The House of Lyall by Doris Davidson Page A

knew that Miss Esther felt the same.
    â€˜It should do us good, too,’ the youngest sister pointed out. ‘He must have young married friends who might need a layette for a coming infant, or want to buy something for a toddler.’
    Perspicacious Miss Edith said nothing. She knew that something had happened between their nephew and the girl, something drastic, which had not been resolved. She also wished she knew how to stop Marianne from seeing more of young Bruce-Lyall; a liaison between them could be dangerous. Marianne’s head could easily be turned by the thought of having a title and acting the gracious lady … and where would that leave poor Andrew?
    On Saturday, Marianne was rather pleased that Hamish had asked Ma Cameron if they could have dinner served in his room, away from the possible eavesdropping of her other customers, but he waited until their meal was over before he broached the important subject. ‘Have you made your decision yet?’
    â€˜Didn’t you say there were further details to discuss?’ she hedged.
    He looked at her over the rim of his brandy glass. ‘I think we could safely leave the other details until you give me your answer. I have already told you my reason for marrying you, so you should be under no misapprehension.’
    She felt a twinge of what she hoped was ‘ mis ’-apprehension. There was something here that she couldn’t fathom, something he was keeping from her, but surely nothing bad? There was no love between them, she was content to have it that way, and there couldn’t be anything else unless … ‘Are you preparing me for a divorce after I give you the son you want?’
    â€˜Oh no, my dear, nothing like that. Our marriage will last until the day one of us dies … as long as you are happy with it.’
    It wasn’t a truly satisfactory answer, suggesting as it did that she might not be happy, but the lure of becoming a member of one of the wealthiest families in Scotland was too great. ‘I have decided, Hamish. I’ll marry you whenever you want.’
    He poured himself another brandy and gestured to her to lift her glass. ‘We will drink to that and then we can get down to business.’
    She took a small sip, shuddering as the spirits set her throat on fire, and watched in amazement when he tossed his down in one go like a dose of cough linctus, and poured another.
    The brandy seemed to help him to present his case. ‘First, I had better tell you that my mother was not at all happy about this, but my father made her see that it is best … all round, and so you will be summoned to Glendarril very shortly.’
    â€˜To see if I pass muster?’ Marianne was outraged at being ordered, not invited, to meet his parents.
    â€˜There is no suggestion of passing muster,’ Hamish smiled. ‘I have made my choice and they will stand by that. As is only natural, my mother wants to meet you and you will be expected to live with us so that she can prepare you for –’ he broke off, his tone softening. ‘I can tell by your terrified expression that I am not explaining things very well.’
    â€˜It is a bit terrifying,’ she admitted. ‘You know I don’t exactly shine when I meet snobs …’ Her hand flew to her mouth. ‘Oh, I don’t mean your parents or their friends are snobs. How could I, when I haven’t even met any of them yet?’
    Hamish did not appear in the least put out. ‘They are snobs, my dear Marianne,’ he grinned, ‘my mother the worst of all. But you will soon learn how to talk to them, and to the servants. That is why Mother wants you to move in with us as soon as you can. It will take her time to arrange the wedding to her liking, with goodness knows how many guests – five hundred, I shouldn’t be surprised.’
    â€˜So many? And what about my wedding dress? Miss Esther will want to make