“Aye. He has a townhouse next to my master’s.”
Her breath caught. “He’s here? In Edinburgh?”
The man grimaced apologetically. “Not just now. Not been here for a while. He’s away at his estate in the country.”
Her hope collapsed just as quickly as it had risen. “Do you know where the estate is?”
He shook his head. “No idea I’m afraid.”
Ruby nodded her thanks and sat back, thinking this through.
The door suddenly opened and Evan stepped inside. Her traitorous heart did a little flutter at the sight of him. He paused just long enough to scan the room before crossing to her table and taking a seat.
She slid her plate toward him. “Try the bacon. It’s incredible.”
He glanced at the plate, then at her. “What are ye doing?”
“Having breakfast. What’s it look like?”
His eyes flicked to the patrons and then back to her. “I told ye to stay in the room.”
Ruby scowled, irritated by his tone. “Do I look like an unruly toddler to you? No? So stop ordering me about like one.”
His mouth flattened. “Ye shouldnae be down here alone.”
“I’m not alone. The room’s full.”
“That’s not what I meant and ye know it.”
She crossed her arms. “Then perhaps you ought to stick around and explainwhyit’s not safe instead of sneaking out while I’m asleep and leaving me a bloody note!”
“I didnaesneakanywhere,” he snapped. “And I’d thank ye to—” He exhaled sharply, clearly biting back something sharper. “I went to discover where we can find yer cousin. And I did. I know where we can find Charlotte.”
“Oh?” she said lightly. “At Niall Campbell’s estate in the country?”
The surprise on his face was deeply satisfying. “Ye already know?”
“Funny how listening gets you places. And there was no sneaking involved.”
For an instant, he looked genuinely off balance. Then his expression shifted. “And ye know where this estate is?”
Her smile faltered. “Um. No.”
“Then it seems my sneaking was needed after all.” He picked up a piece of bacon, took a bite, then curled his eyebrow, his cocky smile returning. “Ye are right. That is good.”
Ruby pressed her lips together before taking a sip of her drink. It was some kind of posset, warm and slightly spiced. She tried to maintain her annoyance but she felt it slipping away.
How can I feel annoyed? I’m in Edinburgh. I’m with Evan. And I’m one step away from seeing Charlie. Everything is perfect!
EVAN DIDN’T RELAX UNTILthe city walls were behind them.
Even then, he kept turning in his seat, eyes skimming the road, the press of people around the gates, watching for unfriendly eyes marking their passage. He saw none. But that didn’t mean they weren’t there.
Clucking to the horse, he flicked the reins, urging the beast on. The stalwart white mare flicked her tail in annoyance and carried on plodding. He’d hired the horse from the innkeeper with coin he could ill afford to part with, but speed and anonymity mattered more than thrift.
He kept his cloak pulled high and his shoulders hunched. As they moved through the city, he glanced back, alert for a passerby who lingered too long, or someone following who slowed when they did. Nothing. Just the road, muddy and rutted, stretching away behind them.
In front of him, Ruby sat up straight, looking around eagerly as they rode. She seemed...excited. In fact, she could hardly sit still, practically bobbing in her seat—much to the irritation of the horse.
