Page 1 of A Scoundrel’s Promise

Chapter One

Mackenzie glanced at the sky. The dark clouds had scudded in faster than she’d anticipated. At any moment, Cora could demand to return home. Mackenzie tugged her mare’s left rein and started across an open field.

“Mackenzie,” Cora called.

Mackenzie ignored her friend and urged the horse into a canter. As anticipated, horse’s hooves pounded the ground behind her and, an instant later, Cora rode up beside her.

“Mackenzie Caine, your father will shut you in your bedchambers and my mama will not allow me to visit you again if they discover we have left Newborne.”

Mackenzie laughed. “Then we shan’t tell them.”

“You know full well that secrets do not stay secret for long on Newborne.”

“Then it is a good thing we shall commit our infraction off Newborne land.”

Cora’s brows shot up. “Need I remind you what happened the last time we disobeyed our parents?”

Mackenzie slowed her mare to a trot. “That was different. First, there were witnesses. A mistake I will not make again, I assure you. Second, it was Jamie who tattled.” She still hadn’t forgiven her brother. “Since we are alone this time, we need not fear discovery.” She cast a sideways glance at her friend. Cora’s lips had thinned, a sure sign she was about to rebel.

Wind whipped the tendrils of fair hair that had broken free of Mackenzie’s chignon. “I have heard that he is one of the most beautiful men to grace the Highlands. Surely, the chance to lay eyes upon such a fine male specimen is worth a small risk.”

Cora began to nibble on her lower lip, an indication she was torn.

“I hear the men of Blackstone Abbey wear their belted plaid every day,” Mackenzie said.

Cora’s head snapped in her direction, her mouth a small ‘oh.’ Her eyes abruptly narrowed. “You are making that up.”

She shook her head. “I heard Sir Stirling tell Papa.”

Cora released a sigh. “Sir Stirling is so handsome.”

“And married—with a baby,” Mackenzie reminded her.

Cora cast her a narrow-eyed glance. “You are making this up, so I will agree to accompany you.”

“Aye, I want you to accompany me. But you know I never lie.” Almost never.

“They are called The Beasts of Blackstone Abbey,” Cora said slowly. “That cannot be good.”

“How much of a beast could Lord Fraser be if he married Kyla Brodrick?”

Cora shrugged. “Mister Pettigrew swears that they are responsible for the cattle stolen from my father, as well as the theft of Mister Barnes’ chickens. According to Mister Pettigrew, Lady Arabelle swears they are missing chickens, as well.”

“Mister Pettigrew has nothing better to do than to find problems that do not exist. Soldiers do not steal cattle. Sir Stirling told me so when I asked if the men were truly guilty of stealing the cattle. I heard the same rumors you did. Sir Stirling says the rumor mongers are doing the gentlemen a great disservice by calling them cattle rustlers.”

“They were falsely accused?” Cora asked with a gasp.

“That is what Sir Stirling said. You must agree, he is a far more reliable source than Lady Arabelle or even Mister Pettigrew.”

“What are the chances we will catch sight of any of the men from the road? There is a wall around the abbey,” Cora said.

“Only the south wall is high,” Mackenzie said. “The other sides are but waist high. Not to mention, Lord Liam may very well be riding one of his horses. They say he is a magician with horses, you know. Even Papa commented on his unusual skill.”

“I do so admire a man in the saddle,” Cora murmured.

So did Mackenzie.

She pressed her advantage. “Everyone said that Lord Fraser was married in his belted plaid.”