Love in the Highlands by Barbara Cartland Page A

you."
    "You are right, of course," she admitted reluctantly.
    "I am doing this as much for your father as for you. His place at court means a lot to him, and if he offends the Queen too much, he may lose it.
    "For your sake, he will take that risk, but he dreads a life without his occupation. If I can get the royal wrath directed at me, he may escape the worst."
    "How kind you are," she said impulsively, forgetting how angry she had recently been with him..
    "Nonsense," he said, with a return to the brusqueness that was more normal with him.
    "But you are, to have thought of him, and how badly he would be hurt. That isn't only kind, it's imaginative."
    "You are making a fuss about nothing," he said coldly. "It is merely the most efficient way of managing things. The Queen's wrath means nothing to me because I wouldn't have a place at court for anything she could offer.
    "With your father, it's different. He's a convivial man. He likes people, enjoys having them around him. With me, it is different. So don't start attributing sentimental motives to me. Kindness has nothing to do with it."
    Lavina looked at him with a touch of sadness.
    "I don't believe you," she said at last.
    "Then you should know better," he said flatly.
    "Why do you hide your better self from people? Would it be so terrible if the world knew you have a side that is generous and sensitive?"
    "You were wiser when we first met," he declared. "Then you were hostile to me. You tried to hide it because you were asking my help, but your dislike was there. You should have remained hostile, and I advise you to do so."
    "Nonsense!" she said loudly.
    He stared.
    "What did you say?"
    "I said 'nonsense'. If you can say it, so can I. I never heard a man talking such gibberish in all my life." Her lips curved in an ironical, almost teasing smile.
    "So you advise me to stay hostile to you? After the way you just kissed me? Was that designed to make me feel hostile."
    She had him there, she was glad to see. He coloured and for a moment his composure deserted him.
    "You have a very sharp tongue," he said at last.
    "Not sharp," she said, shaking her head. "Swift. Like my perceptions."
    "And what – exactly – do you think you perceive?"
    She gave him the same smile.
    "I'll tell you that another time."
    "Yes, let us return," he said with an effort. "We have both talked more than enough nonsense."
*
    For the reception at Balmoral Lavina's appearance was a triumph of Mrs Banty's art. Her gown, with a bustle and a long train was made of cream silk with a matching over-skirt of silk gauze, and a deep flounce of lace.
    As the crowning touch she wore the Elswick emeralds which the Marquis, once more using the wonderful modern telegraph system, instructed Hunsbury to bring north.
    "I would have brought them with me if I had anticipated this situation," he told Lavina, "but I must confess the Queen's wits were more devious than mine on this occasion. But I think I've made up for it by the other item Hunsbury will be bringing with him."
    It turned out to be an exquisite diamond engagement ring, which his mother had previously worn.
    Now she was trumpeting to the world that she was unavailable to Prince Stanislaus.
    "And by the way," the Marquis added, "The Prince is rather on the short side."
    "You know him?" she asked quickly.
    "I have encountered him during the course of my travels," the Marquis said coolly. "It hasn't left me eager to know him better. My point was that ladies who wish to earn his goodwill always wear their lowest heels.
    "Then I shall wear my highest," Lavina said defiantly.
    The Marquis grinned his approval.
    The McEwuans felt no resentment at not being included in the invitation. They had never been part of court circles. They cheered the other three on their way with genuine, kindly enthusiasm.
    By royal decree, 'tartan would be worn' by those entitled to wear it. Lord Ringwood had borrowed his cousin's kilt, somewhat reluctantly since he lacked the tall,