Page 20 of A Rogue in Firelight
“Scheme?” Ellison looked from one to the other. “Has something been decided?”
Corbie frowned. “Whatever we say here is in strictest confidence. It could pose a risk for all of us,” he added somberly.
“I know,” his aunt answered. “And I have thought about your predicament. Some say the only thing King George truly admires about the Scotch is their whisky, true?”
“We intend to show him all that is good about Scotland,” Sir Hector said.
“You must please him. Yet you cannot trot a prisoner before a king, even if the man brews the best drink in the Highlands. Thus, a scheme is needed, and I can help.”
“We cannot risk disappointing the king,” Sir Hector said.
“Then you must send the fellow to Strathniven for the summer. He can be properly trained for a royal introduction there, and no one would be the wiser.”
“Strathniven? Interesting.” Sir Hector frowned thoughtfully.
“It is a good suggestion, Papa,” Ellison said.
“The man is in prison!” Corbie protested.
“Let him out. Surely Sir Hector can arrange that.” The lady waved a little silver spoon and dipped it into the trifle.
“It is not that easy,” Sir Hector replied. “Marjorie, what do you know of Glenbrae and Darrach? Both glens are near Strathniven. Did you know the viscount?”
“There are so many MacGregors up there. But I never met the viscount, nor do I know your MacGregor. He reminded me of someone, though perhaps I was mistaken. They are a handsome people, the MacGregors. Such presence.”
Sir Hector waved impatiently. “What of Viscount Darrach?”
“I never met him, as I said. Castle Darrach is a long ride from Strathniven, but I enjoy touring the countryside up there, and have ridden through the glen in my carriage. So picturesque! You must see it next time you visit! I did hear the viscount was a young man, killed while hunting, they say. Very tragic.”
“They say a bit more than that,” Corbie commented.
“My housekeeper mentioned talk of murder and smugglers in those hills. But there are ruffians all over the Highlands who misbehave. Every Highland glen has dozens of stills, they say. The people are clever at hiding them and carting their whisky about secretly. They have no choice if they want to survive,” she added crisply.
“They are caught often enough by excise officers,” Sir Hector defended.
“It is not for me to condemn what they do. But I never venture out at night unless my driver takes me to visit a friend or my sister. She has a country house not far from mine, you know.”
“Mrs. Beaton is a lovely lady,” Sir Hector said.
“If this viscount met with calamity, remember that some Highlanders resent members of the peerage.” She pursed her lips. “When my husband’s father acquired Strathniven years ago, it was part of a vast estate once held by MacGregors. A forfeited earldom, I believe. My husband was granted a title of viscount. Not everyone in the region was pleased about it. Jacobite loyalties and resentments linger there.”
“Those resentments may never end, Aunt.” Corbie helped himself to more trifle.
“True. Some years ago, a few MacGregors petitioned to regain their ancestral land lost in the uprising. I remember solicitors waving documents about and arguing, but my husband prevailed. It was his right through the Crown. Such handsome and nice young MacGregors, they were. I felt sorry for them. What a delicious pudding!” She dipped her spoon again. “Fresh peaches and strawberries. Wonderful. Tell me, how long will Mr. MacGregor be a guest at Strathniven?”
“I cannot promise he will be there,” Sir Hector said.
“Dear Aunt, remember that he is a criminal,” Corbie said.
“Ellison and I saw these men when you did, Adam. And I saw three proud and vigorous Highland men in difficult circumstances. Since this laird of Glenbrae is a neighbor of Strathniven, I would like to be of help.”
“Are you sure, Marjorie?” Sir Hector asked quietly.
“Yes. The solution to your predicament seems simple to me. The fellow must be prepared for a royal introduction. That cannot happen in prison, but we can accomplish it at Strathniven, where only we would know who he is.”
“It would take time to prepare him,” Ellison said.
“A fortnight or two, even longer,” Lady Strathniven agreed.
