Page 72 of A Rogue in Twilight
“Ah,” Eldin said. “Would this be the Highland bride, by chance?”
James frowned at that, wondering how his cousin had heard about that. The Earl of Eldin was an odd one, though. Perhaps, like Elspeth, he had the Sight.
“I do not know what you mean.” James patted Osgar’s great gray head.
“I think you do. But as I said, I will not take up your time. I only wished to extend an offer to purchase the place. I have fond memories of visiting my aunt and uncle here.”
James wanted to ask if the man had any fondness in him. “Thank you. Good day.”
After a moment, calling Osgar to follow, he left the room. As soon as he stepped into the corridor, a shriek echoed overhead. He glanced around just as Mrs. MacKimmie came around the corner.
“Och,the banshee is awake again! But our laird is already here, and it is only the weaver and his granddaughter arriving. Oh!” She looked at him. “Oh, aye!”
“What is it, Mrs. MacKimmie?”
“What if the laird’s bride is here?” she asked with a mischievous smile.
He huffed a wry laugh. “Please prepare tea for the MacArthurs.”
“Grandda, this isnot the way back to Kilcrennan!” Elspeth said as her grandfather turned down the earthen lane that led to Struan House. The manor, visible through the trees, was a pale stone elegance backed by autumn-bright hills under a blue sky.
“The glen road is in poor condition after the flooding. We’ll go this way.”
“This only goes to Struan House.”
“I forgot to answer the laird’s dinner invitation.”
“Send our refusal by post or messenger. Stop, please. I am not ready to see Lord Struan today,” she added miserably, reaching up to tuck loose tendrils of hair under her shabby brown bonnet, then smooth her equally shabby brown skirts and the old red plaid over her shoulders. She was dressed for weaving and errands, not for company, certainly not to see Struan. Pinching her cheeks, she realized they were likely already pink from the chilled air and sudden embarrassment.
“The laird also asked you to work with him on his writings. And to marry him. If you want to refuse him, do it yourself, for I will not.”
“What a devious thing to do, Grandda!”
“I am not proud of it, but here we are,” he said as the gig rumbled along the forested lane. “Remember when I told you how I met the fairy queen and fell under her glamourie? I am reminded of that today.”
“And the fairies gave you the gift of weaving. I know the tale. Very pretty. And I still wonder—but why tell me now? Just turn around and go home.”
“I did not tell you all of it.”
“We have no time for a new fairy tale here. Turn, please!” She pointed back.
He drove on. “I made a wicked bargain with the queen,” he said. “I did it to protect my family and further my trade. I bartered for the weaving gift and promised her my time and companionship because she lured me with her charm. But I was wrong to agree, and I pay for it every seven years.”
She looked over at him. “What are you saying?”
“I became the queen’s lover,” he said, “and she calls me back to her.”
Elspeth shook her head. “I do not want to hear this.”
“You should, because you must understand the danger they bring to anyone who dismisses their power. I cannot break the spell that binds me. It is a wicked trap. I betrayed my dear wife in that bargain. She knew I was caught by a fairy lover and yet she loved me still.” He glanced at Elspeth. “I would give anything to be forgiven for that.”
“If you could break the spell, you would lose your weaving gift.”
He stopped the vehicle under the trees. “I would give it all up,” he said, “never visit the Fey again, never see Niall again. Iwould give it all up for your happiness, and for the privilege of telling Peggy Graham I love her,” he added.
“Peggy! I thought so!” Elspeth set a hand to her heart. “Does she know?”
“Not all of it. Peggy is a fine woman who does not question my past or my secrets. I think she loves me. Ah, well.” He lifted the reins again. “I do not want you to make the same mistakes I made.”
