Page 27 of By Any Other Name

Daniel sighed. “I was furious at Papa, but I knew he was right. I had to set everything straight. I went to arrange to pay my gambling debt. And Kerns showed me your brooch!” An aggrieved light shone in his eyes. “Rylla, why did you give that blackguard your pin?”

“I was trying to save you,” Rylla retorted. “He said you were in dire straits.”

“I would have come about. But when I saw he had your brooch, I knew I must get it back immediately. I couldn’t pay it over time. So I went to Ramsey.”

“Ramsey! Who is that?”

“A chap I know at school. Only it turned out he had gone home for Christmas. I had to go all the way to Aberdeen. I didn’t think to leave you a note. Once I was on the road, there wasn’t any use writing you. I’d be home by the time you got a letter. But when I got there, it turned out Ramsey was sick. I had to cool my heels for days, waiting to see him.”

“But why did you have to see him? I don’t understand.”

“To sell him my brace of dueling pistols.”

“The ones with the silver chasing?” Rylla stared.

“Yes. He’s wanted to buy them for months.”

“But you love those pistols!”

“I know.” He shrugged. “But I couldn’t let Kerns keep your brooch, now could I? And then, when I get back here, Kerns tells me you’ve already gotten the thing! Rylla, you shouldn’t have gone to see him.”

“I was fine. I was with Gregory. It’s Gregory you owe. He bought my brooch back for me last night.” Rylla could not control the softening of her voice as she turned toward Gregory.

“Mr. Rose, I am deeply in your debt,” Daniel began manfully. “It was very good of you to help my sister, and—”

“Daniel.” Mrs. Campbell appeared in the doorway, smiling. “Dear boy, do come and speak to your father. He is so relieved and happy to have you home again.”

“Yes, of course.” Daniel turned toward Gregory apologetically, but Gregory waved him on.

“Go and see your father. Plenty of time to discuss this later.”

Gregory watched Daniel and his mother leave the room, then swung around. “Rylla . . .”

“Daniel will be able to pay you back. That will make everything all right.”

“The devil with the money,” Gregory said impatiently. “Rylla, I must talk to you.”

“No, really, there is no need. I knew what I was doing last night. I will not hold you to account for—”

“Bloody hell, what are you talking about? Rylla—” He grabbed her hands between his. “Look at me.”

She lifted her chin pugnaciously, though she suspected the look was spoiled by the tears in her eyes.

“Rylla! Are you crying?” Gregory stared at her, aghast. “Please . . . I realize that I acted like an utter cad. But I could not bear it if you hate me.”

“Of course I don’t hate you.” She feared that in a moment she would be in sobs. Rylla tried to tug her hand free, to no avail.

“Then tell me that I still have a chance. That you are not tossing me out on my ear.”

“Have a chance? A chance for what?”

“To win your heart. I was too rash, too forceful, I know. But I love you with all my heart, and if you will only let me, I shall prove that I am worthy of you.”

“You love me?” Rylla seized on the only words that were important to her. “Do you mean it?”

“Of course I do.” Gregory looked surprised. “I will do everything I can to make you feel the same way about me. I will woo you as you should be wooed. No doubt you are angry at me, but I—”

“I’m not angry.” Rylla smiled tremulously. “I could not be angry at you.”