“Bloody disaster,” John muttered.
“Aye. But take heart.” The older man gave him a reassuring pat. “What ye’ve done for this family is no small thing. My son would be dead—dead—if ye hadnae intervened.” Angus’s dark eyes flashed first with grief then with gratitude. “I’ll nae soon forget that. And neither will she. Once she kens, of course.”
John nodded an acknowledgment of the man’s thanks. His efforts hadn’t been for Angus’s sake or even Broderick’s. Everything he’d done had been for Annie. “I am truly heartened at how Broderick has improved. All that remains is to discover who may be held responsible for the atrocities he suffered.”
“Have ye heard aught from yer kin?”
“Not yet. Dunston has promised he will send word soon.”
Angus grunted and gave John’s shoulder a squeeze before shifting to gaze out at the wildflower-strewn pasture. “I’m grateful to ye, son. ’Tis a fair spot of luck ye came here. I kenned an earl’s whelp would have connections. I didnae think ye’d be related to the entire bluidy aristocracy.”
John chuckled. “I admit, being an earl’s son does have its advantages.”
Bees hummed amidst the wildflowers. In the distance, a trio of cows mooed and munched. Warm, lazy wind picked up speed. Suddenly, a sharp breeze burst forth, swirling through willow leaves. It carried the scent of … honey.
He froze.
“Earl’s … s-son?”
Slowly, he turned.
“English?” Her face was cloud-white. “Tell me ye were speakin’ of somebody else.”
“Annie.” He