Page 41 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

***

Erin forced back frustration and smiled politely as she and Mrs. Cummings sat on the couch near the hearth. Mister McIntyre occupied the chair nearest the housekeeper.

Erin caught the slight narrowing of Mister McIntyre’s eye when he said, “Miss Lennox, I assume you have not seen Lady Alison this evening?”

Erin smiled sweetly. “I have not seen Alison in four days.”

Mrs. Cummings wrung her hands. “This is all my fault. I should have kept a closer eye on her. Oh, where could she have gone?” She looked at Mister McIntyre. “You have no idea where she might be, sir?”

He offered a gentle smile. “Rest assured, Mrs. Cummings, Lord Weston will find her.”

Her brow furrowed. “Do you really think so?”

He nodded. “I do.”

Mrs. Cummings turned toward Erin. “It is after one, Miss Lennox. What in the world are you doing out so late?”

“I was—”

“She was worried about Lady Alison,” Mister McIntyre cut in before Erin could finish her reply.

Erin shot him a narrow-eyed look, which he ignored.

Mrs. Cummings grasped Erin’s hands and squeezed. “You are a good friend, Miss. Lady Alison will be so glad to see you when she gets home.” She jumped to her feet. “Where is that footman with the tea? Leave it to a man to make a simple job difficult. I had better see what he’s up to.”

She left the room and Mister McIntyre pinned Erin with a hard look. “You allowed me to believe you were Lady Alison.”

“I specifically told you I was not Alison,” she replied.

“But then you allowed me to think you were.”

“Just because I didn’t argue with you? What was I supposed to do, overpower you with my superior strength?” An idea struck. “Alison told me everything,” she said.

“What?” His brows dove downwards. “Why, you wench. You just told us that you hadn’t seen her in three days.”

Erin shrugged. “Do you really think Alison’s housekeeper should be privy to your, er, business?”

He scooted forward onto the edge of his seat. His gaze narrowed and she willed herself not to flinch when he said, “You are to say nothing to anyone of what Lady Alison has told you. Tell the truth. Do you know where she is?”

Erin hesitated. What might she say to get more information from him?

“Do not toy with me, Miss Lennox. Lives are at stake.”

“Alison’s life?” she blurted. His serious tone sent a chill along her spine. “What have you done with her?”

“What have I done with her?” he shot back. “I was out looking for her when I found you.”

“We both know why she fled,” Erin lied.

His brows dove downward. “You speak as if I am to blame for her running away.”

“What of Lord Weston?”

“No,” he said, but his expression confirmed his lie.

“I’m going to call the constable.”

He drew in a breath. “I cannot allow that.”

Her heart raced. She glanced at the door. Where was Mrs. Cummings?

“You are not to say a word to anyone, do you understand?” he demanded.

Erin snapped her eyes onto his face. Surely, he wouldn’t harm her, not here in the Earl of Weston’s home? Mrs. Cummings would return any moment. If she screamed, half a dozen servants would descend upon them. She glanced at the door again.

“Forgive me, Miss Lennox, but I cannot allow you to leave.”

Erin leapt to her feet and lunged toward the door. Strong fingers closed around her arm and swung her around. She crashed into Mister McIntyre, breast to chest. He hugged her close.

“Release me!” She pounded his chest.

“For God’s sake, Miss Lennox, cease your screams,” he growled.

She drew a breath to scream and he clamped a hand over her mouth and crushed her to him. He stared down at her. Tears burned the corners of her eyes.

“Bloody hell,” he cursed. “Miss Lennox, I am with Bow Street and Lord Weston and I have been commissioned by the king to capture a criminal.”