Page 50 of My Highland Love

Elise leaned on the table and said in lowered tones, “I must go.”

“Why?”

She dropped her gaze to her hands clasped atop the table. “There are certain… rumors about me.”

His brow furrowed. “Such as?”

Elise leaned closer. “It is said that I am Marcus's mistress.”

“What?” Cameron burst out.

Marcus dropped his elbow from the mantel.

“Nae, lad.” His father held up a hand. “Stand where you are.” Marcus halted and Cameron focused again on Elise. “Who said this?”

She shook her head. “That isn't important.”

“But it is.”

“No—”

“If I am to consider any petition,” he interrupted, “I must know all the facts.”

After a moment's silence, she mumbled an answer.

“What? Speak up, lass.”

Marcus strained, but missed the single word she repeated.

“Margaret?” Cameron repeated loudly.

Marcus started forward.

His father's attention jerked to him. “Hold, Marcus.” Their gazes locked, Cameron's mouth twitching, then he looked back at Elise. “Is this what the two of you were fashin' over?”

“Margaret?” Marcus echoed.

Elise released an audible groan.

Cameron looked at him. “You should have seen 'em. Had I not arrived when I did—”

“It isn't funny,” Elise snapped.

“Aye, lass”—his shoulders began to shake with laughter—”it is.”

“All this over a silly conversation with Margaret?” Marcus demanded.

“It would seem so,” Cameron said between fits of laughter.

“I will put an end to Margaret's troublemaking.” Marcus muttered. His father had been right; he should have dallied with the demimonde and left the noblewomen to their own devices.

Elise grabbed Cameron's arm. “But, Cameron,” she shook his arm, “it's not true.”

“Wha—”

“She's lying,” Elise insisted

Marcus's mind snapped to attention.