Page 14 of The Lyon’s Last Gamble (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #80)

W alking beside Christopher, Whitney felt, what was the word she was looking for? Comforted? Safe? Secure? In a way she felt all of those things, which seemed odd to her. She had just met the man. Found out that he was a gambler, which is not the best trait to have she had to admit. It sounded like he had caused a lot of hardship to his family. But he also said he was working on changing that.

She hoped that was the case. Family was the most important thing. She could think of no worse predicament than to be estranged from those that should love you the most.

But in the back of her mind, she had a little niggling feeling. He had told her he’d given up gambling, but that was a recent decision. Would he be able to keep to his word? As he’d confessed, he’d broken his vow the very next morning after first stating it.

“Have ye e’er been to Scotland?” Christopher asked, leaving her to shelf her worries for now.

“It’s been a long time, but yes. Though I can’t say where. I do not have much memory of our travels there.”

“When we marry,” he paused, and she could tell he was weary of what he was going to say next. “Do ye expect to stay living in London or would ye be willing to move to Scotland?”

In a moment of unusual forwardness, she looped her arm around his. His eyes rounded in surprise, but a smile lifted the corners of his mouth, and he covered her hand with his as they continued strolling the grounds.

“Once I learned you were Scottish, I assumed we would reside there. As long as my parents can visit whenever they want, I think the change of scenery will be welcome.” It wasn’t a lie. What did London hold for her? Scotland could be a fresh start.

His brown brows lifted in surprise, as if that wasn’t the answer he expected. “What of your friends? Will ye no’ miss them?”

She couldn’t stop the laughter that burst from her lips, then quickly pressed them together to gain her composure, her palm flattened on her chest. “There is no need to worry about that. Though I will miss Rona.”

“Rona?”

“Yes, my maid. She has been with me for as long as I can remember.”

“So, she isna a friend?”

“She is. But not in the conventional way, I suppose.”

They’d reached the front of the estate.

“Shall we go back inside?” She asked.

“Of course. And your friends?” He prodded again.

She sighed in resignation. “I have none.”

He paused at the top of the steps and studied her face. “Surely, ye jest?”

“I do not. Let’s go find my parents. I am sure they have things they would like to discuss.”

He followed her inside and didn’t ask about her friends again, so she hoped he would drop the subject. Once they started talking about why she didn’t have any friends, he would soon learn about the awful person that she was. And truth be told, she was enjoying the time they were spending together. She didn’t want to ruin it with the sordid details of her past.

Fast enough he would learn the truth and he would probably run to a solicitor to see if there was any way possible to be released from the contract he had signed. And she wouldn’t blame him one bit.

“Ah, did you enjoy your walk?” Papa said as they walked into the foyer.

Christopher smiled. “I can only speak for myself, but I verra much enjoyed getting to ken your daughter better.”

Seemingly satisfied with his answer, her father nodded. “If you can stay longer, I think we should discuss future events.”

Ushering them into the parlor where her mother was already waiting, her father took a seat and waited for them to do the same. This time, they sat on the settee side by side.

The talk was much more geared toward her father and Christopher. They spoke of specifics, clauses, and the contract, of course. Then important dates. It was all very unromantic. But what had she expected?

Since there was no need to wait for relatives to arrive from out of town, they decided on a wedding date in three short days.

Whitney took a deep breath. That didn’t give her a lot of time. The modiste had worked quickly having already delivered on the items she and her mother had ordered the other day during their visit. She was sure an extra-large payment for her trouble helped.

She and Christopher both agreed that an extravagant ceremony wasn’t needed. It would only be attended by her parents and the officiant presiding over the union. Christopher had insisted that his family did not need to attend, so there was really nothing else for them to discuss.

And just like that, her future had been forged. After promising to call on her tomorrow where they would promenade, he left to return to his home. Once he’d departed, she sat quietly in the parlor, noting the concern etched on both of her parents’ faces.

“You needn’t worry about me, mama and papa.”

“Your expression says otherwise,” her mother said softly.

Jutting out her chin, she straightened her shoulders. “While I will admit this is not the direction I expected my life to take, I am happy with the situation. Lord Campbell is an excellent choice.” She wasn’t sure who she was trying to convince more. Herself or her parents.

“Then why are you so forlorn? If your face got any longer, your chin will be scraping the floor,” her father stated.

“You know how much I hate promenading. I’ve only had to partake a few times since, well, you know since when and that turned out to be a disaster. Tomorrow, everyone will be about. Staring. Whispering behind their gloved hands. Discreetly pointing fingers.”

“And Sir Campbell will be there to ward off all of that nastiness. It must be done, sweetheart. A public show of affection is needed.”

She slumped in the chair and rolled her eyes. “It really shouldn’t be anyone’s business but ours.”

“You know as well as us that that is the way of society. Besides, once they see you and Lord Campbell are to be married, they should finally quiet down and find some other girl to be miserable to. You’ve had your fair share of their wrath for far too long now. It’s time you put them in their place.” Her mother quirked her brows, mirth brightening her eyes.

She snorted. “I don’t know if that will do anything to calm the mad hive, but since it must be done, I’ll do it. Just know that I will not be enjoying a minute of it.” She swept out of the parlor and headed to her room. The morrow couldn’t get here fast enough. She only wanted to see their promenade behind them so they could move forward.