Page 10 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

Cameron caught up to him with Selwick close behind.

***

Alison placed a small log on the fire then sat in the chair before the hearth. The longer she waited, the angrier she became. She rose, unclasped her cloak and tossed it over the back of the chair, then dropped into the seat again. The viscount had appeared surprised to see her, but he had to know she was there because of his note to her cousin. She was glad he had discovered her presence. When he returned, she was going to have it out with him. He would never again come near Erin.

It seemed forever before she heard heavy bootfalls in the hallway again…and raised voices. Had someone shouted Erin’s name? That voice. The door burst open and she shot to her feet. Alison stared at her Uncle Harrison and Lord Selwick.

“Uncle? What—”

“Alison?” He scanned the room, his brows drawn down in a ferocious frown. “What are you doing here? Where is Erin?”

Fear stabbed through Alison. He must have learned of Erin’s intended rendezvous with the viscount and came to deal with the rogue.

She started toward him. “All is well, Uncle Harrison. You need not worry.”

“Need not worry? I asked where my daughter is. I know she is here.”

Her heart sank. “My hope is that she is home safe in her bed.”

“It seems you have the wrong girl,” Lord Selwick said. “Tis your niece you should have been concerned with.”

Alison didn’t like the smirk on Lord Selwick’s face. “There is no reason to be concerned. I came here—”

“No explanation is needed, my lady,” Lord Selwick said.

“I would like an explanation,” Viscount Weston interrupted, an odd expression on his face.

“You hardly have room to make demands when we find Alison here in your bedchamber.” Selwick rested a hand on Lennox’s shoulder. “It seems you were misinformed. You can rest easy that your daughter is not involved in this scandal.”

Redness crept along her uncle’s neck, and his mouth formed a rigid line.

“I, er, I—” Alison knew her explanations would tarnish Erin if she were to confess her reason for sneaking into the viscount’s home.

All was not yet lost. She just needed to think fast. Somewhere there was an explanation that would not only protect Erin, but also deliver her from this unfortunate situation.

“You play loose and fast, eh, Hunter?” Selwick said.

“That doesna make sense,” her uncle said. “Alison is a sensible girl. I am sure there’s a good explanation.”

“For her being in Hunter’s bedchambers?” Selwick laughed.

“My uncle is correct,” Alison said. “Things are not as they seem.” Think. “I…I had a meeting with the Viscount Weston.”

“Indeed?” Selwick said. “What was the purpose of this meeting?”

“Business, but you know how it would appear if I were to meet with him in public.”

“What type of business?” her uncle demanded.

Her gaze snapped to the viscount.

He stepped up beside her. “She is interested in the arts and thought I might be of assistance.”

“It is well known that Lord Weston is acquainted with women of the stage,” Alison said. His reputation had him acquainted with women from just about every profession…and now she could include prostitution.

He cocked a brow in her direction.

“Then, I suppose you are in disguise to avoid detection but, what, for a part in a play, perhaps—and”—Lord Selwick arched a brow—“your dress ripped during rehearsal.”