Willie Kemp stared at me over the intricate metal structure he was adding to his steam boat. “You want what?”
I repeated my words, stuttering when I realised the enormity of my request. “I want you to help me.”
Ushering me to the seat, he stood by the fire, sighing as if in deep thought. “Let me get this straight, Miss Lamont.” His voice was grave and deep, a schoolmaster lecturing his pupils rather than a man speaking to a woman who loved him. “Your aunt has ordered that you marry John Forres.”
“That is correct.” I heard the tremble in my voice.
“In doing so, your aunt is merely complying with your mother"s request.”
I nodded. My mother had indeed sent me down to Edinburgh with a plea for Aunt Elspeth to find a husband.
“And as you are a minor you are obliged to obey both your mothe
