Page 86 of Keeping Kate
“So that is the way of it,” Rob said thoughtfully. Kate was not sure he was convinced. “You do know our family legend, sir?”
“I have heard,” Alec answered. “True love. It is a hefty requirement.”
“‘Love makes its own magic,’” Rob quoted, “‘and its own miracles.’ It is engraved along the rim of the fairy cup. If one of fairy-blessed in our clan wants to marry—well, you tell him, Kate.”
“He knows,” she said. “It must be love of the finest sort. If it is a wrongful match, the clan will suffer somehow.”
“Is that why you refused earlier?” he asked.
She nodded. “I had to consider my clan. I knew my own heart, but was not sure of yours. You do not speak of such things easily.”
“You had nothing to worry about.” He smiled ruefully and looked at the others. “Let me assure you as well that you need have no worries as far I am concerned.”
“What of the military and your orders?” Kate asked. “How will you explain that you have married Katie Hell?”
“First, I should tell you,” he said, “that I am a staunch Jacobite and working for the same cause as you.”
Kate gaped up at him. “What?”
“I had to keep it to myself for good reason. But for the last few years,” Alec went on, “I have been involved in some intrigue, working with the Jacobite council. Lochiel and the rest.”
Kate stared, breathless. “You are a spy?”
“I suppose you could call me that.” He shrugged one shoulder.
“And you work with Cameron of Lochiel, chief of that clan?” Rob asked.
“And others, including my uncle, MacDonald of Keppoch. I was searching for Ian Cameron, too,” he explained. “And I have been trying to find a cache of Spanish weapons before the government finds them. Not for the government,” he said, looking down at Kate. “But to make certain they did not find them first.”
“But you never said,” Kate breathed. Stunned, she quickly realized that it made sense in varying ways. Jack, she realized, had hinted at it. But Alec had not said.
“You would not even tell me your full name,” Alec said. “I was not certain I could trust you or whoever you were working with. I am cautious by nature.”
“I know that,” Kate replied.
“I think we can trust you, Fraser,” Rob said. “I am willing to take the chance. I think these lads will, too. If Kate loves you, that is all the recommendation we need.”
“Thank you,” Alec murmured. Kate slid her hand inside his elbow, and he pressed her hand close to his side.
“You have worked with Keppoch?” Connor asked, frowning.
“Most often. He is my uncle. I am a Writer to the Signet, and now as an officer I review documents for the military, sometimes for Jacobite allies, including Blair of Atholl and Cameron of Locheil.” He paused. “It is a delicate balance, for much I cannot reveal. But there are things I can do to help—for instance, writing messages in lemon juice and oil that the reader can hold before a candle flame. And I have carried packets and notes between Sleat and MacDonald of Keppoch, between Lovat and Locheil. I keep clear of the Earl of Mar. He reports regularly to Westminster now. And I carried messages for Fraser of Lovat, though of late he cannot make up his mind where he stands, and so I avoid working with him.”
“You are Lovat’s ilk?” Connor still seemed wary.
“He is my father’s half-brother. He is loyal to family, but trust goes only so far with him, so I am careful.”
“Are you in Highland areas often?” Rob asked.
“I am Laird of Kilburnie near Inverness, though my family has long been based in Edinburgh as well to maintain the business my grandfather and great-uncle started.”
“Fraser’s Fancies,” Kate supplied.
Connor gave a curt laugh. “Chocolate powder? Interesting.”
“A thriving business which my uncle manages very well in my stead,” Alec said. “He is a loyal Jacobite as well, and careful who knows it. Are you familiar with The Chocolate House in Edinburgh?”
“Near Castlehill? I have been in that shop myself,” Connor said. “I heard that the owners might be sympathetic to the cause. The word is guarded among Jacobites, but it goes around.”
