Page 12 of The Secret Castle in the Highlands

Katie waggled her eyebrows at me. I wish she hadn’t done that. It just made me feel even more self-conscious, which was annoying. ‘Well, I’ll be off, then,’ she said from the doorway.

I ignored her loaded grin as she departed and watched as Darwin trotted into the kitchen, his ice-blue-ringed eyes shining out of his sprouts of grey and white fur.

‘Aren’t you gorgeous?’ I cooed, kneeling down to rub behind his mismatched white and ink-black ears.

‘I take it you’re addressing the dog?’

I glanced up, irritated for some reason by the glint in Mason Cooper’s magnetic eyes.

Darwin flicked out a strawberry-pink tongue and proceeded to lash me with wet kisses. ‘He’s so cute,’ I told his owner. ‘He’d be a great subject to paint.’

‘That’s if you could persuade him to sit still for long enough’ came Mason’s dry response. ‘Darwin! Come here, boy. He’s five but still acts like a mischievous pup.’

Darwin ambled back as commanded.

I offered Mason a drink, but he declined and sat down in one of the armchairs. He was wearing a creamy, chunky sweater and bottle-green combat trousers, which set off his dark, intense brows and light eyes. Katie was right. He was very good-looking.

‘So, your sister-in-law was telling me you’ve always had a deep interest in the Scarlet Highwayman?’

‘I have,’ I admitted. ‘Ever since I was at secondary school.’

He regarded me with inquisitive eyes like shards of silvery-grey quartz. ‘Can I ask why?’

I tried to bury the sensation of feeling self-conscious under his enquiring gaze. ‘I suppose I always felt not enough was known about him to make an informed decision on his character and what he may or may not be guilty of. That doesn’t seem to have stopped many of the locals, mind you.

‘There’s always been a lot of gossip about him,’ I added, ‘but nothing concrete. And the terrible things some people say he did – well, I’m still to be convinced.’

Mason ran a hand through his dark, crisp hair. ‘You mean the burning down of that orphanage and the murder of that high court judge?’

I studied him. ‘I can see you’ve been doing your homework.’

He gave a small smile. ‘I’m a historian. That’s what we do.’ Then he appeared to choose his words. ‘I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that highwaymen were not all brimming with irresistible charm.’

‘I never assumed that highwaymen were all dashing, wronged gentlemen,’ I replied with a hint of annoyance. ‘I read somewhere that Hounslow Heath in London used to be one of the most dangerous places in the country for violent highwaymen.’

He nodded, a dark eyebrow arching. ‘That’s right.’

‘Look,’ I said, ‘there’s just something about the Scarlet Highwayman that tells me people might be reading him wrong.’

Mason inclined his head. ‘I admire your dedication to this story, but you must know that at that time in Scotland, following the Highland Clearances and the Industrial Revolution, working-class Scots felt marginalised. They were the backbone of new farming methods, not to mention the linen and cotton industry, but they weren’t receiving the pay, conditions or recognition they deserved.’

I arched my brow in return. ‘I understand that it wasn’t until the early nineteenth century that there was such a thing as a regulated local police force?’

Mason’s mouth twitched. ‘That’s correct. And your point is?’

‘My point is that up until then, these individuals who were appointed law enforcers were placed there by wealthy members of society. They could be manipulated, controlled and easily used.’

Mason gave a brief smile. Two dimples, one in each cheek, made a teasing appearance. ‘Look, I agree no assumptions can be made about anything at the moment, and I think there’s a lot about this guy that needs to be revealed. And that’s why I’d really appreciate your input.’ He leaned forward. ‘Katie told me about what you’re planning to do with these cottages, so I’ll understand if you feel unable to commit any time.’ He glanced around the annexe. ‘She also mentioned that you’re an artist, is that right?’

‘Struggling, but yes.’

‘Well, if you are too busy to assist me, I’ll understand.’

I shook my head. ‘No, I’d like to help. I’ve been saying for years that the Scarlet Highwayman story should be looked into properly.’

‘That’s great. I really appreciate it.’

I took in his strong jaw and the way his hair furled at the back of his neck. ‘Have you moved here to Port Starr?’ Katie had already told me he had, but I didn’t want to seem too interested and give him the impression he was the talk of the town. Something told me he had enough confidence as it was.