She shrugged, exasperated. “Rosebery is a busy man, with guests arriving for his wedding. It seems far more likely he would send a servant with a carriage. Why does it matter?”

  Lachlan exhaled deeply, rising from his chair to stand before her. He towered over her, but Horatia refused to be intimidated. “What is he to ye?” he asked softly.

  “I fail to see how that is your concern,” she retorted, tilting her chin up. “I have not pretended to be anyone other than who I am.”

  “And who are ye, exactly?” he challenged, his gaze narrowing. “Ye’re not his betrothed, as I believed.”

  “As I never claimed to be,” she snapped. “I cannot fathom why you thought otherwise.”

  “Someone I trusted told me his betrothed was traveling that road and would arrive soon,” he said, his voice tinged with regret. “I made an assumption, and for that, I owe ye an apology.”

  Horatia stared at him, unimpressed. She didn’t care who had misled him; it was of no consequence now. “Tell me something, Your Grace,” she said, her tone sharp. “Why did it matter to you if Rosebery’s betrothed traveled that road? What were your intentions for her? For me?”

  “I intended nothing like what ye’re imagining,” he replied firmly.

  Horatia did not know about that. She could imagine quite a bit. He had planned to seduce her. Somehow she knew that with a certainty she could not explain. She shook her head, her frustration mounting. “Rosebery is your closest neighbor, isn’t he?”

  “Aye,” Lachlan admitted.

  “And you hate him,” she stated flatly.

  His jaw tightened. “I doona know if I’d use that word…”

  “You hate him,” she repeated, throwing up her hands. “And you wanted to harm him in some way. That’s the only reason you would care about who traveled down that road. You weren’t there out of kindness, Lachlan.” Her voice trembled with anger. “You may spare me your explanations. I see everything clearly now.” And it was time for her to leave. She could not be near him a second longer. “Have a carriage brought around to take me to Rosebery. I cannot stay here.”

  Horatia turned sharply, storming out of the room before her emotions could betray her further. Her heart ached with the realization of how deeply she had misjudged him. She had wanted so much more from Lachlan—something lasting, something real. Foolishly, she had thought she’d found it. But no, there had been no love, only schemes and assumptions. And she would not allow herself to be humiliated further.

  Lachlan had to stop her. This had all gone wrong from the very beginning. He strode out of his room and caught up with her before she reached the foyer. Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms and carried her back down the hallway. When they reached his study, he stepped inside, shut the door firmly behind them, and turned the key in the lock. She would not escape him so easily—not until they settled this matter once and for all.

  “Ye cannot leave yet.” He could hear the desperation in his voice as he spoke. How had it come to this?

  “Oh? Is that so?” She glared up at him, fire blazing in her eyes. “And why not? What possible reason do I have to remain at Montclaire?”

  “Ye have every reason to stay.” The thought of her leaving—especially if she intended to go to Rosebery Park—was unbearable. “Doona go, lass.”

  She scoffed, placing her hands on her hips. “You are being utterly ridiculous. You do not want me here. You simply want an excuse to use me in your petty grudge against Rosebery.” She snorted in disgust. “Well, I will not allow it.”

  “He has nothing tae do with this!” Lachlan’s frustration mounted. He was botching this up nicely. He should tell her about Rosebery’s letter. She should know how little he cared about her. “Though he truly has nothing tae do with this there is one thing ye should know.”

  “I truly do not care,” she replied.

  “He did send a letter.” Lachlan waited for that bit of information to settle over her. “He refused tae come and get ye. His wedding preparations were more important than ye were.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me.” She laughed. “It sounds exactly like something he would do. It changes little though. I cannot stay here.”

  “Please doona go,” he begged. “I need ye here.”

  “Need me?” She tilted her chin in defiance. “Then give me one good reason why I should stay.”

  “Because I want you tae,” he said, his tone desperate and belligerent.

  “Not good enough.” She turned on her heel, marched to the door, and yanked at the handle. “Unlock this door, Lachlan. I am leaving.”

  “No, ye are not.” His voice was firm, but his heart was pounding. If he didn’t stop her now, he would lose her forever. He had to tell her the truth, to bare his soul. She had breached the icy walls around his heart, bringing warmth where there had once been only cold. “Please,” he said, his voice softer now. “Doona go,” he pleaded

  She paused, her hand still on the door handle, then turned to face him. “I told you what I needed from you. Why is it so difficult for you to give it?”

  Lachlan ran a hand through his hair, his frustration warring with the emotions he had long suppressed. He had spent years guarding his heart, shutting others out. But Horatia had done the impossible—she had slipped past his defenses. If he didn’t confess it all now, he would lose her. “I have never let anyone in before,” he said, tapping his chest. “But ye… ye are here.” Lachlan rubbed his chest, the ache building within him. “Somehow, ye have found yer way in tae my heart when no one else ever has.”

  Her breath hitched, her eyes softening. “What are you saying?”

  “I adore ye,” he confessed. “I cannot imagine this drafty old castle without ye in it. I want tae spend the rest of my days with ye by my side. I want tae marry ye and show ye every day how much we belong together.” He stepped closer, cupping her cheek in his hand. “I want tae kiss ye every morning and every night and worship ye as you deserve.”

  “You do?” Her voice trembled with emotion. “Even though you do not truly know me?”

  “I do know ye,” he insisted. “Ye are Lady Horatia Whitaker—the woman who stole my heart and has kept it safe ever since. Ye are my everything.”

  Her lips parted, and she stared at him, searching his eyes. “You should know something. Rosebery is my cousin. He is my father’s heir and will one day be the Duke of Hampstead.”

  “I do not care,” Lachlan said without hesitation. “As long as ye agree tae be mine. I may never like the man, but I can tolerate him for yer sake. That is what families do, is it not?”

  She laughed softly, her tension easing. “How generous of you.”

  “Aye,” he said with a grin. “It is. But ye should know I will secretly be wishing him all manner of ill will. I just will not actively seek to ensure it finds him.”

  Her laughter rang out, warming him to his very core. “I can live with that,” she said, her tone earnest. “He can be insufferable at times, so I understand your dislike. Thankfully, we won’t have to live with him—or even see him often.”

  “I’m only grateful ye are not in love with the scoundrel. Otherwise I would be honor bound to murder him to save ye from him,” Lachlan said, his smile softening. “I always thought ye were too good for him.”

  “You were not wrong,” she teased. “But trust me, his betrothed will manage him well enough.”

  “Good,” Lachlan said with a smirk. “I hope she makes his life extra difficult.”

  Horatia wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his chest. For the first time, everything felt right. “Tell me,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Will you marry me? Today? We are in Scotland—we need not wait.”

  She looked up at him, her eyes shining with joy. “I would like nothing more than to marry you today.”

  Lachlan did not waste a moment. He leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss filled with all the love he could not put into words. Their courtship may have been a whirlwind, but it felt as though it had been destined from the start. Let the world be surprised by their union; he could not wait to make her his wife.

  “You will never regret this,” he vowed.

  “I know,” she replied, her voice steady. “I love you.”

  “And I love you, my lass,” he said tenderly, kissing her again.

  Lachlan had never dreamed he would find the love of his life when he had been plotting revenge. But Horatia was his, and he would spend the rest of his days ensuring she knew just how deeply he adored her.

  Epilogue

  Ophelia Smythe, the dowager Countess of Peregrine, stood once more by her window, gazing out into the night sky. This time, it was not the afternoon clouds signaling an impending storm but a tapestry of stars blanketing the night sky. Such was her life now—watching, waiting, and hoping for some sign of what was to come. Yet Ophelia had lived long enough to know that fate was not always kind, and it was often better to take matters into her own hands and scheme for the outcomes she desired.

  She had been waiting for word of her nephew, Lachlan, and whether he had acted on the information she had provided. The earl’s wedding was fast approaching, and her restlessness grew with each passing hour. Had Lachlan abducted the poor lady?

  Ophelia’s gaze caught on the silhouette of a horse in the distance. For a moment, her breath hitched. Could it be Lachlan, coming to her again so soon? She wasn’t entirely certain how she would feel about such a visit. But as the rider drew closer, she let out a soft breath of relief. It was not Lachlan, but a footman. She squinted, studying the man’s livery, and allowed herself a small smile. No, Lachlan would not have come himself—not for this.

  The footman dismounted and approached the front entrance. Ophelia left the window, seating herself in a nearby chair, and waited. Whatever he had brought would soon be delivered to her by one of the servants. She would not have to wait long.

  “Pardon me, my lady,” her maid, Sally, said as she entered. “This has just arrived for you.” She held out a sealed missive.

  Ophelia accepted it with a gracious nod. “Thank you, Sally. Please have tea and biscuits sent up.”

  After the maid departed, Ophelia broke the wax seal and unfolded the letter. Her sharp eyes scanned the page, and her lips twitched into a smile as she read.

  Auntie,

  I wish to inform you of my marriage to Lady Horatia Whitaker—or rather, I should say, Horatia MacKay, the Duchess of Montclaire. She is a lovely lass, and I could not adore her more.

  I suspect this news will not come as a surprise to you. Well played, my lady. Well played. I owe you my deepest thanks for your machinations. Without them, I might never have found her.

  With much affection,

  your nephew,

  Montclaire

  Ophelia lowered the missive and smiled, satisfaction curling her lips. Of course, Lachlan had uncovered the truth—she had never doubted he would. She was particularly grateful he had not acted too hastily and abducted Rosebery’s bride. That would have been a catastrophe. Thankfully, Lady Elena Chandler had already been ensconced at Rosebery Park when she met with Lachlan, ensuring that his attention was directed elsewhere.

  Her fingers toyed with the letter for a moment before she tucked it safely into the pages of a nearby book. The maid soon returned with the tea tray, setting it neatly before her. Ophelia poured herself a cup, her mind already turning to the future as she considered her nephew’s gratitude.

  This scheme had succeeded splendidly, but what if it had not gone as planned? She played a dangerous game, one requiring finesse and precision. But such risks were part of the thrill, and she had every intention of continuing her role as matchmaker for her family. Her other nieces and nephews would soon benefit from her expertise—whether they realized it or not.

  Ophelia took a sip of tea, a sly smile forming on her face as she began to plot her next move. Now… which of her dear relatives should find themselves ensnared in her matchmaking schemes next? Lucky for them, she knew exactly the perfect person to make them all happy.

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book.

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  www.authordawnbrower.com

  About Dawn Brower

  USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

  Growing up, she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys as a single mother; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby, and she loves all genres.

  www.authordawnbrower.com

  TikTok: @1DawnBrower

  Also by Dawn Brower

  HISTORICAL

  Stand alone:

  Broken Pearl

  Connected by a Kiss

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss

  A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss

  A Vixen’s Christmas Kiss

  A Hellion’s Christmas Kiss

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  Marsden Descendants

  Rebellious Angel

  Tempting An American Princess

  How to Kiss a Debutante

  Loving an America Spy

  Linked Across Time

  Saved by My Blackguard

  Searching for My Rogue

  Seduction of My Rake

  Surrendering to My Spy

  Spellbound by My Charmer

  Stolen by My Knave

  Separated from My Love

  Scheming with My Duke

  Secluded with My Hellion

  Charming Her Rogue

  Secrets of My Beloved

  Spying on My Scoundrel

  Shocked by My Vixen

  Smitten with My Christmas Minx

  Vision of Love

  Enchanted Legacy

  The Legacy’s Origin

  Enchanted Ever After

  Enchanted Evermore

  Ever Beloved

  Forever My Earl

  Always My Viscount

  Infinitely My Marquess

  Eternally My Duke

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues

  When An Earl Turns Wicked

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  One Wicked Kiss

  Earl In Trouble

  All the Ladies Love Coventry

  One Less Scandalous Earl

  Confessions of a Hellion

  The Vixen in Red

  Lady Pear’s Duke

  Scandal Meets Love

  Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)

  Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)

  If It’s Love (Amanda Mariel)

  Odds of Love (Dawn Brower)

  Believe In Love (Amanda Mariel)

  Chance of Love (Dawn Brower)

  Love and Holly (Amanda Mariel)

  Love and Mistletoe (Dawn Brower

  The Neverhartts

  Never Defy a Vixen

  Never Disregard a Wallflower

  Never Dare a Hellion

  Never Deceive a Bluestocking

  Never Disrespect a Governess

  Never Desire a Duke

  Lady Be Wicked/Wayward Dukes’/Wicked Widows’

  Her Rogue for One Night (Wicked Widows)

  A Lady Never Tells

  Her Duke to Beguile (Wayward Dukes’)

  Her Duke of Sin (Wayward Dukes’)

  Her Duke to Savor (Wayward Dukes’)

  A Lady Never Confesses

  A Lady Never Forgets

  Her Rogue for Christmas (Wicked Widows)

  Her Rogue to Kiss Good Morning (Wicked Widows)

  Her Duke to Seduce (Wayward Dukes’)

  Her Duke to Tempt (Wayward Dukes’)

  Scandalous Gentlemen

  Loving My Wicked Rogue

  The Rake Who Loves Me

  Once You Love a Scoundrel

  When I Loved a Charmer

  Lady Be Seductive

  How to Charm an Earl

  How to Enchant a Viscount

  How to Bewitch a Duke

  Lady Be Vengeful

  The Wallflower Identity

  Rogue Wallflower

  Enemy of the Wallflower

  Wallflower Games

  A Wallflower’s Stolen Christmas

  Lady Be Daring/Duke of Lies/Actually Romantic

  Every Time You Spy

  The Trouble with Spies

  Love Lies

  Havenwood

  One Scandal Too Many

  Kissed by Scandal

  Love Me Scandalously

  Coming Soon: The Trouble with Scandals

  * * *

  CONTEMPORARY

  Stand alone:

  Deadly Benevolence

  Snowflake Kisses

  Kindred Lies

  Sparkle City

  Diamonds Don’t Cry

  Hooking a Firefly

  Novak Springs

  Cowgirl Fever

  Dirty Proof

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games

  Christmas Temptation

  Daring Love

  Passion and Lies

  Desire and Jealousy

  Seduction and Betrayal

  Begin Again

  There You’ll Be

  Better as a Memory

  Won’t Let Go

  Heart’s Intent

  One Heart to Give

  Unveiled Hearts

  Heart of the Moment

  Kiss My Heart Goodbye

  Heart in Waiting

  Heart Lessons

  A Heart Redeemed

  A Heart to Remember

  Heart Storm

  YOUNG ADULT FANTASY

  Broken Curses

  The Enchanted Princess

  The Bespelled Knight

  The Magical Hunt

  Waylaid by a Rogue