Page 54 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

Erin sat up. “That was but four days ago. You forgot your undying love and promise to Robert in four days?”

Guilt swept over her. She hung her head and nodded. “Aye.”

Erin snorted. “I told you he was dull.”

Alison snapped her head up. “What?”

“All this time you thought Robert so exciting.” She shrugged. “Then you met an exciting man.”

“Robert is a good man and I have betrayed him.”

“Of course, he’s a good man. But he is not the man for you. The real betrayal would have been to settle.”

Alison stared. “You believe Lord Weston is the man for me?”

She shrugged again. “I cannot say for certain. But I wager him far more the man for you than Robert.”

“Robert will never forgive me,” she whispered.

“Probably not. He can be priggish that way. A quality, by the way, you would not have appreciated over the years.”

Would she appreciate Cameron’s qualities over the years?

“Are we going to discuss the secret mission that Mister McIntyre and Lord Weston are working on for the king?” Erin asked.

Alison blinked. “What do you mean?”

“You mean he did not tell you?” Erin leaned closer. “Oh, Alison, it is all so exciting. They have been commissioned by the king to capture a criminal. Mister McIntyre couldn’t reveal who the criminal is, of course.” She whispered, “It’s all hush hush, you know,” then straightened and said in her normal voice, “and Mister McIntyre believes a gentleman my father is doing business with is involved.”

“Your father? Are you certain?” Alison’s thoughts raced. The criminal had to be Mister Napier. What had Erin’s father to do with sex traders?

“Can you imagine?” Erin went on. “Mister McIntyre is a Bow Street Runner.”

A Bow Street Runner? Alison’s head spun. Cameron had said nothing of this to her. “How did you come to know all this?” she asked.

“Well, I knew something was afoot. I do not know Mister McIntyre, but it was clear he was acting oddly. So, I pretended I knew what was going on.” She clasped Alison’s hand. “He asked me to tell him all I knew about my father’s acquaintance, for he said your life depended upon my telling him all. I am so relieved you are here. What happened?”

Alison hesitated. She loved Erin, but Erin wasn’t known for her ability to keep a secret. “Lord Weston has asked me not to tell anyone just yet. I did not know it was the king who has commissioned him, but I did know he was on a special mission.”

Erin’s expression clouded.

“What is wrong?” Alison demanded.

Erin gave a tiny shrug. “I do not know for certain, but Father may be involved in this mess.”

Dread coiled in Alison’s stomach. “What do you mean?”

“It seems he is doing business with a man who may be disreputable.”

“Oh, Erin.” Alison grasped her hand and squeezed. “It cannot be. Uncle Harrison has been stern with you these last years, but, surely, there is a mistake?”

“Perhaps. Mister McIntyre has assured me that I will be looked after if— Well, never mind that. I want to hear your story.”

Alison hesitated. Erin was too blasé. Should she press her cousin?

“Come.” Erin looked so hopeful.

Alison released a breath. “Do you mind terribly waiting until Lord Weston has finished before I tell you?” Erin frowned and Alison added, “I do so want to try and do as he asks.”

Erin’s expression cleared. “I suppose there are some things a woman must do for her husband—or husband to be.” She smiled. “I cannot believe you are really going to marry him this morning.”

Alison’s stomach did a somersault. God have mercy.