The Highlander Is All That (Untamed Highlanders #4)(52)

“She’s worried about your future, Victoria,” her aunt said.

Victoria gaped at them both. “My . . . future?” Then she threw back her head and laughed. “That is rich.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Esmeralda barked. “There are plenty of parties éligibles in the sea.”

“Has it ever occurred to you that I don’t want a parti éligible?” Victoria snapped.

“Of course it has. It occurs to me every day. That does not signify.”

“It most certainly does signify.” She set her chin at a militant angle and turned back to Elizabeth. “You are not marrying him for me.”

Sometimes Victoria was so stubborn. “There is still Anne to think about—”

“Anne has never wanted a husband.”

Esmeralda rolled her eyes. “And Mary.”

“She fancies herself in love as well.”

Elizabeth blanched. She hoped to God Victoria didn’t let slip with whom Mary was besotted, or their aunt might have apoplexy on the spot.

“Well, thank God one of you has a modicum of sense,” their aunt said.

The door opened and Bower walked in. Hamish followed closely behind and stopped when he saw Elizabeth. His gaze lingered, though it seemed to pain him.

It certainly pained her.

“Excellent timing as usual,” Esmeralda muttered.

“I’m sorry, my lady,” Bower said with a bow. “I didn’t realize she was here.”

Really? Were they going to talk about her as though she weren’t present?

“Do you see this?” Elizabeth wailed, flailing organza. “They are planning my wedding.”

Hamish’s expression was hard. “You did say yes.”

She stared at him, trying to interpret his tone. Anger. Bitterness. And agony. A heartbreaking combination. She took a step toward him, but his expression stopped her. “I had no choice. Can’t you see that?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Of course.”

“Hamish. Please.” Elizabeth turned to her aunt. “We need a moment alone.”

“Absolutely not!”

Victoria shook her head. “What is this all about?”

Esmeralda blew out a snort. “Elizabeth fancies herself in love with Hamish.”

“I am!”

Victoria stared at her in horror. “Darling. I didn’t know.”

Ah, it was nice, her sister’s embrace. Warm, comforting, and tender. Elizabeth wanted to stay there forever, but Victoria stepped away and said, her tone brooking no refusal, “Out. Everyone. Let them have this time.”

Though Esmeralda sputtered something about propriety, Victoria hustled her—and Ranald—from the room. And then, she firmly closed the door.

Oh heavens.

Elizabeth swallowed heavily. Now that she was alone with Hamish, she didn’t know quite what to say. She plucked at a thread on her skirt. “They tell me you’ve been asked to move in with Peter.”

“What can I say? I’ve been a tad . . . unpleasant.”

She wanted to run to him, but knew she couldn’t. He wouldn’t accept her. “Please don’t drink yourself to death.”

“I have nae plans to,” he muttered, but she didn’t believe him.

“I am so sorry about this.” What else could she say? “If it weren’t for my sisters—”

“You doona need to explain. I understand.”

“Do you?” He didn’t look as though he did.

“This is the world you live in, wee lass. These are the rules you subscribe to.”

“I don’t.”

“Evidently you do.” He was silent for a moment, then cleared his throat. “You should know . . . I’ll probably be returning to Scotland soon.”

Hear heart sank. “Back to her?”

They both knew to whom she referred.

He did not respond, and it broke her heart. Still, she could not stop herself from crying. “Hamish, please don’t go,” she said through a sob. How could she exist without him? How could she be?

“I have to.” His tone was agonized. “I canna watch you marry him. I canna bear it.”

“Hamish—”

“This is goodbye, Elizabeth,” he said harshly. “I . . . wish you well.”

No. No. Her soul howled.

“One more kiss?” she begged in desperation.

When his gaze met hers, his answer was clear.

“All right,” she said on broken words. “Go then. Just go.” She whirled around, showing him her back. She couldn’t bear it either. It was far too heartbreaking.

She held her breath, waiting to hear the door. She did not, but she did feel a warmth well behind her and the sweet kiss of his breath as he whispered, “I will always remember you.”

And then, he left.

Elizabeth crumpled to the carpet and wept as though her world had ended.

Because it had.

*

“Hello there.”

Hamish whipped around, nearly dropping the pile of clothes he was packing. He hadn’t been expecting visitors. Especially in his private room. Especially Mary.

“Ah, Lady Mary.” Really, what else could he say?