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M orna awoke to the somewhat odd and very pleasant sensation of being cuddled next to Simon as he snored softly. This was only their second full night together, the last being their wedding night.

Yesterday evening they’d returned to the town house in mainly pensive moods.

All except for Finella; she had been as happy as a grig.

Morna wondered how the change would affect Cormac, yet she had the feeling Simon might know what to do better than she did.

This morning was also the first time in years she’d felt completely happy.

There would most likely be a scandal, but she didn’t care for herself, and it would all be over by the time Finella came out.

Now that Simon was here, there was no reason to rush her daughter.

Simon brushed a kiss on her hair. “You’re awake?”

“I am.” She snaked an arm across his broad chest, holding him tightly to her. “Where do we start unraveling this mess my father caused?”

“I have an appointment with my brother-in-law’s solicitor to-day. He was to attend me in Charlotte Square, but instead I’ll go to his office. The first thing to do is end your father’s guardianship of the children.”

“Will it be difficult?” she asked, trying not to be distracted by the black curls covering his chest, and failing.

“No, I have proof of the marriage.” He rolled her on her side, snuggling up behind her, as if they were two spoons. “Your father tried to have the documents destroyed, but the innkeeper was a wily old man and hid the originals. I’ve also got a statement from the couple who witnessed our marriage.”

She wiggled her bottom against his growing erection. “I’ll leave it to you then. ”

“All you need to think about is where you’d like to live. We’ll go to Hull in a day or two, but we won’t remain there. I’ve been considering Bristol.”

Morna only half listened. As long as her family was together, she didn’t care where they resided.

Right now, she wanted Simon, and even her thoughts of moving, or committing patricide for Simon having been taken away from her, couldn’t stop her rising desire for him.

Moaning, he slid into her, and Morna focused her attention on enjoying her husband.

An hour later, Simon, Cormac, and Finella kissed Morna farewell.

Simon held her for a few moments. “After Cormac and I take Finella to Theo, we’ll visit the docks, then the lawyer. You should start packing. We will depart in a day or two.”

“I shall. Will we remain here until then?”

“We can discuss that this afternoon.”

Morna kissed Simon one last time, and stood in the doorway as they hailed a hackney, trying not to remember the last time he and she had parted. There was no point in being maudlin. Everything would be fine now, and she had a great deal to do if they were to leave soon.

Later that morning, after having the trunks pulled down from the attic, and putting her lady’s maid and two of the other maids to packing, Morna was in the garden, enjoying a rare bit of sunshine, when the butler, Oliphant, whom she’d hired for the Season, came out on the terrace.

He bowed. “My lady, there is a Lord Freskin here to see you. He says he is your father.”

What the devil was he doing in Edinburgh?

A cold breeze touched her spine. She debated denying him entry and making him come back after Simon had returned, then decided she’d hear the man out.

There was nothing more he could do to hurt them.

Still, she’d need to be canny. There was no point in giving him any information he wasn’t already in possession of.

“I’ll meet with him out here. Please bring tea. ”

A few moments later, her father, a large, barrel-chested man, stomped out onto the terrace. “You should have told that butler who your father is.”

She kept her eyes lowered. “I didn’t think to see you here.”

Tea arrived, and she poured, handing him a cup .

He scowled at the cup. “Woman’s drink. I’ll have a whisky.”

If he thought she’d give him strong sprits, he must believe she was either stupid or daft. A meaner drunk she’d never met. “Then you’ll have to go visit someone else. I don’t keep it in the house.”

“Don’t lie to me, lass.” He glared. “I’ll find it myself.”

Pretending a calm she didn’t feel, Morna sipped her tea. “And I’ll have you shown out.”

Her father settled back in the chair, but it was clear his temper was on a short tether. “Call Fee down. I’ve come about her, in any event.”

Morna stiffened. Damn him to hell! Thank God her daughter was with Lady Theo. “She is visiting a friend. Whatever you have to say, you will discuss it with me first. I am her mother.”

“And I’m her guardian. A fact you’d do well not to forget.

I’m at the town house. I’ll expect the both of you there at four o’clock sharp to-morrow to drink tea with me.

I’ve a gentleman I’ll have her meet. Now that I think of it, since I’m here I want you and the children to move in with me.

I’ll have my servants pick up your trunks in the morning. ”

Morna’s stomach clenched. Even though he had no power over her anymore, she bit her lip to keep from bursting out in tears. “I’ve paid the lease for the Season. We are perfectly content to remain here.”

“If you want to keep the girl with you until she’s wed, you’ll do as I say.” He stood and walked back into the house, bellowing for his hat.

Morna took a deep breath. Thank God Simon had arrived in time, but would it be enough? Her father was not a man who liked to be crossed.

Simon and Cormac sat in the solicitor’s office, waiting as Mr. Kennedy read over the marriage lines and the statement.

“It’s all in order. There is no doubt at all that you are legally married.” He rubbed the side of his jaw. “I’ll file to have Lord Freskin’s guardianship terminated, but you should know, he is a powerful man in Scotland.”

Simon’s hands closed into fists. “But I am my children’s legal father, and thus their guardian.”

“Aye, and eventually the court will have to decide for you.” The lawyer placed his elbows on his desk.

“On the other hand, being as you, your wife, and your children are English citizens, his lordship would not have any luck at all trying to enforce the will appointing him guardian anywhere other than in Scotland.”

Simon sat back, stunned. Of course they were. Morna became an English citizen upon her marriage to him, and, because he was their father, Cormac and Finella were English as well. “What you’re telling me is that you’ll file the court case to clear the record here?”

“And also to keep his lordship busy. He has a certain reputation for being difficult.” Mr. Kennedy stood.

“Might I suggest that you head south at your earliest convenience, or before your wife’s father gets wind of the case?

I’m sure Lord Titus can handle matters for you here.

If you’d like, I’ll send a power of attorney over to Charlotte Square for your signature. ”

Simon and Cormac rose at the same time. Simon shook the lawyer’s hand. “Thank you for your advice. I had already made plans to go to England.”

They strolled back to Morna’s town house. Simon was disappointed that Freskin’s guardianship wouldn’t be immediately void, but he’d read law at Oxford and understood the legalities. It was a damn shame he hadn’t been able to study Scottish law; that would have done him more good.

Cormac had been quiet during the whole conversation with the lawyer. He glanced over now and asked, “Everyone in the world seems to know about Gretna Green. How was it you believed my grandfather when he said ye weren’t wed?”

Now older and much wiser, Simon had wondered himself how he could have been such a stupid fool.

“I was seventeen when your mother and I met. We fell in love the first time we set eyes on each other. She knew her father was ready to betroth her to MacDiarmid, so I suggested we marry quickly, and we did. The following morning her father found us. He dragged her out of the inn, and I followed, certain that he’d have to recognize our marriage and allow me to take her back.

Then he argued that as she was already engaged to MacDiarmid, and the marriage agreements had been signed, our marriage wasn’t valid.

I went home to England and asked my father for help, but he maintained that I was probably not legally married.

I went back to university. Before I left for America, I came here to visit my sister and met your mother again.

We tried, but couldn’t stay away from one another. ”

“That’s when Finella was conceived? ”

“Yes, and when I taught you to tickle trout. Your mother knew within in a few weeks that she was carrying again. I sent a note asking her to come to America with me. I waited long past the hour the ship was to have sailed, but she didn’t arrive.

I thought she’d decided to stay with MacDiarmid.

I left the next day. I never should have done so.

I missed years with you, Finella, and your mother. Time none of us can ever get back.”

Cormac shook his head. “I don’t know if you would have made it out of the house with me. I remember an old groom who was always with me whenever I went outside, even with my mother.” They walked together in silence. “I wonder what to do with myself now.”

“Have you finished university yet?”

“I didn’t go. Neither my grandfather or my—the old man thought it would be helpful.”

“If you wish to attend, I’ll do what’s necessary for you to be accepted.” Simon placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “I have a majority stake in a shipping line. I was hoping you’d be interested in working with me someday.”

Cormac’s eyes brightened. “Would I get to travel?”

Simon grinned. Young men never changed. “If that is what you want.”

As quickly as his son had smiled, he frowned. “I wish I knew what will happen to the tenants and others dependent on the MacDiarmid holdings.”