Page 153 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
“If Fletcher has a warrant, it would be foolish to ignore it. Besides, I refuse to bring that sort of scandal down on this family.”
Ainsley waved a hand. “Who cares about a little scandal?”
“I do, and it’s hardly little. I killed a man, remember?”
The girl’s deep violet gaze went cold. “He deserved it. You did the world a favor.”
“The world—and the law—might not agree. And they certainly won’t if I’m not there to tell them the truth.” She turned and started down the stairs.
Ainsley followed her. “Then have Alec go to Glasgow to tell your story for you. I’m telling you, Victoria, you have no idea what will happen once this gets out. Thetonwill tear you apart. They’ll try to destroy you.”
“I’m afraid of all that, too. But hiding away at Kinglas will only make things worse. If I won’t stand up and defend myself, most people will assume I’m guilty of a crime I did not commit.”
“But they’ll probably do that anyway. People are . . . awful.”
That statement made Victoria even more certain that something terrible had happened to Ainsley. She wished she had more time to find out what it was, but time had run out for her.
“You’re right. But they can also be wonderful, and loving, and brave. My friends and family will help me. I will not be alone.”
The girl shook her head, clearly unconvinced.
“Keeping secrets has not made my life better or safer,” Victoria said. “It’s time to tell the truth, no matter the consequences.”
Clearing her name was the only possible way she could have a future, whether Nicholas was in it or not.
“I understand all about how secrets can poison your life,” Ainsley said bitterly. “Sometimes, though, you have no choice but to drink the poison and hope you’re strong enough to survive.”
Victoria gave her a quick hug. “I promise we’ll talk about what’s bothering you when I get back.”
Ainsley went as still as a hunted rabbit. “There’s nothing—”
The front door opened and Andrew rushed in. “Miss Knight, a carriage is comin’ up the drive. The bast—er, the visitors from Glasgow, I ken.”
Victoria managed a calm nod. “All right, Andrew. I’ll let the earl know.”
She took off toward the library, Ainsley in her wake.
“You don’t have to be present for this encounter,” Victoria said. “It likely won’t be pleasant.”
“Oh, good. I’m at my best when people are being unpleasant.”
Victoria threw her a wry smile, then tapped on the library door and went in. Nicholas stood behind his desk, talking to Alec, who paced in front of him like a caged animal. Royal had been sitting quietly by the fire but immediately hauled himself to his feet, his intent gaze going to Ainsley.
Surprisingly, the girl went to join him. Royal briefly rested a hand on her shoulder before turning his attention back to his brother.
“There’s a carriage coming up the drive,” Victoria said.
“Dammit,” Nicholas muttered. “It didn’t take them long.”
“I’m sure Mr. Fletcher is eager to get it over with. As am I.”
“You’re not setting foot outside this castle, Victoria. I will protect you here.”
“Protect me from what, my lord. The truth?” He looked torn between anger and worry and as frustrated as she’d ever seen him.
“The truth isn’t always enough. We both know that.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Really? If we’d told each other the truth from the beginning, we might not be in this mess.”
