Free Highland Love Song (DeWinter's Song 2) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

to the castle. At first he had been angry when the girl had refused to come to his study. But the ride had cleared his mind, and he knew what he must do with the great-granddaughter of Gille Maclvors. He would no longer delay their confrontation.
     
    A clock somewhere in the distance chimed four o'clock when the rap came at the door. Arrian moved slowly across the room and opened the door a crack. She was surprised to see the housekeeper and not Barra, who usually served them.
    "M'lord's asked that you attend him at once." "I made it clear to your daughter that I would not see him."
    The housekeeper shook her head. "It'll do no good ta deny him, m'lady. He'll have his way in the end. It would be better if you just come along with me." "Do you . . . know what he wants of me?" "His lordship doesn't confide in me, m'lady." Her aunt was still sleeping. She was alone in this and would have to face him eventually. She could not remain in this room forever like some scared little rabbit, but she would see him when she was ready, not when he ordered it.
    "Inform his lordship that it isn't convenient for me to see him at this time," she said.
    "I'd no' like to be the one to defy him." Mrs. Haddington shook her head and withdrew, closing the door behind her.
    Arrian quickly ran a brush through her hair and tied it back with a green ribbon that matched the green velvet gown she wore. Taking a deep breath, she left the room. Standing at the top of the stairs, it took her a moment to gather the courage to descend into the dim hallway.
    With determined steps, she made her way to Lord Warrick's study. She would have knocked, but the door swung open, and his tall figure loomed in front of her.
    "I was told you ignored my invitation, so I was about to come to you."
    Arrian threw her head back and glared at him. "Well, my lord, do we converse in the hallway, or will you offer me the warmth of your hearth?"
    He bowed to her and swept his hand toward the fireplace. "Be my guest, my lady. I thought you might be curious as to what I've decided to do about you and your aunt."
    Arrian held her hands out to the flames that did little to warm the chill in her heart. She shrugged, trying to pretend indifference. "As soon as the weather permits, my aunt must see a doctor in Edinburgh. We will be happy to be on our way, thus ridding you of our encumbrance."
    A smile tugged at his lips. "That's not quite what I had in mind, my lady. Won't you be seated, so that I, too, may sit?"
    "No. I'd rather stand."
    "Then you force me to stand also. You see, we have been instructed in good manners here in the Highlands, my lady, no matter what you may have heard to the contrary."
    She dropped into a chair, as she certainly didn't want him hovering over her. She was glad when he was finally seated.
    "Mrs. Haddington made tea and some of her wonderful scones. Will you not partake?" he asked.
    Arrian glanced at the table that had been laid with a white cloth and a silver tea set. "No, thank you. I care little for scones."
    "I have no doubt you find us primitive," he said. "My home must seem drab to you, since you are the daughter of the wealthy and powerful duke of Ravenworth." The way he said her father's title was not a compliment.
    She was silent.
    "You do not answer."
    "I am merely wondering if I should be truthful as my father would have me be, or temper truth with decorum as my mother would advise. I will answer you thus. I don't apologize for who I am or who my parents are."
    A smile curved his lips. "Spoken like an Englishwoman. You can save yourself the necessity of choosing between your father's or your mother's teachings. I have seen the glory of your grandfather's home, and I can only wonder at the treasures of Ravenworth Castle."
    "You mistake me, my lord. I have also been taught not to judge a person by the blood that runs in his veins, or the worldly possessions he has accumulated. I have learned to admire good manners, honor, and truthfulness. If you