Page 131 of A Rogue in Firelight
“Did I? Your father cannot advance if his son-in-law is a criminal, or worse, executed for his crimes. Sir Hector will lose all. But you can prevent it, and I will make sure your—groom—has a better chance.”
“You would leave him be?” Her heart pounded, her stomach knotted.
“After the annulment, he might still be arrested and sentenced. I cannot change that course. But we will announce our engagement and marry quickly, and others will understand it is meant to protect you and help you recover from harrowing events.”
“I do not want an annulment. I refused you the other night. It still stands.”
“From what I recall, you accepted me, but you were coerced—perhaps forced—to marry this reprobate. We will mend it.”
She grasped at a straw. “Did you forget that Papa must present Darrach at the royal levee, by the king’s request?”
“We can find someone else to represent the whisky.” He waved a hand.
“No one knows Glenbrae whisky as well as—” She stopped. “Pitlinnie!”
“I will say that Sir Neill has promised Sir Evan MacGregor that he will purchase Glen Brae and its distillery to absolve the debts attached to the Darrach estate. Sir Neill can be introduced as Glenbrae’s owner. It is simple. It only needs a signature. Yours, on the annulment decree.”
“Why are you so intent on punishing Ronan?”
“My dear, he stands between me and all that I should have. Punish? I mean to eliminate him from your life.”
“You have kept your true character well hidden,” she said.
“Have I? Am I as tough as your rogue? As desirable?” Snarling the words, he pulled her against him with surprising strength. Then he kissed her roughly, hurting her mouth, while she twisted away. She broke free and slapped him.
“He is a rogue. You are a wretch,” she snapped.
“You know what to do,” he said, rubbing his jaw. “Do it today. All the ways you have hurt your father can be mended. It is your choice.” Spinning away, he strode out of the room.
Sorcha rushed in moments later. “I heard raised voices. Cousin Adam seemed very upset as he left.”
“Just upset with me,” Ellison reassured her. She clasped her shaking hands. She had to think, had to find a way to stop Corbie. “Sorcha, I must—I have an errand. After we visit the hat shop, will you accompany me?”
A short time later, riding in the carriage with Sorcha and the chattering viscountess, her mind and her heart raced. She would never betray Ronan, but he could not learn the truth of what happened with Corbie—or her father’s secretary would not survive the day.
But she had to do something. Her idea was risky, but could solve this.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Leith Harbor wasbusier than Ronan had ever seen, with sailing ships and steamships arriving ahead of the royal party. He stepped aside as a group of English gentlemen passed with barely a glance for the kilted Highlander standing beside a stack of kegs and crates. He waved to see Hugh Cameron coming toward him.
“A madhouse,” Hugh said over the cacophony on the quay. “But I managed to hire a cart to deliver the whisky lot to Holyroodhouse, and I found a hackney to take us into Edinburgh. Once the whisky reaches the palace, your obligation ends.”
“Not quite. There is still the king’s levee and the introduction. But before that, I need to see that a legal issue is properly cleared.”
“I know which one you mean. We had best get to that today if you will meet me at Parliament House this afternoon. First, I must see my mother, who expects me today. Will you come along? She would be very glad to see you.”
“I have a pressing errand. But open one of the crates and bring her a jug of Glenbrae with my compliments. Hugh, listen.” Ronan shrugged. “When all this is over, I want to build a new distillery on Darrach property and devote time to creating an even better brew someday.” The notion that he would lose his glen and the distillery of Glenbrae hurt deeply.
“Does your bride know you want to stay in the north?”
“I am sure she will want to be in the city near her father, but I will also continue practicing law here. We can travel back and forth as I have always done.”
“I am sure our firm would be able to give you plenty of cases.”
“Thank you.”
“I was surprised but very glad to hear about your marriage. You could not find a finer lady than Ellison Graham. Nor could she find a better man.”
