Page 109 of Tempting the Highland Spy
“Mr. Royce has arrived to transport us to Stirling,” she said, sparing any comment on Harrison’s state of undress.
Fergus. Oh, dear.Instinctively, Grace pressed a hand to her jaw as if to steady her teeth from rattling.
Harrison’s fingers worked the buttons on his shirt. “Right on time, as always.”
“I’ve asked the footman to bring Grace’s trunk and my own to the carriage. He’ll be back for yours in a few minutes.”
“That won’t be necessary,” he replied. “I’m fully capable of carrying my own.”
“Very well. I’ll see you at the carriage.” She turned to Grace. “Miss Fairchild will be joining us. She’ll welcome your companionship.”
“I do hope so.” Grace went to the door with Mrs. Carmichael.
“With any luck, we will survive the journey,” the matron said cheerfully. “Despite the maniac at the reins.”
They arrived at the same well-appointed hotel in Stirling they’d stayed in near the start of their investigation. The Kirkland House’s polished marble floors, pristine fixtures, and elegant furnishings were unchanged since they’d departed for Raibert’s estate. But in Grace’s eyes, something was different. During their first visit, uncertainty had created a sense of trepidation deep within her. She’d been unable to fully appreciate the beauty of the establishment. But now, with Harrison by her side, feeling the heat of his body as he lightly clasped her hand in his, the beauty of the setting washed over her, and she pondered the joy of this day and of the life ahead.
They’d survived the mission. She’d succeeded in her task, and because of their efforts, Belle had escaped her husband’s ruthless plans. The heiress was heartsick, but she’d survive Raibert’s betrayal. She’d go forward with her life, and someday, her soul would heal from the damage he’d inflicted.
And Grace would soon be free to return to America. She’d provide a good home for Aunt Thelma, and with her savings, she’d see to it that Clare finished her education. Her life would be modest and peaceful. She’d have everything she wanted.
Save for one.
She slanted Harrison a glance. Did he realize he’d captured her heart? Did he know she wanted him in her bed? Not just tonight.
But every night for the rest of her life.
Her pulse sped at the thought. She was putting her heart at risk.
But in truth, what choice did she have?
She loved him. The truth was as undeniable as her need for air.
As they’d done throughout the mission, they’d arranged for two rooms. Mrs. Carmichael was likely aware of the passion Grace had found in Harrison’s arms, but the older woman did not reveal her knowledge. She approached their routine of sharing a room just as they’d done days earlier.
But tonight would be different.
Tonight, Grace would not share a bed with the matron.
She would savor every moment of this night in Harrison’s arms.
…
Seated at a table in a local pub, Harrison took in the scene. Less than twenty-four hours earlier, he’d been forced to kill a man to save Grace. Now, surrounded by good-natured chatter and smiling barmaids, he hoisted a stein to his mouth and took a gulp of cold ale. Life did indeed go on. But he doubted he’d ever be the same. Something in him had shifted—his priorities seemed clearer, his perception of justice not as black and white as it had been at the start of the mission.
Across from him, Gerard took a drink from a frosted tankard. He’d announced his presence soon after Harrison had arrived at the hotel. His brother had returned to the city from Falkirk that morning after being notified of Raibert’s arrest, intent on assisting Harrison with the next steps in their plan. After the women were safely in Edinburgh, they’d return to the castle to recover the MacKendrick dagger.
Harrison had already taken one crucial step toward concluding the mission. Upon their arrival in Stirling, he’d fired off a telegraph to Simon bearing a tersely worded message.
She must be pardoned. Her aunt as well. I trust you will see to it.
“’Tis only the fair thing,” Gerard agreed as they discussed the matter. “The lass put her life on the line.”
Harrison downed a gulp of ale. “It’s the only decent course of action. Simon knows the right people. He’ll arrange the necessary documents for Grace and her aunt.”
“And if he doesn’t secure the bluidy pardons, we’ll see them both on a ship heading across the Atlantic before theauthoritiescan do a damned thing about it.”
Leave it to his brother to get to the heart of the matter, Harrison thought with a smile. He’d be damned if he’d see Grace or her aunt behind bars. After risking her life in this investigation, she deserved a fresh start. Whatever it took, he’d see to it that Grace and her aunt never spent a day in prison.
