Page 33 of Tempting the Highland Spy
“I am glad you are enjoying the situation. I wish I could say the same.”
Gerard signaled the barmaid for an ale. “It cannae be so bad. I remember the lass ye’re watching over. She’s a bonny one, she is.”
“Her beauty is not the issue,” Harrison said. “I assume you’ve been briefed on the situation.”
“Aye, I understand.” Gerard gave a somber nod. “So, our brother sent the Untamed Shrew with ye.”
“I take it you are referring to Mrs. Carmichael.”
“Who else?” Gerard chuckled. “Simon’s a cruel one, he is.”
Harrison nodded his agreement. “Evidently, she was the only female agent available to serve as a companion to Miss Winters.”
Gerard’s brows shot up. “Miss Winters? As I recall, ye were not so formal the last time ye saw her.”
“I was not aware she was an expert thief.”
Gerard shrugged. “There are worse things in life to be. Do ye know her reasons?”
“Why does anyone steal and deceive? It’s a matter of greed.”
His brother shook his head. “Ye should know it’s never that simple. Ye need to find out what drove her to a life of deceit.”
“That’s of no interest to me.” Even as he spoke the words, their falseness rang clear.
Gerard picked up on the lie. “Bollocks. Ye’ve always been one to solve a puzzle.”
Harrison took another drink. “Did you bring the information I needed?”
“Aye,” he said, handing Harrison a leather-bound folio. “That American heiress is unpredictable as the wind, but this should do for a start. The woman is an art collector. The museum in Stirling is exhibiting its newest acquisition this week. She’s expected to be present at the unveiling.”
“I’ll ensure Miss Winters is at the event.”
“The heiress won’t be alone. Raibert doesn’t let her out of his sight. Be prepared to present a distraction, if necessary.”
“Of course.” Glancing past his brother, Harrison spotted Grace and Mrs. Carmichael as they crossed the threshold into the pub. “My dearwifeis approaching.”
“I assume the Untamed Shrew is with her.” If Harrison hadn’t known better, he’d have thought he spotted a flicker of trepidation in Gerard’s eyes.
Harrison smiled to himself. For some reason he couldn’t quite define, it was good to see his normally fearless brother display even a trace of apprehension. “Yes. And she’s brought her fan.”
“Good God.” Evidently, Gerard had come in contact with the contraption.
Grace’s eyes brightened as she caught sight of Gerard. Harrison rose to escort the ladies to the table.
“What a pleasant surprise,” she said, greeting Gerard as she slipped into a seat.
“’Tis good to see you, lass,” he said. His attention flickered to Mrs. Carmichael as a barmaid set a nearly overflowing tankard before him. “And you as well.”
Mrs. Carmichael’s forehead knitted with concern. “Why areyouhere?”
“I got word my brother was in the area and decided to pay the bloke a visit.” He lifted the stein and took a hearty draught. “And I had a thirst for some fine ale.”
Her eyes narrowed as her lips thinned to a seam. Leaning toward him, Mrs. Carmichael lowered her voice to a whisper. “You know the risks.”
“Bah,” he said, taking another drink. “Why wouldn’t a man want to see his newly wedded brother and his lovely bride?”
With exaggerated politeness, she nodded her response, even while she glowered at him beneath her lashes.
