Page 246 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Eighteen

When the postern door closed behind Lochland, Talbot was ready for Rhoslyn as she rounded on him. He held up a hand to quiet her. “A moment, Lady Rhoslyn.” Talbot called to a lad waiting near the table. “Find Sir Baxter and send him to my private quarters. Look first on the wall. If he is not there, try the field where the men train.”

“Aye, laird,” the boy started to turn away.

“Lad.”

The boy stopped.

“Come with Baxter to my chambers.”

The boy’s eyes widened, but he turned and sped from the room.

Talbot turned back to Rhoslyn. “Where is Lady Andreana?”

Rhoslyn shook her head. “I do no’ know. She could be in her chambers, or mayhap she is sitting with my grandfather.”

“We had better find her and tell her she is married.”

Rhoslyn’s eyes rounded. “My God, St. Claire, what have I done?”

“Gotten us all hung, if your priest does not agree to forge marriage papers.”

“You mean ye really will betroth Sir Baxter to Andreana?”

“You were not sure I would?” He laughed. “If you had doubts, why did you tell Lochland they were married?”

“I could think of nothing else.”

“I suppose I should be glad you did not think of me killing him.”

“The thought crossed my mind,” she replied, and Talbot suspected it was more accurate to say that she considered killing him herself.

“Let us find Lady Andreana,” he said.

He strode to the kitchen and ordered one of the maids to find Andreana and send her to his chambers. He returned to Rhoslyn and they hurried to their private quarters.

When he closed the door behind them, she said, “What if Father Crey will no’ say they are already married?”

“He will agree if he wants any more contributions from me.”

Her mouth fell open. “Ye canna’ bribe a priest.”

“Aye, but I can.”

She shook her head. “He will do it to save her from De Quincy.”

“All the better. That will save me silver.”

“That is blasphemy,” she said, but he caught a hint of laughter in her voice, and relief flooded him. Perhaps she had seen reason and understood he wasn’t to blame for her grandfather being attacked.

“It is frugal,” he replied.

“We must have witnesses. Mistress Muira will surely agree. My grandfather. Perhaps some of your men as well, St. Claire.” Her brow knitted in worry. “Will Sir Baxter marry her?”

“He will do as I command.”

“I do no’ want him to hate her.”