Page 67 of A Rogue in Twilight
“The roads the Highland Commission planned several years ago are nearly complete,” John Graham said. “The work of Telford and others is making a difference throughout the Highlands. Between the new roads and older highways created under General Wade for the British campaign a century ago, the Highlands are more accessible than ever. It is good for tourism, which could prove good for Scotland.”
“I wonder if this glen was included in those plans,” James said. “Otherwise the cost of repairs could be considerable.”
“Submit an inquiry and a report on conditions here to the Commissioners for Roads and Bridges in the Highlands,” Graham said. “I know the fellow in charge. They would send an engineer to assess the problem. It might take time but could solve things.”
“May as well pay for it yourself, Struan,” Philip said, “if the roads and bridges are on your estate. Get the thing designed and hire the laborers and workmen.”
“Unless you lack funds for repairs,” Eldin said.
“If it must be done, I will take care of it,” James said curtly.
“Allow me to offer a donation for the work,” Eldin responded.
“Why would you do that?” James responded, wary.
His cousin shrugged. “It is a pretty glen. And I hear it is a place of fairy legends, too. I’m partial to such things,” he murmured.
Was the man mocking them, or trying to lay claim to Lady Struan’s book? James narrowed his eyes. “The legends here are similar to many in the Highlands. As for the work needed in the glen, I appreciate the offer, but it is solely my concern, sir.”
“I do not offer out of the goodness of my heart,” Eldin said. “This glen could provide a thoroughfare toward Loch Katrine and therefore my hotel. So I would prefer that your roads and bridges be in good repair.”
“I will keep that in mind,” James said, tight-lipped. After all, his cousin stood to gain if the MacCarran siblings did not meet the will requirements.
“How is your geology research going, Struan?” Philip Rankin asked. “And something about folklore too, as I understand it.”
“It is progressing nicely.”
“A while ago,” Eldin began, “I heard a tale of lost fairy gold in this glen. Have you encountered such a story?”
“Only in passing,” James answered. “There is nothing much to it. My grandmother did not even mention it in her notes.”
“She was a thorough scholar of folklore,” Eldin said. “I am sure she entrusted her work to you in good faith.”
“I am doing my best.”
“Gold?” Patrick looked intrigued. “A bit of gold would solve a lot of problems.”
“Certainly people must have looked for it,” Eldin said. “Temptation is strong where legends of treasure exist.”
“True. Have you encountered my MacArthur cousins while you have been here, Struan?” John Graham asked. James turned, grateful for a new subject. “I wish I had time for a visit, but alas we are set to meet with architects in the morning.”
“I have met Mrs. Peggy Graham and the MacArthurs,” James said carefully. “They are quite well.”
“Excellent! Please give them my best regards.”
“You must invite them to dinner while we are here,” Patrick said. “I remember meeting John’s cousin Miss MacArthur in Edinburgh. Lovely girl.”
Sipping his coffee, James nodded. “She is.”
“She was quite taken with you in Edinburgh.” Philip grinned. “The kisses flowed that afternoon, as I recall! You and Miss MacArthur seemed in agreement.”
“Met a Highland lass, did you?” Eldin asked. “Very good.”
Sensing the edge in the tone, James smiled flatly. He would be glad to see Eldin’s fancy barouche depart along the same rough and rutted glen road the man had complained about. And may the very de’il bounce him back to hell, he thought uncharitably. For some reason he was glad that Eldin would not meet Elspeth MacArthur.
Chapter Seventeen
Moving a heavyroll of tartan, Elspeth set down the bolt, tugged the roller free, and set it again on the loom. Removing the last yarn sett from the loom took a little time as she wound the spare yarns into bundles and thought about the next design. After completing a length of commissioned tartan, she now planned to weave a gift length to give to James at Struan. It would be a reason to see him again.
