Page 93 of The Highlander Is All That

“Precisely. And I can tell when you lie. But what has me baffled is . . . why? Why lie? If you don’t want to marry the man, say so.”

“We were caught in flagrante delicto.”

Victoria blinked. “So?”

“We have to marry.”

To her horror, her sister’s gaze drifted to her belly. “Oh . . .”

Elizabeth swatted her. “Not that.” She glanced at Esmeralda in desperation.

“She’s worried about your future, Victoria,” her aunt said.

Victoria gaped at them both. “My . . . future?” Then she threw back her head and laughed. “That is rich.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Esmeralda barked. “There are plenty of parties éligibles in the sea.”

“Has it ever occurred to you that I don’t want a parti éligible?” Victoria snapped.

“Of course it has. It occurs to me every day. That does not signify.”

“It most certainly does signify.” She set her chin at a militant angle and turned back to Elizabeth. “You are not marrying him for me.”

Sometimes Victoria was so stubborn. “There is still Anne to think about—”

“Anne has never wanted a husband.”

Esmeralda rolled her eyes. “And Mary.”

“She fancies herself in love as well.”

Elizabeth blanched. She hoped to God Victoria didn’t let slip with whom Mary was besotted, or their aunt might have apoplexy on the spot.

“Well, thank God one of you has a modicum of sense,” their aunt said.

The door opened and Bower walked in. Hamish followed closely behind and stopped when he saw Elizabeth. His gaze lingered, though it seemed to pain him.

It certainly pained her.

“Excellent timing as usual,” Esmeralda muttered.

“I’m sorry, my lady,” Bower said with a bow. “I didn’t realize she was here.”

Really? Were they going to talk about her as though she weren’t present?

“Do you see this?” Elizabeth wailed, flailing organza. “They are planning my wedding.”

Hamish’s expression was hard. “You did say yes.”

She stared at him, trying to interpret his tone. Anger. Bitterness. And agony. A heartbreaking combination. She took a step toward him, but his expression stopped her. “I had no choice. Can’t you see that?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Of course.”

“Hamish. Please.” Elizabeth turned to her aunt. “We need a moment alone.”

“Absolutely not!”

Victoria shook her head. “What is this all about?”