By the time dawn broke over London to signal the start of a new day, most of the board of directors of the Royal Society had arrived and were now gathered in the regimental barracks. Lord Guilfoil was the last to arrive. Lily stiffened as he scowled at her. “What’s she doing here?”
The duke stepped forward. “Saving our sorry souls. If it hadn’t been for the girl, we’d have lost everything. Where were you? It hasn’t escaped my notice that you took your sweet time in getting here.”
Lord Guilfoil began to sputter a lame excuse, but the duke cut him off. “Save it, Guilfoil. You weren’t here when it mattered, so the board proceeded without you. We’re going to rebuild and improve the Royal Society. All applicants for membership will be welcomed and seriously considered on their merits. I’ll be sponsoring Lily Farthingale’s application.” He turned to Lily. “If you’ll allow me, lass. I’ve been an old fool and wish to make it up to you.”
Lily felt overwhelmed. She smiled at him and knew that smile must look ridiculous, for she was grinning from ear to ear, probably crying too. Her heart was about to burst with joy, and she was shaking. “I’d be honored.”
“Lily, you’re a miracle worker,” Evangeline said softly.
Lily wiped away a stray tear and stared at the Camerons, who were now lined up in a row in front of her. Evangeline and Meggie were clasping hands and smiling at her. The three Cameron men stood tall before her, their arms folded across their arrogantly puffed chests. Also smiling at her. The duke cleared his throat and turned to his granddaughters. “You both did a splendid job. I’m so pleased. Evie, I’m particularly proud of you. I’ve treated you miserably all these years, yet you responded without hesitation in this, my darkest hour.”
She blushed. “Thank you, Grandfather.”
“I’m going to need your help putting everything back in order. Will you work with me? You’ll have a title, of course. Curator of Antiquities. Will that do? Or would you prefer Director of Expeditions? You’ll require funds, of course. We’ll decide upon a budget, and if it isn’t enough, the board will approve more.” He turned to the other directors. “Isn’t that so?”
They all voiced their approval, stumbling over each other in their haste to agree.
The duke appeared content. He turned to Desmond. “Since the Royal Society will take up most of my time from here on in, I’ll need your help in running the Cameron shipping line. I know you’re familiar with the business. Will you take it over for me, Des?”
Desmond appeared wary at first, his gaze darting from Ewan to his grandfather, as though believing it was a trick. But Lily saw the hopefulness in his eyes and knew this was what he’d dreamed of. Ewan gave him an encouraging nod. There must have been a silent exchange between the two cousins, because Desmond’s wariness quickly disappeared. He turned to the old duke. “I’ll make you proud of me, Grandfather. I’ll start today. Right now. I won’t let you down.”
“I trust you, Des. I know the enterprise is in good hands. I’ve always been proud of you and Evie. Forgive me for not telling you sooner. Forgive me for all I’ve put you through. Things will change. Starting now.”
Though Desmond held back, Evie felt none of his reserve. She threw her arms around her grandfather and hugged him fiercely. “You’ve made us so happy. I love you, Grandfather.”
The duke hugged her back. Lily thought she detected a sniffle in his voice as he said, “I love you too, my sweet Evie.”
Ewan drew her back as his cousins and grandfather enjoyed their moment. “Lily, you’ve singlehandedly saved the Cameron family. We Cameron men are a bad mix of pride, arrogance, and stubbornness, but you managed to overcome all our defenses. I don’t know how to thank you.” He shook his head and put a hand to her lips before she had the chance to respond. “I take it back. Yes, I do.”
She gazed at him in confusion. “You do? How?”
“I’m going to ask you again to marry me.” He took her into his arms. She always liked the feel of his solid arms around her.
She continued to stare at him. “But you’ve already asked and I’ve accepted.”
A gleam sprang into his eyes. A wicked Highlander gleam. “I didn’t do it right.” He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I didn’t explain why I desperately wish you to marry me.”
She nodded. “Go on.” Her heart was in her throat. Butterflies were fluttering in her stomach. Her legs had turned to butter.
She thought he was going to tell her that he loved her, so she wasn’t prepared when Ewan suddenly drew her behind him, muttering something that sounded like “Mortimer” before turning to lunge at his grandfather. Seemingly in the same motion, he grabbed the old man and shoved him to his knees just as a shot rang out. Desmond did the same with her, Evie, and Meggie, hauling them down and shielding them with his body.