Bertrice Small - Love Wild and Fair

"As your mother has remarried, I see no reason why I should not do so also. Luisa's mother was the daughter of a Spanish grandee, and her Irish father is my business partner. He will be damned glad to hae me for a son-in-law. Luisa knows of my marriage to Cat, and promised she would wait for my return." Patrick chuckled. "The little wildcat said she would rather be my mistress than another man's wife. Her father would hae beat her black and blue had I not declared myself then and there."

The young earl laughed and looked at his father admiringly. "Mother always said ye were never at a loss for the lasses," he said.

For a brief moment Patrick Leslie's face was shadowed in sadness. He said seriously, "Only wi her was I ever at a loss, Jemmie. We had good times, Cat and I, and we had six fine bairns. But I must say honestly that she was hesitant from the very first about being my wife. I sometimes think that, left to herself, she might never hae wed wi me.

"Ah, well, 'tis a new century we live in, Jemmie, and though he'll never know it, James did us a great favor in separating us." He raised his half-filled glass. "I gie ye Catriona, the Countess of Bothwell! God keep her safe and happy, for she deserves it!"

Slowly James Leslie raised his own glass and, looking with love and pride at his father, exclaimed, "The beautiful Countess of Bothwell! God bless her!"