about that night that was a blur in her memory. Was it possible that Sir Raymond remembered it all differently?
“We both may have drunk a bit too much wine,” he conceded, leaning forward, holding her gaze. “I realized, once it was clear that you were innocent, that perhaps we should have stopped sooner. But in that moment, when you were responding to my kiss, I lost my head.”
“I suggest we both put it behind us, then,” Nora managed to say, her mouth dry. “Let us pretend it never happened.”
“But that is impossible, is it not? Cicely tells me you are with child. What sort of man would I be to turn my back on you at a time like this?”
Her face felt hot. “What are you suggesting?”
“I will confess something to you alone, pet. Perhaps I was more shaken by my brush with death than I have cared to admit. Perhaps I have had cause to examine my life, and I find it…wanting.” His voice seemed to thicken. “Perhaps all that has happened between us is a sign from God.”
Rising, he came closer and dropped to one knee before her. Nora fought an urge to recoil from him. She searched his face for a sign of deception, but he appeared to be completely in earnest.
“I want an heir,” he was saying. “I have wealth and a position at court, and we have already determined that we deal well together, if you take my meaning.” He smiled now, his short, pointed beard lending him a jaunty air. “Come and live with me so that we might make a home for this baby.”
At a loss for words, Nora replied, “This was the last thing I expected you to say today.”
Jeweled rings glinted on the hand he stretched out to capture hers. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”
“Yes, you did,” Nora replied quickly. “Just a few minutes ago.”
“Don’t you miss the touch of a man?” As his dark eyes fell on her bodice, his nostrils flared slightly. “There is so much I want to teach you, pet.”
Nora firmly withdrew her hand. “I must ask you not to press yourself on me, sir.” Breathing evenly, she forced herself to remain calm. “I appreciate the offer you have made.” What it had been exactly, she wasn’t certain, for he had never mentioned marriage. “However, I already have settled on a way forward with my life. I am quite capable of raising my baby without your assistance.”
“Raising a child on your own? That’s ridiculous!”
Nora lifted her chin. “I assure you it’s not. I’m doing quite well, fending for myself and selling my work to those who appreciate my gifts.”
Slater narrowed his eyes, clearly incensed. “Are you refusing me?”
“I am.”
The Englishman bolted to his feet. “You will regret this.” Looking around the room, his eyes fell on the tapestry Nora had replicated of her with Lennox in the galley. Stalking closer, he pointed at the fair-haired figure and sneered. “It’s him you dream of, isn’t it? That Highland bastard who dares to lord over his betters! No doubt he’s a fine fellow now, swaggering about in his doublet and hose, beside his doting father, the Duke of Hastings. Surely you don’t imagine he will ever make you his duchess?”
In the next instant, Sir Raymond Slater stormed out the front door, slamming it in his wake. Nora’s heart was pounding as she rushed over to replace the bar.
With all her heart, she prayed he would never come back.
* * *
“Where is your fine claymore?” asked Grant as he walked with Lennox toward Greythorne Manor. “Have ye thrown it in the sea?”
“I’ve done no such thing,” Lennox protested. For good measure, he reached over to lightly cuff the lad’s arm. “I couldn’t bring it here in the coach, though. I had to leave it behind at Weston House.” He paused, feeling the accusing heat of Grant’s stare. “It still belongs to me. It always will.”
“Oh, aye. I suppose so.” His young friend looked doubtful.
The two of them were returning from a few hours at the archery butts, a fine practice field built near the stables. Even the duke had joined them for a few rounds, impressing Lennox with his skill, yet now it seemed his father’s every glance carried extra weight. It had been a relief when he went off to meet with his steward.
“I know what ye are thinking,” Lennox continued. “Ye wonder if I could truly find happiness here, in this world.” He took a