Daisy Learns The Truth

T he following morning, Niven and Willow took a carriage ride to Ramsay House. Her father declared his intention to follow later. They'd barely entered the foyer when Tavish appeared and drew Niven into a tight embrace. Niven had always known his brother loved him in the way brothers care about each other, but Tavish was too choked by emotion to speak.

"Ye didna need to come all the way to London," Niven said knowing Tavish would object to such a statement.

Tavish pulled away. "My youngest brother is kidnapped and taken to a war zone," he exclaimed with a frown. "And I'm supposed to stay home and make my whisky as if naught untoward had happened?"

Niven grinned. After a moment or two, Tavish understood he was being goaded and he too grinned.

"Payton was livid when he heard the news," Tavish said. "He wanted to come to London, but Alba and I persuaded him he needed to keep the distillery goin'."

A tearful Piper entered the foyer and hugged Niven. "What's this we heard about you piping for the Cameron Highlanders?" she asked.

"Aye, I'll tell ye all about it but, first, let me introduce my fiancée, Lady Willow Halstead. Willow, my brother Tavish and his wife, Piper."

Piper bobbed a curtsey then kissed Willow's cheek. "I'm so happy to meet you," she said.

"Likewise," Willow replied, returning the kiss. "And you needn't bow to me, Piper. My father may be a duke but I'm just Willow."

Tavish bestowed a courtly kiss on Willow's hand. "Are ye sure ye want to marry this daft laddie?"

"Oh, yes, I'm absolutely certain."

His older brother's nod of approval warmed Niven's heart.

Kenneth and his wife arrived and jovially ushered everyone into the drawing room. Cat sent for tea but the men decided to savor a wee dram of Uachdaran .

Enjoying convivial conversation in an opulent drawing room brought home to Niven how close he'd come to losing his life and the chance for a fulfilling future with Willow.

Hugs and kisses were exchanged when Niven's Aunty Maureen and her husband arrived from the Dower House.

An uncomfortable silence fell when Daisy entered the drawing room.

Daisy embraced Niven and expressed her relief he'd returned safely. "I'm sure Rowan's actions were well-intentioned, if misguided," she said. "Is he coming later?"

When he refused to meet her gaze, she sensed something was going on that she wasn't privy to. "I know he said he doesn't want to see me until he's recovered, but…"

As she scanned the gathering, the pity in everyone's eyes threw her off balance. "What is it you're not telling me? Has he succumbed to his injuries?"

She faltered when her brother stood and took her hands. "I was too much of a coward to tell you this last evening."

"Tell me what?" she asked, fearing the worst.

"Rowan lost a leg at Waterloo."

Daisy had to sit. Her beautiful Rowan had suffered a terrible loss. "I must go to him."

"No. He doesn't want you to see him. In fact, he has cancelled your engagement."

Indignation stiffened her spine. Kenneth must have misunderstood. "That's ridiculous."

"You have to give him time," Niven said softly. "He's not coping with his new reality."

"All the more reason for me to go to him," she retorted.

"I'm sorry," Kenneth said.

"No," she screamed as she fled the room.

Daisy's tearful departure left an uncomfortable silence in its wake. The butler's announcement that Willow's father had arrived only made things worse. Jaw clenched, Tavish King scowled. "What's he doin' here?" he demanded.

"He's come to apologize," Niven replied.

"And he thinks an apology will make things right, does he?"

It was unlikely that Niven would challenge his brother, so Willow felt she had to step in. "I understand your anger, Tavish. I was furious and heartbroken when I found out what my family had done."

Tavish braced his legs and folded his arms across his chest. "They're lucky Niven came home safe and sound, else they'd be dead."

"I agree. I too wanted to commit murder. However, they have acknowledged their actions were wrong and I have forgiven them. You must find it in your heart to do the same."

Tavish rubbed his chin for a while. "Weel, the Kingdom Distillery is dependent on Withenshawe Shipping, and I've nay wish to jeopardize that relationship since things have turned out for the best."

"Good," Willow's father declared, offering his hand as he entered. "As a gesture of my heartfelt regret, I offer you an additional five years of free shipping for Uachdaran whisky."

"Done," Tavish replied, accepting the gesture. "Just remember Scotsmen hae long memories."

Cat Hawkins, Duchess of Ramsay, had never been able to establish a close relationship with her sister-in-law. Daisy was too complicated a person for a straightforward Scottish lass to figure out.

However, she grieved for Daisy's loss. The woman had fallen in love with a man most consider a crashing bore, but Cat had absolutely no doubt that Daisy loved Rowan Halstead.

There was a time when Cat would have doubted Daisy could cope with marrying a crippled soldier, but those days were gone. She prayed Rowan would eventually realize he needed the love and support only Daisy Hawkins could give him.