Page 154 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
He seemed to debate with himself for a few moments. “All right, but I’m going with you,” he finally said. “I’m your fiancé, which I will be sure to communicate to the court. That should count for something.”
“But you know that sort of relationship holds no standing under the law.” Besides, Victoria didn’t want to expose him to scandal any more than she had to.
“I have another suggestion,” Alec said. “I was just starting to explain it to Arnprior.”
Victoria cocked a questioning eyebrow.
“The earl should depart for Glasgow immediately,” Alec said. “If he goes by horse and changes often, he can reach the city in time to speak privately to one of the justice commissioners and to see his barrister. Then, when we arrive, we’ll be well armored for anything Fletcher throws at us.”
When Nicholas started to object, Alec held up a hand. “Arnprior can also send an express to Dominic as soon as he gets to Glasgow. Dominic will know how to handle this.”
“He hasn’t so far,” Nicholas said.
Victoria couldn’t help but agree with that assessment. Still, it would be more than sensible to alert Dominic. Though unlikely, Fletcher might have slipped out of London without his being aware of it.
“I think that’s a sensible plan,” she said to Nicholas.
“It’s not, because I wouldn’t be with you,” he gruffly replied. “To protect you.”
She took in the warmth and concern on his normally stern features, and saw in his gaze the driving need to protect those he loved. It made her fear seem to shift and settle. “You will be with me after we get to Glasgow. Then you can be an overbearing, protective old bear, and I won’t mind at all.”
He came around the desk to take her hands. “I cannot stand the idea of you being stuck in a carriage with that madman without me there.”
She smiled up at him. “You know Alec won’t let anything happen to me. And if it makes you feel better, I’ll try to annoy Mr. Fletcher as much as I can.”
“I might have to throttle the idiot,” Alec growled.
“He’s a grieving father,” she said. “I’m sure he’s convinced himself that I’m the villain, not his son.”
“I understand his pain, but that doesn’t give him the right to ignore the facts or come after you,” Nicholas said.
“Grief makes us do many things we might eventually come to regret,” she said softly, gazing up at him.
Victoria saw the flicker of understanding in his gaze, but then he shook his head. “Or not, which seems to be the case with Fletcher.”
“She can’t hide out here forever, Nick,” Royal said, breaking his silence. “And it makes sense that you go on ahead.”
A rap at the door ended the discussion, and Taffy came in. “The officers are here, Laird.”
Nicholas glanced down at Victoria. “Are you ready for this?”
No.But she nodded.
He stepped in front of her. When Alec moved to stand beside him, Victoria blew out a breath.
“I’m fine, really,” she said, wedging her way between the two brawny men.
“Stubborn lass,” Nicholas murmured. “Let them in, Taffy.”
They waited in silence until the housekeeper returned with two men. “Sergeant Blair and Constable Gow, from Glasgow,” she announced in dour tones.
Small and wiry, with pale orange hair peppered with gray and an enormous mustache, the sergeant marched officiously into the room. The constable was considerably younger, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a diffident manner that suggested he was out of his depth. When he glanced around the room, he winced at all the scowling faces.
“I am Lord Arnprior,” Nicholas said, stepping forward.
“I’ll no thank ye for keepin’ us waitin’,” Blair said. “We’re here on official business of the Glasgow Justiciary, and we’ll no be put off by the likes of her.” He jerked a thumb at Taffy.
“My housekeeper takes her direction from me,” Nicholas said. “And you will address me appropriately, sir, is that clear?”
