The viscount remained in his seat, arms folded across his chest, pouting like an overindulged child.
Merry stood and stepped away from the table. “Come with me, Lord Kirkston.”
“My lady?”
“Come with me,” she repeated before turning to Serendipity. “Coming, sister?”
Serendipity tossed her napkin on the table. “Most definitely.”
Lord Brixham started to rise from his chair, and Merry shook her head. “You are not invited, my lord. You are my brother’s guest. Not mine.”
The man’s jaw dropped, sending a surge of victory throughDuncan’s veins.
Such a fiery lass.As obedient as a pup, Duncan followed the ladies into the kitchen. He would follow Lady Merry anywhere, even through the gates of hell if need be.
“Cook,” Merry said, “forgive us for being such a bother, but might we enjoy our supper in here at your worktable? There is no need for the fanciness you provided for the dining room. Buttered bread and jam would be ever so lovely.”
The older woman with silvery curls peeking out from under her cap fisted her hands atop her ample hips. “When the lads told me it was Lord Brixham coming to supper, I wondered if that would happen. I remember how poorly the two of you always got on. Him always teasing you, and you filling his breeches with nettles.” She wheezed out a hearty laugh. With a clap of her work-reddened hands, she shooed the scullery maids into action. “You heard Lady Merry. Buttered bread and jam for our guests. Set the worktable whilst I get water boiling for tea.”
With a dramatic flourish, Merry offered Duncan one of the stools. “Your seat, my lord. I hope you do not mind.”
“I much prefer this seating to the other, my lady.”
“LassorMerry, remember?”
“Aye, lass. I remember.” He could sit in this kitchen forever as long as Merry was there.
Lady Serendipity seemed much more at ease as well, and her color had improved.
Still feeling contrite about stirring so much trouble, he bowed his head to her. “Again, my lady, I do apologize for my behavior, and I should not have come calling today. My mother and brother warned against it, but I fear I had to come.”
“I am glad you came, my lord. Who knows how bold Brixham would have gotten if you hadn’t been here.” She reached and took hold of Merry’s hand. “He must not be encouraged. I shall speak withChance as soon as we are rid of him.”
“I did not encourage him. In fact, if I had been any blunter with that cod’s head, you and Chance would have fallen out of your chairs.” Eyes flashing, Merry clenched her fists on the table. “I wish he would return to the Continent or, even better, move to America.”
“He cannot be trusted and must be watched,” Lady Serendipity said, turning back to Duncan. “Even when Chance informs him Merry is not available, Brixham will fight it.” She wrinkled her nose, once again looking like a puzzled hare. “Merry is not available, is she?”
“She isnot, my lady.” Duncan locked eyes with Merry. “I pray my intentions are clear—and welcomed. As soon as ye allow it, I shall speak to yer brother.”
“I am of age,” she said, “and your intentions are clear and welcomed. We shall dance every dance at Lady Atterley’s ball to set thetontalking and make it official.”
Doing his best to resist the urge to lunge across the worktable and pull her into their first kiss, Duncan thumped a fist to his chest. “I shall speak to yer brother immediately, then—as a courtesy.” Happier than he could ever remember being, he rose, walked around the table, and knelt in front of her. Taking her hand, he grazed a kiss across her silken knuckles. “Say ye will do me the honor of being my wife, Merry. I would delight in hearing the words.”
Her eyes gleaming with tears, she leaned forward and touched his cheek. “I will, my champion. I will.” Then her lips parted the barest bit, and she seemed surprised.
“What is it, lass?”
Tears overflowing, she hurried to frame his face with her hands. “You are smiling.”
*
Heart beating wildly,Merry didn’t bother trying to hold back hertears. Duncan looked happier than she had ever seen him. He was still smiling, and dear heavens alive, it made her fierce, growly Scottish champion even more handsome. “You are smiling,” she repeated, not caring that she had already said it twice before.
“Ye made it so, lass.” He rose from his knees and stood in front of her, taking her hands in his. “I would like verra much to kiss ye, if yer sister would see fit to allow it.”
“My goodness.” Serendipity rose from her stool at the worktable and started for the door. “I do believe I hear Chance calling for me.”
Cook and the scullery maids disappeared like steam waved away from a boiling pot.
