Page 9 of Highlander’s Forbidden Fruit

“Evanna has just arrived,” Lady Ashby soothed. “Surely she can stay a few weeks before making the journey back home?”

“Portia, I expect more sense from you,” Lord Ashby said tightly. “If word gets around that Clara is associating with a runaway, she will be ruined even before she is out in society.”

“Oh, Henry,” Lady Ashby smiled. “How will anyone hear of it? I’m sure Ashton won’t breathe a word.”

“I shall take the scandal to my grave,” Ashton promised solemnly, but Evanna was certain she saw a hint of a sardonic smile.

“There,” Lady Ashby said, as if that settled matters, but the frown on Lord Ashby’s brow only got deeper.

“What of the servants? You know how they talk.”

“And are easily discredited,” Lady Ashby said smoothly. “All of London may concoct a story stitched with gossip and malice, but the key is to keep to our version of the tale. If it is questioned, we simply eschew their shock and dismay that they give such free air to servants’ prattle. I promise you, Henry. One such dressing down will be enough to quell the rumors.”

“It is not easily done. One whisper, one hint of a mark on a lady’s reputation, and you can only imagine all the rakes and rogues in London seeking her out. That is not the kind of season I want for Clara.” Lord Ashby would not be appeased. Nor did he stop pacing.

Watching him made Evanna’s head spin a little, but she felt the need to watch him because she felt ashamed. When she had set out from Glenlivet, she had only thought of her own predicament and her need to be in London. It had never crossed her mind that her arrival would put Clara’s reputation at risk. If she had known then what she knew now, she would have gladly stayed home and saved everyone the trouble.

“I’m sorry.” Evanna gulped.

Lord Ashby stopped pacing.

Even Ashton Winchester looked surprised. Though she was burning with shame, a small part of her was pleased in getting that reaction out of the aloof and haughty Englishman.

“It’s all my fault, but ye must believe me, I didnae mean to bring any harm to Clara’s reputation. I was selfish and foolish; I see that now. I’ll take my leave as soon as a horse can be arranged.”

She stood up, her spine straight with dignity. She would not have anyone say that Scots lacked social graces and didn’t know when they were not welcome. Bowing low to Lord and Lady Ashby she began to take her leave.

“Oh, she is droll.” Ashton smirked in his corner. “I think you should be more concerned with Evanna stealing all the attention, Lord Ashby.”

Evanna scowled at him. He was simply insufferable.

“That’s nae true, and any fool with eyes can see it,” Evanna snapped back, enraged on her best friend’s behalf. How dare he imply that Clara was not the height of female perfection.

“He was paying you a compliment, dearest,” Lady Ashby laughed. She got up gracefully and placed her hands lightly on her husband’s arm. “Come, Henry. Surely you can bring yourself to let Evanna take advantage of the season. You know Julius would never have her presented to society if he can help it. I’m surprised she didn’t run away sooner.”

Lord Ashby grunted. Evanna wasn’t sure if it was a grunt of derision or agreement, but the grave lines along his brow softened a little. Lady Ashby stroked his arm and walked him towards the window.

“Write to Julius,” she said. “Explain to him that yes, what Evanna did was wrong.” Lady Ashby threw a stern but kindly look at Evanna who had the decency to blush. “But the girl is remorseful and should be given the same opportunity as Clara. If you think about it, it’s great for Clara to have a friend by her side in her first season.”

“I suppose,” Lord Ashby grumbled. “Since she is already here.”

“Fantastic!” Lady Ashby clapped her hands and Clara jumped up to hug Evanna. To Evanna, this was a testament to how much Clara loved her if she was willing to hug her while she was filthy from her journey.

“Thank you, Papa!” Clara went to Lord Ashby’s side and kissed him on the cheek.

All the frowns on his brow collapsed, and he consented to smile indulgently as if he had personally arranged for Evanna’s presence in London. Evanna suddenly missed her father. Grumpy and disagreeable though he may be at times, he had indulged her in most matters.

“Thank you, Lord Ashby.” She bowed. Lord Ashby patted her gently on the head. Evanna found this odd. Did he think she was some pet? Given her current state of clothing and hygiene, she didn’t blame him.

“Come girls,” Lady Ashby marshaled the two young ladies towards the door. “We must make haste. I’ll have to ask the seamstress to pay us an urgent visit if we want Evanna to be ready for the ball on Saturday.”

Evanna gasped. She had forgotten all about the clothes. She had assumed she could wear Clara’s dresses, but that was a foolish assumption. Where Clara was willowy and tall, Evanna was tiny but full-bodied. There was no possible way they would fit. She had caused Lord Ashby distress for his daughter’s chances of success in her first season, and she was not going to cost him an arm and a leg for her dresses besides.

“Do nae worry, Lord Ashby,” she said. “I’ll write to Da and ask him to send ye money for my clothes. I do nae want to be a burden.”

Ashton Winchester snorted into his tea. Lord Ashby flushed. Evanna didn’t know what she had said wrong now. She had thought he’d be pleased, but, as always, she was messing things up royally.

“You needn’t worry about that,” Lord Ashby said gruffly. “It would be my honor. You are just like Clara to me.”