The Secret in a Lord’s Eyes (Preview)

Chapter One

‘While I know we are travelling because of a heavy sadness,’ Lady Melissa Watson said, as the carriage rocked back and forth, journeying along the road at good speed. ‘I am still looking forward to escaping the heat of the English summer. Scotland is such a beautiful place with all its rolling hills, not to mention the many castles and ruins. In fact,’ she continued whimsically, touching a delicate gloved hand to her pinned brown hair, ‘one can hardly believe how many castles they have. There will certainly be much to occupy our summer while we are there.’

‘I agree, Mother,’ Audrina replied, nodding at her mother. ‘Though Catriona will certainly need our support and love, if we are to look on the brighter side, there is also the Highland Games, for they are very exciting. There is nothing like that in England.’

‘That is because the English are not such barbarians,’ her father growled. ‘Nor do we feel the need to run around showing bare body parts to all and sundry.’

Bartley Watson, Marquess of Rockingham, had sported a heavily furrowed brow on a forehead that struggled to cease the receding of his thinning hair since their journey began, and while Audrina had done her very best to ignore her father’s pessimism, he was not a man easily ignored. His deep, booming voice was often heard stating his many opinions – mostly of a derogatory nature – on any subject he may have a view on, but the Scots and their countrymen seemed to rile him more ardently than any other topic.

It was no secret he hated them with a passion. Audrina had no idea why, however, for on each occasion she had tried to ascertain his umbrage with those of the northern nation, he had ignored her question, or given her a less than satisfactory answer. It made little sense to her, given that, apart from his cousin, James Watson, marrying a Scottish woman, her father had no other connections to Scotland, or indeed, to any other Scottish person. Yet, at any mention of them, even though he was only related by marriage, his face morphed into a scowl and nothing pleasant left his lips.

‘It has already been a long enough journey, with night after night spent in those dreadful taverns,’ he grumbled, his two hands clasped across the growing mass of his stomach. ‘Now, I have to suffer the Scots, with their unintelligible chattering, the cold winds that would cut you in two – even in the height of the summer – and do not get me started on these appalling roads.’

While she could not entirely argue about the state of the track they travelled on, given that the carriage did sway quite a bit more now, than it had done previously, Audrina could still not believe her father’s lack of compassion for the wife of his recently deceased cousin. Of course, her mother would never say a word against her husband. She was far too timid and highly strung, in fact, quite the opposite of Audrina in character.

‘Father,’ Audrina countered. ‘You must remember why we are travelling to Scotland. Poor Catriona has lost her husband. James was your own cousin. Can you not have some semblance of sympathy for her and her tiny twin girls?’

Her father huffed dismissively. She knew well he found her outspokenness unbecoming, even though for the most part, it remained well contained. Yet, on these such occasions, Audrina simply could not help herself. Was it really too much to ask, for her father to find some kindness in his heart under such dire circumstances?

By his expression, her statements had affected him, if only a small amount, and yet, he could still not say a kind or caring word. ‘James Watson was a fool to marry a Scotswoman in the first place,’ he blustered.

‘Father,’ Audrina gasped. ‘You cannot speak of the dead in such a way. The poor man is no longer here, and through no fault of his own. It is only by some miraculous fortune that those poor little girls are not orphans entirely.’

‘Granted,’ her father continued with a shrug, ‘I do feel for Catriona. The children are small and she will have much on her shoulders,’ he conceded.

‘At least she has the support of her brothers,’ Melissa added, smiling sadly toward Audrina. ‘It is times like these that one needs one’s family.’

Audrina nodded at her mother in agreement. ‘Yes, Catriona did talk about the support they have been giving her in her letter. It has been a long time since I have seen Brian or Hamish, but all the times she has written to me, they have always been mentioned in a good light. I suppose it cannot harm her that one of them is now the Duke of Argyll. I am certain Brian will make sure Catriona is well looked after.’

‘The only thing worse than a Scotsman, is a Scotsman with money and a title,’ her father blurted. ‘No doubt, the young duke will be certain to rub our noses in his fortune and wealth,’ he snarled.

‘The fact we have been invited to stay at Inveraray Castle ought to please you, Father,’ Audrina replied plainly. ‘He could well have organized accommodation in the town instead.’

‘Well, it is big enough,’ her father countered. ‘I would have felt rather offended under the circumstances, if he had not. With all the effort we are making in travelling such a distance, it is the least the man could do.’

Audrina could only sigh heavily and turn her attention to the passing countryside. Audrina and Catriona, James’s wife, had been writing back and forth for many years. It had been a long time since Audrina had lay her eyes upon her close companion’s face, no doubt due to her father’s stubborn refusal to travel to Scotland and visit. Yet their letters were frequent, and had brought them closer, even with the great distance in miles between them. 

Catriona’s latest letter, however, had been filled with sadness, and as Audrina had clutched her hand to her breast as she read it, had hardly been able to believe the words written upon the missive.

***

My dearest Audrina,

 

I write this letter with the heaviest of hearts. I cannae express my utter devastation at the circumstances that now surround me, and if I am honest, nor do I ken how I will carry on. I ken I must, however, if only for the girls.

James is no longer with us. We were in a dreadful carriage accident, and though I escaped with severe injuries (my maid is writing this letter to you, for I cannae yet use my right arm), James didnae survive. I am beside myself, Audrina, and I truly dinnae ken what we will do now.

I only wish you were here. Brian and Hamish are doing their best, but it is nae the same as the comfort of another woman. They are my brothers, and love me and the girls dearly, but they hardly ken what to say to me. Perhaps it is not a bad thing that all the arrangements have been left to them. I suppose, they can at least feel as though they are doing something. I would be lost without them, but I do miss you so dearly, Audrina.

I find myself with little else to say at the moment. My mind is still a great muddle and can hardly accept my fate. I suppose I will leave off from writing anything further, and wait patiently for your reply.

 

Your dear friend

Catriona

Audrina had stared at the letter with utter horror, for only a few months back, Catriona had relayed how very happy she was, how much she adored her husband, and the fact that they were going to try for another baby, now the twins were nearly three years old. If Audrina was completely shocked at the news, she could hardly begin to imagine how poor Catriona felt, and in that very moment, wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around her dear friend.

At dinner that evening, Bartley had announced the same news and declared with some reticence, that they would have to travel to Scotland.

‘I suppose we ought to go. He was my cousin after all.’

Audrina had been annoyed at her father’s lack of compassion, but had said nothing at the time. Not only was there little point, for he would ignore her pleas for his sympathy, but she herself, had still been in shock after reading Catriona’s letter.

‘Oh, what dreadful news,’ Melissa had gasped. ‘Poor Catriona. And you, Audrina,’ her mother had turned toward her. Did you know about this?’

‘I received a letter from Catriona this very morning, Mother,’ Audrina had replied a little sadly. ‘It is likely she sent mine and father’s at the same time. I cannot imagine what the poor woman must be going through now. She is to be left alone with those girls.’

‘Well, hardly alone,’ her father had replied in his same unsympathetic tone. ‘She lives in her brother’s grand fortress of a castle.’

***

Her father had grumbled about the journey ever since. Even now, as the carriage moved ever closer to their destination, and being not even an hour’s distance away from Inveraray, the home of Catriona and her brothers, he still scowled at their circumstances. He was quite intolerable at times, and rather than showing any sympathy for the loss of his own cousin, would much rather sit and wallow in his prejudice. 

Clearly, he imagined this summer was going to be insufferable. After all, he would be staying in a country he hated, full of countrymen he liked even less. If her father wanted to be miserable, that was all well and good. What worried Audrina, however, was if he was going to make everyone else’s life intolerable as well. Yet she could not consider that right now.

Catriona needed their support, and despite her father’s constant denigration of their destination, Audrina was determined to give it. Catriona was her friend, and needed her more than ever now. If her father would not support his own family, Audrina certainly would. She was not alone in her conviction, for though her mother would not stand up against her father, at least she had Grace. 

While her mother sat to her left, as they travelled along in the carriage, Grace Watson sat on Audrina’s right, and as usual, had added nothing to the conversation, for she was as quiet as a bird. Her silence was more prominent when Bartley was in bad form, for though she was his niece, her uncle quite frightened her. As Audrina’s cousin and constant companion, she was the daughter of William Watson, Bartley’s older brother. 

Grace’s mother had died only a few years ago of some dreadful affliction of the lungs. William spent much of his time travelling, and could not, without damaging both his reputation and his business, stay in England to look after Grace. It had been decided between the brothers, that Grace would come and live with them, and had done ever since. Perhaps her timidness came from the fact that, like Audrina, she too, was an only child, though they were as close as sisters, and always had been. That is how Audrina treated Grace. Like the younger sister she never had, for though Grace would reach her twentieth year in several months, Audrina was still three years her senior.

Of course, they did not look like sisters. The only similarity between them, was their pale complexion and slender form. While Grace had beautiful strands of sandy blonde hair and blue eyes, Audrina’s eyes were a deep brown, matching the chestnut colour of her locks. 

‘It will not be long now until we arrive,’ Audrina said, smiling at Grace with assurance. By her worried expression, it was obvious the conversation between herself and her father had made her cousin uncomfortable. 

‘It will not be soon enough,’ Grace whispered determinedly.

She did not need to elaborate, for the journey had taken its toll on everyone. At least at home, there were chambers or drawing rooms to retire to if one wanted to escape the moaning’s of Bartley. This journey had given no such reprieve, and nor had her father relented, making everyone suffer his obvious annoyance.

‘You will love Inveraray Castle, Grace,’ Audrina said, trying to change the subject and lighten her cousin’s mood. ‘It is a grandiose place filled with so many beautiful rooms, gorgeous decor and a large and beautiful garden to explore.’

‘But we will still share a room,’ Grace said, looking a little worried.

‘I am certain it can be arranged, my darling. Do not worry. I will not leave your side.’

‘It is just that I do not know your father’s family. You know Catriona so very well. I think I will feel a little odd.’ Grace shrugged.

‘Oh, do not talk in such a way,’ Audrina said, shaking her head. Glancing toward her mother and father and noticing they were now involved in their own conversation, Audrina lowered her voice. ‘Nor must you allow what my father says to sway you, Grace. Catriona is a warm and kind woman, and her brothers are good people. Trust me when I say, there is no need for you to fear. They will accept you as family, for that is exactly who you are.’

Grace smiled timidly and nodded. ‘All right, Audrina.’

‘In fact,’ Audrina suddenly smiled, ‘I have just remembered what happened on the last summer I was there…’

Audrina went on to relay a rather funny and happy memory of her time at Inveraray, where Brian had fallen from a tree when playing hide and seek in the nearby forest. While Audrina had been beside herself with worry, the hardy Brian had jumped up and laughed loudly at his misfortune. Seeing her expression he had smiled boyishly toward her.

‘Och, never worry, wee lass. It’ll take more than that tae kill a Scotsman.’

While Audrina had been relieved, she could hardly believe he had not been severely injured. Yet soon afterward, he and Hamish had playfully fought together on a nearby glen, thus proving Brian’s lack of injuries.

***

‘Oh, look. It is Inveraray Castle,’ Audrina announced with delight, pointing out of the carriage window.

The carriage trundled across the bridge that ran over the Aray River, and followed the road that led directly to the castle surroundings.

‘Even the castle is ostentatious,’ her father growled.

Audrina struggled not to roll her eyes and instead, continued to stare out of the window. Grace joined her cousin as they looked out at the grand fortress-like building. The carriage turned through the great iron gates and travelled down the track of the property, passing immaculately kept gardens on either side. The closer they moved toward the castle, the more it loomed high above them, the tall circular turrets positioned at each corner, with a great many double arched windows running across each floor.

The last time Audrina had visited Inveraray Castle, she had been only three and ten, and yet, it was exactly as she remembered it. The circumstances at the time, had been far more pleasant, however, and as the carriage came to a slow stop, Audrina could not help but feel a sadness at what they were about to face. 

It was as she thought of poor Catriona, that she noticed servants hurrying from the large entrance, spilling onto the courtyard to help with the gathering of their belongings. Yet, it was not the servants that suddenly caught her eye. Two men walked side by side and with purposeful strides, made their way toward the carriage. It took her a moment to realise who they were, for her breath had been quite taken by the sight of the one on the left.

Thick, curly red hair fell to his rather broad shoulders, a sturdy jaw jutted from a ruddy complexion, and a strong forehead sat above his deeply set eyes. The last time she had laid her eyes upon him, he had been eight and ten, a young and fresh adolescent moving swiftly into manhood. Of course, being so young, she had hardly noticed at the time. Yet, it was no adolescent who strode toward their carriage with such an air of confidence.

‘Who is that?’ Grace asked, pointing to them as they continued to approach. Audrina was so lost in her gazing, that she did not think to mention Hamish.

‘That is Brian Campbell,’ she breathed.

Chapter Two

His desk was a mess, which did nothing for Brian Campbell’s state of mind. His title, the Duke of Argyll, brought with it, much responsibility. While now twenty-eight, he had been young when he first received his title, and therefore, had made a point of showing all those looking on, that he was capable and Because of that, hHe was ordinarily a little particular when it came to being organised, and yet, the situation in which he found himself, was anything but ordinary. In fact, they were the worst circumstances he had encountered since the death of his own parents. One might assume, as age encroached and each day passed, that having lived a full life, death was the next obvious conclusion. Yet, the funeral he and his brother had been left to arrange, had neither been expected, nor had James Watson lived a long and fulfilling life, given he had been struck down in his prime. Brian Campbell, the Duke of Argyll, though a young duke at eight and twenty years, along with his brother, Hamish, himself a laird, his title extending to the Marquess of Kintyre and Lorne, were now left to pick up the pieces

 

Even though four years separated them, they were known throughout the glens for their tightknit relationship, one usually not seen without the other close by. Nothing could come between them, though some had tried. After many years, their close bond had made them firm allies to those they supported, and dangerous enemies to any who came against them.

Admittedly, they had given James a hard time at the beginning. He had been visiting a professor in Auchnabreac, being a scholar himself, when he had met Catriona one day when she was at market in Inveraray. Clearly there had been a spark between them, but he being an Englishman, Brian and Hamish were determined to make certain the man was not a rake, and perhaps, looking for a love affair while on his travels. 

Protecting their sister’s virtue, they had made him fight for her hand, but in the end, James had proven himself worthy, and had been welcomed warmly into the family. Since their wedding, James had been a good friend to both brothers, and the three often bantered how he had suffered at their hands. Now, such banter would never occur again, for James was gone, leaving a hole in everyone’s hearts.

‘Who else is yet tae arrive?’ Hamish said, pacing around his older brother’s study, situated in the East turret. Hamish hated this circumstance as much as Brian, and appeared to feel just as helpless. 

Brian lifted his head from the mess that sat before him and smirked without mirth. ‘There are a few yet tae to come. But I am told your favourite family member will arrive this afternoon.’

Hamish suddenly looked crestfallen. ‘Och, nae Bartley Watson?’

Brian shrugged. ‘I could hardly nae invite him tae his own cousin’s funeral, brother. They are tae stay with us for the summer, and we can dae nothing but suffer him.’

‘Well, you may take good care that there’ll nae be two funerals then,’ Hamish countered. ‘The man is arrogant and pompous, and I cannae stand him.’

‘You are nae on your own in that opinion,’ Brian agreed, with a nod. ‘Yet, there’s little we can dae about it. We’ll just have tae suffer him. Besides, we cannae let our disdain for him, flow over tae the rest o’ the family. It is hardly Lady Watson and Audrina’s fault that Bartley is insufferable.’

‘Aye, I ken. If they could have only come without him…’

Brian smiled. ‘James was Bartley’s cousin, Hamish, as ye well ken. He deserves tae be here, whether we like him or nae. Besides, I ken Catriona is looking forward tae seeing Audrina. They’ve been writing for years.’

‘Let’s hope their arrival lifts her spirits a little. Every time I try and talk tae her, she can hardly look me in the eye.’

‘It’s nae your fault, Hamish. Catriona is devastated. She needs us now, more than ever, nae matter how difficult that is for you or me.’

It was Catriona, in fact, who usually planned these things, or anything similar. With her excellent organisational skills, she was far more adept at gathering and coordinating people together for such functions, though in truth, the balls and dinners she ordinarily arranged, were much more joyous occasions than a funeral.

‘How long is it, from the last time they were here?’ Hamish asked. ‘It seems like an age.’

‘It must be ten years,’ Brian replied.

‘Aye, well, if we’re lucky, it’ll be another ten years before he’s back again. The man is about as pleasant as a summer cold.’

Bartley Watson could not have been more opposite to his cousin, for where James was always up for a joke and joviality, Brian could not ever remember Bartley cracking a smile, not even a small one. He hated the Scots and had always resented James for marrying one. No one seemed to know why, or if they did, certainly had not expressed it to Brian or Hamish. 

His parents had been alive the last time the Watsons had visited and in that way, Brian had been fortunate that his father had been forced to deal with the obnoxious fiend. Yet, his father was no longer there to hold the fort. Brian would have no choice but to interact with him, and he could not say he was looking forward to it overly much. 

Perhaps, under such dire circumstances, the man would present with sorrow rather than snide remarks and aggression, as he had done previously. He had lost his cousin far too soon. Surely, that would evoke some compassion from the man. 

Situations such as these, usually caused one to think upon their own mortality, and to treasure the years they had left with the loved ones that surrounded them. It certainly had for Brian, for upon hearing the news of the accident, the thought that such a travesty could happen to anyone at any moment had immediately come to his mind.

Bartley may surprise them all, and arrive with a more sombre spirit. It would certainly make everyones summer far easier. Brian could only hope that was the case. He had enough to be dealing with, without battling the likes of Bartley Watson. In fact, as he thought upon what must be done, he stood from his desk and straightened his coat.

‘I must look in on Catriona,’ Brian said, answering his brother’s enquiring look. ‘This morning has been so busy, I have nae managed tae speak tae her.’

Hamish shrugged. ‘Well, I hope you have better luck than I, brother. I could get nothing but tears from her yesterday.’

***

Brian found Catriona sitting in the drawing room of the right wing of the house. Since James’s death, Brian had felt it wise to bring her and the twins to stay with him in the castle. Besides, her injuries were still severe, and he was able to ensure she was well-cared for under his own roof. He had placed her and the girls in the south corner of the castle, both for suitability and privacy. She was in no fit state to be seeing people, and having a part of the castle, including the south turret, to herself, gave her solitude and room for her and the twins.

‘Hello, Catriona,’ Brian said, closing the large drawing room door behind him.

Her chair faced out onto the gardens, and approaching from behind her, Brian was uncertain what to expect. That was until he heard the soft whimpering sound as he drew near. He stepped between her chair and the empty seat beside it, and slowly lowered himself down, turning toward her as he sat. The bruising around her face still looked quite awful, and reaching out a hand, he rested it on her arm. 

The other arm was still wrapped up in a sling, and according to the physician, would need to remain so for several weeks. The arm had not been broken, but badly sprained, and rest appeared to be the only cure. A local healer had brought laudanum for the pain, and Brian had noticed it had brought with it other benefits, for whenever Catriona took it, it did seem to settle her, putting her almost into a drowsy state. It may not have been the best solution, but it was all they could do at that time. There was no cure for a broken heart, and that was the main affliction Catriona currently suffered.

‘How are you, my darling?’ Brian asked tenderly.

He did not really expect an answer. Catriona had hardly spoken to a soul since the accident. He was not certain if that had more to do with his sister not being able to face conversation, or the fact that whenever she went to speak, tears fell down her cheeks and she was unable to speak for crying. Yet, he would not give up. She may not be able to talk to him, but that would not stop him trying to speak to her.

‘I saw Brianna and Mary playing in the garden with Anna yesterday,’ he continued. ‘It was a bonnie day, and the sound o’ their giggles was as sweet as the morning lark.’

Catriona still did not respond, only held her handkerchief to her face, dragging air into her lungs as she quietly wept. Her twin daughters, Brian’s only nieces, were hardly three years old. Anna had been their nursemaid since they were born and adored the girls as much as the rest of the family. He had stopped her in the corridor several days ago to ask about the twins.

‘They dinnae really ken what is happening, Your Grace,’ she had said sadly with a shrug. ‘They think their father has gone away and will come back soon. I’ve tried tae explain tae them that their daddy willnae be returning, but I just think they’re too young tae understand.’

Brian had told Hamish what Anna had said, but felt it prudent to keep such knowledge from Catriona. Perhaps the girls being so young was a blessing. It would no doubt, affect them when they were a little older, but for now, when they could not really receive the comfort of their mother, their ignorance might be for the best.

‘I have good news, Catriona,’ Brian said again. ‘The Watsons will arrive this afternoon. Audrina has come with her family, and you will be able tae see her.’

Again, his only reply was her heaving breath and the soft sounds of her whimpers. it appeared nothing he said was going to make any impact. Perhaps she simply needed company. There need not be any words, just the assurance that he was there, and that she was loved by the rest of her family. With that thought, Brian sat a little further back in his chair, but did not remove his hand from Catriona’s arm. He would sit with her in this dreadful hole that had enveloped her for as long as she needed him.

***

Just after noon, Hamish found Brian in the main parlour, close to saying farewell to a couple of guests. Lord and Lady Hamilton had come to pay their respects and were about to depart

‘Thank you for your kindness in coming tae see us, my lord, my lady.’ Brian nodded toward them both as they stood ready to leave. ‘I apologise that Catriona was nae able tae see you.’

‘Please, Your Grace, dinnae be troubled,’ Lord Hamilton said with a sadness to his expression. ‘I was very fond o’ James. We spent many an afternoon discussing the great histories of the Scots. He was such a knowledgeable young man. His demise is a sad loss tae us all.’

‘You will come tae the funeral, my lord?’ Brian asked as they reached the drawing-room door.

‘Of course, Your Grace. We will be there.’

With final farewells, the Hamiltons were shown out and shortly afterwards, carriage wheels rumbled away from the front of the castle.

‘You dinnae ken how a man impacts so many lives until he’s here nae more,’ Hamish said, sighing heavily before dropping himself into a nearby chair.

‘Indeed.’ Brian nodded, moving over to a large oak dresser. He took two goblets and poured whisky in each. ‘I was always aware of his expertise, but I have tae admit, I cannae say I kent him as well as I thought. Lord Hamilton is one o’ many who have come tae pay their respects, as well as tell me how much they enjoyed James’s knowledge.’

‘I have a feeling,’ Hamish replied, lifting his goblet toward Brian in a silent salute, ‘that this funeral isnae going tae be a small affair.’

‘Aye, I think I would agree with you, brother. He was a well-liked man, by all accounts.’

‘And what o’ Catriona? How does she fare this day?’ Hamish asked, after taking a small sip from his goblet.

‘Och,’ Brian shrugged before seating himself across from his brother, ‘it’s nae good, Hamish. I hardly expected her tae be gaily dancing about the place, but still. She’s broken, ye ken.’

‘I dae. James was her heart and soul.’ Hamish heaved another sigh. ‘I dinnae ken what we’ll dae.’

‘We’ll dae what we always dae in this family, Hamish. We’ll support her.’

 

‘Och, I ken that. What I mean is, I dinnae ken what tae say. What am I supposed tae say when I’m with her? Words are empty and useless, for there is nothing that can bring her any comfort. I just feel so damn helpless.’

Brian knew exactly what his brother meant, for that very morning, he had felt the very same feeling. Yet, if that was how he and Hamish felt, how much more lost did Catriona feel? They needed to be her anchor, the thing that brought her back when she was ready to come back.

‘Just be there for her, Hamish. Tell her, if you like, that you dinnae have any words – that you dinnae ken what tae say. It’s better she hear that, than some meaningless banalities that only make you feel better. Just dae as I did this morning, and sit with her in the quiet.’

Hamish sat and looked as though he were in deep thought. In fact, both brothers sat there in silence for a long time. These situations brought deep thought to the fore. Not just the mortality of a man, but the life he had led, the things he had done and the legacy he had left. 

What will people say about you, when you pass, Brian Campbell? Will you be loved and honoured, or hated and despised? Worst still, will you be remembered at all?

***

‘A carriage approaches, Your Grace,’ Mackenzie said, after Brian had bid him entry. ‘I believe it may be the Watsons.’

Brian stared at the servant, before looking toward Hamish.

‘Och, well,’ Hamish growled, pushing himself up from the chair. ‘I suppose we must show our faces.’

‘Please, Hamish. Let’s see what happens before we make judgements,’ Brian implored.

‘I ken what’s going tae happen. He’s going tae be the same ignorant pompous arse he’s always been. You can wish all you like, Brian. Men like Bartley dinnae change.’

‘Ready the servants, Mackenzie,’ Brian ordered.

‘Already done, Your Grace.’

‘Good man. We’ll be with you soon enough,’ Brian said, watching the servant nod before leaving the room.

‘Take a deep breath, Hamish. They’re going tae be with us for a while.’

‘I havenae any problem with the rest of the family. Just Bartley.’

‘I ken, brother,’ Brian said, slapping his brother’s shoulder encouragingly as the two headed toward the door. ‘But let’s just wait and see.’

‘Your diplomacy will only last so long, Brian. I can promise you that. Bartley hates the Scots, nae matter what we dae or say. You’ll nae change his mind by being pleasant. He’ll only see it as weakness. I’m telling you. You cannae win with this man.’

Brian nodded. ‘I dinnae disagree with you. I hear every word your saying and will take it on board. But I have more concerns than Bartley Watson. Catriona needs us, there is a funeral still tae finalise, and there are other guests staying here at the castle. The Watsons will be treated as well as every other person here. I simply dinnae have the luxury o’ giving them more of my time. Now, come on. Let us be civilised and go and greet them.’

Hamish blew out a long sigh. ‘Aye, all right,’ he groaned.

---

“The Secret in a Lord’s Eyes” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!

Lady Audrina Watson returns to Scotland after ten years, only to unexpectedly discover Laird Brian Campbell’s captivating presence. Her father’s prejudice against Brian’s people however, is an abrupt disruption of their potentially dreamy romance. Fortunately, her kind heart helps her see beyond her father’s disdain and Audrina’s affection for Brian only deepens. Yet, a future with him would be full of doubt and obstacles…

If she cannot change her father’s mind, not even a courtship will be possible, let alone a marriage…

The sudden death of his brother-in-law has left Laird Brian Campbell picking up the pieces and welcoming friends and relatives to pay their respects. The one he dreads to see though, is Audrina’s father, Bartley Watson, who never loses a chance to be rude to him. Luckily, Audrina’s mesmerising presence reminds him of a long lost hope against prejudice. Brian feels alive when he is with her, but when alone, the uncertainty of their future overpowers him.

How could he ever court a lady, whose father hates the Scots more than anything?

Young love blossoms between Brian and Audrina, and they desire nothing more than to be together. Yet, without Audrina’s father’s blessing, their happy future can never be. Will Bartley Watson stubbornly refuse his daughter’s chance at happiness? If only there was something the young couple could do to fight his prejudice… Could love truly conquer all, or is Audrina destined to return to England alone and utterly heart-broken?

“The Secret in a Lord’s Eyes” is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Get your copy from Amazon!