Anger sparked anew. “I demand an explanation, sir.”
“Miss McKinley, this is Daniel Matland,” Bhradain said. “You may trust him with the lives of your nieces. He will stand guard while you and I speak.”
Davina stared. He’d lost all sense. “You expect me to leave my nieces with a stranger? You, sir, do not know me at all.”
“We must speak, and we cannot do so in this hallway,” Bhradain said. “I would prefer not to make the young ladies privy to our conversation.”
Davina scrutinized him. When they were young, she’d always known when Bhradain lied.
He grimaced, then offered a quick look toward the front of the inn. “If it makes you feel any better, your brother Graham sent Elizbeth with us,” he said, voice low.
Elizbeth had said that.
Bhradain gestured to the door of the room in which she’d found him. “We will be but one room away.”
Davina nodded. “Aye, but I shall choose the room.” She knew not what the switch might accomplish, save chaos, should any come seeking them, but in chaos would come opportunity. She opened the door and said, “Girls, go into the dining room next door with Mister Matland. If anyone enters, scream as loud as you can, and I will come. Under no circumstances are you to leave. Do you understand?”
They nodded, eyes wide. They gathered up the foodstuffs and tea and scurried past her, then into Bhradain’s private dining room. Davina entered the room they’d vacated. Bhradain followed. The door closed with a tiny click as she faced him. He crossed to the table, pulled out a chair, and waited, expression deferential.
Davina folded her arms across her chest and remained where she stood near the door. “Just get on with the explanation. I have some place to be.”
“Might that place be your Aunt Saundra’s?”
Icy fear slid through her. “How do you know that?”
“Because that is where I am taking Elizbeth.” He fell silent and she tensed. “Davina, strange as it might sound, James did not lie when he told you that you are descended from Henry Benedict Stuart, Cardinal-Duke of York. He is your grandfather, and the woman you know as Great Aunt Saundra is Saundra Logan, his wife.”
“You have all gone mad,” she whispered. “You speak treason. I cannot believe that Graham would entrust his niece to a traitor.”
“You misunderstand,” Bhradain said. “Your heritage does not mean we are seeking to put you on the throne. In fact, it is our duty to protect you from those who intend that very thing.”
“Our duty?”
“Luchd-Dìon,” he said. She frowned, and he added, “I know this cannot make up for my past mistakes, but this is why I could not—”
“Do not say another word,” she cut in with more vehemence than intended. “What is in the past, is past. I feel nothing for you now, so it is of no consequence.” It was probably the biggest lie she’d ever told.
He hesitated, then angled his head. “Forgive me. Please know that Daniel and I are here to safely escort you and your nieces to your great-grandmother. Once there, we will be given instructions on how best to safeguard you. I assume you understand that in order to prevent your brother from using you to secure a political match, that you must marry post haste.”
Davina gave a harsh laugh. “My nieces must marry post haste. I will decide what is best for me.”
And what was best for her was to get as far away from Bhradain Haywood as possible, as quickly as she could.
Chapter Eighteen
Elizbeth could scarcely credit Margarette’s tale. Robert had helped capture Margarette and Davina and then handed them over to Father. Only two days ago, Robert had begged Elizbeth’s forgiveness.
“Please understand,” he’d said when they stood in the forest. “I was shocked to learn that you knew the truth. But I couldn’t confirm that truth. Surely, you understand?”
“I understand that you accused me of using the situation to force you into marriage.”
He’d been right, of course, which had cut her to the quick. In her naïveté, though, she had believed he would save her, would want her for his wife. Instead, not only had he cast her aside, but he had helped her father track down Margarette and Davina.
Even after his treatment of her, she would never have thought him capable of such dastardly betrayal. Whatever love she thought she held for Robert had evaporated and left in its place a cold, dark hole that would never again see light.
Could she consider marrying his brother after this? The young man wasn’t responsible for Robert’s actions, but she couldn’t bear the constant reminder of Robert every time she looked at Daniel’s face. She would grow to hate him for that reason alone. It wasn’t fair to him. Mister Haywood had said she could choose. She would marry anyone but Daniel.
Margarette squeezed her hands. “I am so sorry, Elizbeth. We were shocked, too. Aunt Davina and I simply could not believe that Mister McFarlan would betray you.”
“Matland,” Elizbeth murmured.
“What?” Margaret said.
“His name isn’t McFarlan,” Elizbeth’s voice sounded as dead as her heart felt. “He lied. His name is Matland.”
“That scoundrel,” Margarette cried. “Oh, but I wish I had a pistol. I would shoot him.”
Elizbeth couldn’t care enough even to wish for that.
***
Robert wasn't a tracker, but he felt certain MacLaine was hot on the ladies’ trail. James McKinley, after all, would hire only the best.
“North,” MacGregor muttered.
No explanation was needed, but Robert asked in a perplexed voice, “What?”
MacGregor kept his gaze straight ahead. “They are headed north. You don't find that interesting?”
Robert frowned. “Should I?”
MacGregor slanted him a glance. “Who do they know in the north? An aunt, perhaps?”
Robert knew full well no one had mentioned any reason they would seek out the woman they knew as Great Aunt Saundra. The connection was honorary. She was believed to be a good friend of the McKinley family, not a true blood relative.
Robert deepened his frown. “Might they go to Miss Davina McKinley’s father, Charles?”
MacGregor's brows shot up in obvious surprise. He clearly hadn’t considered the possibility that Robert would offer any real help. Why did MacGregor distrust him so? Robert was an attorney, employed by a reputable firm. That Robert had aided in the ladies’ capture, should have raised him above suspicion.
Well, Robert would meet him with equal mistrust. “What is your connection to the Frenchman?” he demanded.
“That is none of your concern.”
Robert noted the edge in his voice. Good.
“It’s odd, is all, a Frenchman here, in these times. Odder still for a solid Highlander to befriend him.”
MacGregor shifted his gaze to Robert, his brows lifted in condescending amusement. “What are you implying, McFarlan?”
Robert affected stiffness. “I am implying nothing, but you should know that I am employed to guard Mister McKinley’s interest, and that is what I mean to do.” He narrowed his gaze. “I will not permit Mister McKinley to become embroiled in anything unsavory.”
A corner of MacGregor’s mouth lifted in a disdainful smile.
Robert mustered a bit of bravado. “I think you’d best tell me what all of this is about. Why Mister McKinley sent me for such a large sum of money, what your French master has to do with any of this, and why the McKinley women fled.”
MacGregor turned his attention forward. “If McKinley wanted ye to know, he would have told you. I suggest you do as you're told and do not interfere with business that does not concern you.”
“I have eyes, man. I can see—”
“Then you should see that McKinley will not tolerate your interference in his business. You stay silent until I ask you a question.”
There it was. MacGregor wasn't going to be questioned by a mere attorney. Luckily, in MacGregor’s opinion, a mere solicitor couldn’t be Luchd-Dì
on.
“We are getting close,” MacLaine called back. “The tracks are fresher.”
Robert knew the coaching inn that lay a few miles ahead. If the ladies had ridden all night—and Davina would have insisted upon doing so—the inn would be a logical place to stop for a meal and to rest the horses. Which meant Robert was running out of time. How was he going to get rid of MacGregor?
Damn if he wasn’t in the same position he’d been in yesterday with Faucon and his servant. Except that James was nowhere close. Robert simply had to kill MacGregor, then ride like the wind and hope the other two were bad shots. Except, doing so would end his association with, and access to, James.
“We are very close.” MacLaine slowed and pointed at the ground.
Robert eyed the ground. Even he could discern the fresh tracks of two horses. They would reach the inn inside half an hour. It was now or never. He eased his hand toward his knife.
“We should split up,” MacGregor said.
Robert stilled.
“Split up?” MacLaine said. “Why?”
“We dinnae know who helped the women escape,” MacGregor said. “It is best if one of us goes inside to look for the women while the others stand as guards. MacLaine, you and McAllen go around back of the inn.”
MacLaine looked at McAllen, who nodded.
“We cannot be certain they are there,” Robert said.
“They may not be there, but they passed this way.” MacGregor replied. “They know you, MacFarland. You will go inside. I will guard the front door.”
“Me? After yesterday, Davina McKinley will likely shoot me on sight.”
MacGregor shrugged. “Ye can say you had no choice. You went along with the capture so you could help them later.”
Robert allowed his shock to show. “Only a fool would believe such an outlandish story,” he said.
MacGregor laughed. “Women believe outlandish stories. Besides, I cannot go in. They know I am with Faucon.”
Robert nodded slowly. “Perhaps MacLaine or McAllen should go in. The ladies do not know them.”
Something flickered in MacGregor's eyes. What was the man up to?
“They may know us, sir,” MacLaine said. “We have both been employed by Mister McKinley in the past.”
“I agree with MacGregor,” McAllen said. “If they recognize us, ‘tis only as Mister McKinley’s men. You are the one they are most like to trust, sir. They’ve dined with you and all that, and everyone knows you were sweet on Miss Elizbeth.”
Robert winced.
Something flickered in MacGregor’s eyes. “The ladies are precious,” he said, though Robert knew he meant, they are precious commodities. “We cannot risk any mistakes.” He leveled another hard look on Robert. “What say you? McKinley put you in charge.”
The man might say Robert was in charge, but he knew MacGregor had no intention of relinquishing command of their small band.
“You expect me to force them out of the inn at gunpoint?” Robert asked.
“Have you a pistol?” MacGregor asked.
Robert grimaced. “You were in the kitchen this morning. You know mine was taken.”
“You have no second?”
Robert puffed out his chest. “I am an attorney. We have little use for firearms.”
“Your wits will suffice, eh?” MacGregor said, his contempt obvious. “McAllen, you carry two pistols. Give one to our attorney.”
Robert would wager MacGregor carried a second pistol, as well, and at least one blade, yet he hadn’t offered Robert the use of either weapon.
McAllen reached around his back and pulled the pistol from his belt. They slowed and McAllen handed him the weapon. Robert stuffed it awkwardly in his front waistband. MacGregor cast him another glance. Robert knew MacGregor held him in contempt, but he wasn’t certain whether MacGregor believed Robert to be just another fool or a Luchd-Dìon fool.
Sooner than expected, the inn came into view. Two horses were tied to a tying post near the stable. A chill crept up Robert’s spine. Did the horses belong to the women? MacGregor gestured again. MacLaine and McAllen broke off and headed around back.
Once they were gone, MacGregor turned to Robert. “I know this inn. Aside from the front and back doors, there is only one other, on the east side of the building. I will stand by yon wall.” He nodded at a bench-height stone wall that separated the front drive from a pathway leading to the stables, much of that walk shaded by a large oak.
The man was no fool. From his vantage point, MacGregor would be able to watch the front and east entrances, as well as the stables. Robert thinned his lips and gave a curt nod, then veered toward the inn while MacGregor continued toward the wall. Robert brought his horse to a stop near the door and dismounted. Something about the man bothered him. Something beyond the fact he was embroiling the McKinleys in treason.
Robert tied the reins to the post at the front of the inn. He started for the door, then glanced back. MacGregor had reached the wall beneath the shade of the oak and was dismounting. He caught sight of Robert, frowned, then motioned him inside. Robert did as he was ordered. He entered, turned to close the door, and deftly slid the pistol from the front of his waistband to the back, hidden beneath his coat, as he faced the foyer.
To the right was a public dining room, but Robert didn’t see Davina or Margarette amongst the scattered diners. He hadn’t thought he would. Two ladies traveling alone would draw attention. They would stay out of sight. A young man stood behind a counter to the left. Robert headed toward him.
The lad looked up when Robert neared the counter. “Can I help ye, sir?” he asked.
Robert stopped in front of him. “I am meeting my two sisters. They would have booked a private dining room. My eldest sister is dark-haired. My younger sister, auburn-haired. Have they arrived yet?”
The lad’s eyes lit, and Robert tamped down the excitement that made his heart beat faster.
“They didnae say you were meeting them,” the boy said. “We only served enough for two.”
“Quite right,” Robert said. “I have already dined.”
“Follow me,” the young man said and rounded the counter. He headed toward a hallway leading deeper into the inn.
Robert hurried to catch up with him. They passed a staircase, then a closed door on the right, before halting outside the closed door on the left. The lad knocked.
Two heartbeats of silence passed. “Come in,” a woman called.
Robert knew that voice. Davina McKinley. “Thank you,” he said, and pushed past the lad to the door.
He turned the knob and opened the door enough to slip inside. Then froze at sight of Haywood standing to the left of the door, a pistol pointed at him. Davina McKinley stood behind him.
Haywood pushed the door closed. “What are you doing here, Matland?” he snapped. “You were supposed to—”
Robert gave a warning shake of his head and Haywood went silent. Robert opened the door and searched the hall. The boy had reached the far end of the hallway. Robert closed the door and faced them.
“Why are you here?” Miss McKinley demanded.
Robert noted the worry in her eyes. “Your brother sent me.”
“Mister Haywood, apprehend him,” she ordered.
Haywood hadn’t lowered his gun. So, Davina had told him that Robert had aided in their capture.
Robert locked eyes with Haywood and said, “I am no traitor,” then shifted his gaze to Miss McKinley and added, “We have little time, so consider quickly, Miss McKinley. If I had tried to stop Faucon or James, I would be dead and unable to help you.”
“Traitors are seldom who we expect them to be,” Haywood said.
Robert jerked his gaze onto the gun Haywood held. Was it possible—
“Apprehend him, Mister Haywood,” Miss McKinley repeated.
Robert jarred from the thought. MacGregor would wait only so long. “I am here to help you, Miss McKinley. I assume you had help in escaping your brother’s home.”
/> Her eyes glittered. “My home, as well, sir.”
“Aye, ma’am, forgive me. Graham and James’s men awoke this morning after drinking drugged wine. I was conked over the head with a pistol. I assume whoever aided in your escape is the culprit.” He burned to know who had aided her escape. “As hoped, your brother believes I helped capture you and your niece. I perpetuated that ruse so I might save you. That is why I was in the kitchen.”
Time was short, but he couldn’t refrain from adding, “I will never forgive myself for not finding a way to prevent your capture. I do not expect you to forgive me, but I dedicate my life to keeping you and your nieces far from harm.” She frowned, but he gave her no chance to reply. “In any case, the ruse worked. Your brother sent me along with Faucon’s man, MacGregor, to find you and your niece. MacGregor is waiting out front. Two more of Mister McKinley’s men wait around back.”
“Good God,” she breathed.
“Where is your niece?” Robert demanded.
She blinked as if not having heard him.
Robert turned to Haywood. “Where is Miss Elizbeth? Tell me they are safe.”
“They occupy another private dining room,” Miss McKinley said.
Robert sagged with relief. Elizbeth was safe.
Miss McKinley faced Haywood. “Mister Haywood, how will we escape?”
Haywood stuffed the pistol in the waistband at his back. “Matland, check the hallway.”
Robert turned and eased the door open, then looked left and right, and said, “Deserted.
“Come.” Haywood cupped Miss McKinley’s elbow and Robert stepped into the hall, then stood aside as Haywood escorted her out. They started toward the front of the inn.
“Haywood,” Robert began, realizing he was about to confront two women who had little reason to care for him, and who they desperately needed to keep quiet, but Haywood stopped before the next closed door and entered.
Chapter Nineteen
The door opened to their private dining room and Elizbeth looked up from speaking with Daniel and Margarette as Aunt Davina and Mister Haywood entered. She gasped.
Robert.
She shot to her feet. Beside her, Margarette let out a squeak.
Daring Lords and Ladies Page 131
