Page 19 of Scandal with a Sinful Scot

His father rubbed his forehead. “Good God. Fourteen? That would make you about eighteen when she was conceived. Explain.”

Garrett removed his greatcoat and tossed it onto the settee. “It happened the summer Sir Walter had his niece and her younger friend for a visit. The friend was Abigail Wharton and…”

“Wait. I remember. The young ladies attended a dinner,” his father said. “Good God.”

Exasperated, Garrett ran his hands through his long hair. “Yes. They did. Abigail and I met nearly every day. We fell in love.” There. He admitted it aloud. The pain in his heart grew more acute the more he revealed to his father and brother. He held nothing back and did not paint himself in a good light. “In conclusion, I thought it best to push her away. The curse. I had vowed never to become involved or fall in love. Ever.”

Julian arched an eyebrow. “But you did become involved. Very much so. If you say you loved her, why—”

“Besides being an arrogant fool, I was young and irresponsible. Completely out of control. Stupid.” Garrett paced some more. “In essence, I broke both our hearts.”

His father shook his head sadly. “You should have come to me, Garrett. My God, why didn’t the young woman seek you out when she found herself with child?”

Garrett explained in a few short sentences about her arranged marriage and subsequent widowhood. “On the way home, I decided that I will bring them here for two nights—if they agree, as I have yet to ask them—not only for them to meet you, but a situation has arisen.” He explained about Jonas and Megan in the gatehouse.

“Well, that is certainly an unexpected development. And what will happen going forward?” Julian asked. “Regarding your daughter and her mother?”

“I have no bloody idea.” And he didn’t. “The curse is still at the forefront of my mind, and has a firm hold on my soul. Were Abbie and Megan spared because I had not been with them all these years?” Garrett began pacing once again. His father and brother exchanged dubious looks.

His father replied, “It is a distinct possibility. Or perhaps the curse is broken.”

Was the curse indeed broken? Finding true love was the supposed caveat. Was it true love that they had shared? It had certainly felt like it. Nothing he’d experienced since came close. Bloody hell, his life would never be the same.

One thing became apparent: the kiss in the orangery had proved that passion still sparked between them—and that could only prove to make this situation more complicated.

Chapter 7

As promised, Garrett arrived promptly at nine. Emotionally drained to the point of prostration, Abbie was not up for another angry encounter this morning. Last night she took her dinner on a tray in her room, then promptly fell asleep, not awaking until dawn.

Mrs. Claxton showed Garrett into the parlor. His wild hair was ruffled from the breeze and the disheveled look made him more attractive. He must have walked, for his freckled cheeks were ruddy from the winter wind. The housekeeper offered to take his coat, but Garrett waved her off. “Thank you, but I am not staying long.” Mrs. Claxon curtseyed, then left the room, closing the door behind her.

“I am not up for another confrontation,” Abbie said. Her voice sounded weary. She certainly felt it.

He removed his gloves. “Neither am I. Pack your things.”

She blinked. “What?”

“You and Megan are coming with me to Wollstonecraft Hall.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Do not think you can order me about—”

“Easy. Allow me to phrase it more tactfully: Will you and Megan do me the honor of coming for a short visit? Father and Julian are eager to meet you both.”

Abbie gave him a dubious look. “You’ve told them about us?”

“I’ve told them everything. We tend to share secrets in our family, at least eventually. Come for a visit; I think it prudent that we place a little distance between Megan and Jonas. Even if it is only for a couple of days.”

Well, he spoke sense there. “I don’t want to hurt Alberta’s feelings, or Jonas’s.”

Garrett clasped his hands behind his back. “I’m sure that Alberta will abide by our decision once you tell her of the details. Their relationship is inappropriate. Bad enough he is ten years older, Jonas is…has…emotional and intellectual development problems. You do agree?” Abbie nodded, though reluctantly. “And beyond such, she deserves to meet her family. Her grandfather, uncle, and, ultimately, her cousins.”

Abbie clasped her hands, wringing them agitatedly. “This is happening far too quickly.”

“Let us say that you both stay at the hall for two nights only. Give what passed between Megan and Jonas a chance to cool. It will give us a chance to talk to her, and Alberta the chance to speak to Jonas.” Garrett placed two fingers under her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. “Besides, I want to come to know our daughter. To begin an acquaintance. You may stay longer at the hall if you wish, or return here, but I will come to know her.”

Abbie exhaled. “I suppose two nights wouldn’t hurt. But I should warn you: Megan is still angry and annoyed at both of us.”

Garrett stroked her cheek with the tip of his finger, leaving a trail of heated flame in its wake. “Understandable. I do not expect her to embrace me warmly. I will not demand her affection.” His finger trailed across her bottom lip. “I also wish to know you better. Let us put aside bitter thoughts and memories, at least for the next two days. Agreed?”