Love in the Highlands by Barbara Cartland Page B

put Peyton in an awkward position. He knew, as did everyone in the Queen's service, why Her Majesty required the presence of Lord Ringwood. He also knew that she was going to be, as he later put it to a crony, "ready to explode" when she heard of this engagement.
    But he lacked the courage to refuse to drink the toast,
    and he gulped down the champagne, praying that his royal mistress never found out, for she would certainly have his hide.
    There were more toasts, speeches, and he was forced to delay his errand until everyone had left the table and repaired to the drawing room.
    But then he was interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Ferris, a representative of the local newspaper, whom the Marquis cordially welcomed.
    What was worse he spoke to Ferris for some minutes, and even introduced his bride, all of which made Sir Richard shiver as he thought of what would soon appear in the press.
    Jack Ferris, who was the owner and editor of the local paper, could hardly believe his luck. To have gained admittance to Elswick Towers was more than he had hoped for, even after the strong hint he had been given earlier in the day.
    Now the Marquis and Lady Lavina had greeted him affably.
    "Come out into the garden," the Marquis invited him. "The fireworks are about to begin."
    "Fireworks?" Lavina echoed.
    "In your honour, my dear."
    The French windows in the drawing room were thrown open and the company trooped out onto the broad terrace.
    The Marquis took Lavina to stand in the centre of the broad stairs that led down to the lawns.
    Darkness had fallen, and now the night sky was lit up by showers of glittering colour.
    Most of the servants had come out into the garden to watch the firework display, and their "Oohs" and "Aaahs" blended in with the noises of the rockets.
    Lavina stood at the top of the steps, her head raised to the sky, her attention absorbed in the gaudy beauty overhead. She did not see that every eye was upon her. Nor did she see the Marquis turn his head and look at her for a long time.
    As last she lowered her head and turned to look at him.
    Then, to the cheers of the servants, and under the appalled eyes of Sir Richard and the fascinated eyes of Jack Ferris, the Marquis drew her close and laid his lips on hers.
    It was the last thing she had expected from him, and she stood totally still with surprise.
    It was not a fierce or passionate kiss. It was for the watching crowd, and it stayed well within the bounds of decorum. But the feel of his lips on hers was un-nerving.
    His mouth was warm, firm, yet mobile, and it caressed hers gently. Lavina was intensely aware of the strength of his arms about her, and the feeling of his hard, wiry body against her.
    "It would help if you looked a little enthusiastic," he murmured against her mouth.
    "I – I can't – " she whispered, blushing.
    "You are not playing your part, madam."
    "I – very well."
    Determinedly she put her arms about him, putting on a show of kissing him back. And then, somehow, she found that it was not a show, and she really was kissing him.
    Shocked at herself, she drew back. Everyone around them was smiling, and she could see that he too was smiling. But it was a strange, uncertain smile, as though he were surprised at himself.
    "Is that enthusiastic enough for you, sir," she asked demurely.
    "It will do, for now."
    They drew apart and, somehow, returned to normal. There were more toasts, champagne flowed.
    Jack Ferris was still nearby, hastily scribbling. It was
    clear that he had seen everything and would report everything, so Lavina supposed she should be very grateful to the Marquis.
    But yet she wondered why a man should go to such lengths for something he had not wanted to do.
    Emboldened, Jack Ferris approached her and said,
    "Might I ask if the two of you have been acquainted for long?"
    "For years," the Marquis said without hesitation. "In fact our first meeting was in London, at Lord Bracewell's house, is that not so, my love?"
    "It was indeed,"