Page 62 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

“Not if Erin came with us.”

He gave a slow nod.” Anything you wish, my love.”

A flash of intimacy shivered over her flesh. Robert had never evoked such reactions. Suddenly, she truly feared for him.

“Must you really go?” The plea was stupid. Of course, he had to go.

His expression softened. “For anything else—anything at all—I would never leave your side. But I cannot abandon the ladies who risked their lives to help bring Napier and his partner to justice. They have…suffered.”

She nodded. “Of course. But promise to be careful.”

“I am in little danger. I will be at a ball, surrounded by people.”

She tilted her head and narrowed her gaze. “Yet, you will not allow me to go.”

“You did say you are in no mood to attend a ball.”

She wanted to tell him that she’d changed her mind, that she, his wife, should be at his side. Instead, she nodded and said, “So I did.”

He hesitated and she thought he might say more, but he returned her nod and left.

Alison leaned her head against the back of the chaise lounge and closed her eyes. Cameron was a capable man. He would deal with these criminals then return. But return to what? Her heart twisted. He deserved a better wife than her.

She turned her attention to the window. Stars twinkled in the distance. The creak of carriage wheels sounded from the street. She returned to the familiar fantasy of Robert’s return, their marriage, and children. Robert would never know the joys of fatherhood.

She swiped away a tear that trickled down her cheek. She should be mourning Robert as his betrothed, not as the woman who betrayed him. She’d fallen in love with someone else.

If only she had met Cameron under different circumstances. How possible might that have been? He’d been right about Henry. The ugly twist of his lips when he told her that Robert had died was an image she could never forget. Had he really thought she would marry him? Cameron had said that her protests would have been to no avail. He might be right. Her stomach turned at the thought of Henry forcing himself upon her. She’d grown up with him. Not in a thousand years would she have thought him capable of such deceit and treachery.

Alison closed her book and straightened. She couldn’t allow these thoughts to consume her. There had to be something she could do, something worthwhile. She could visit her cousin and make sure she was safe. Were Cameron’s threats enough protection? Would her uncle really harm Erin? Erin had never confessed incidents of abuse. But Alison was well aware that he kept a tight rein on Erin. His fury when he came to fetch Erin had been unmistakable.

Alison hurried to the bell pull near the bed and gave it a tug. She quickly changed into a long-sleeved dress, and was pulling on a pelisse when the door opened and Mrs. Cummings entered.

“Mrs. Cummings, forgive me,” Alison said. “I expected one of the maids. It’s after nine o’clock. You should be resting.”

Mrs. Cummings’ gaze sharpened. “Where are you going, my lady?”

“To see Erin. Would you mind asking to have the carriage brought around, please?”

Mrs. Cummings nodded. “I will come with you.”

Erin knew better than to argue. “As you wish. Just a short visit. I want to be certain Erin is well.”

Forty minutes later, they arrived outside Erin’s home. The driver helped Alison and Mrs. Cummings from the carriage and watched as they walked to the door. She knocked, and a moment later a footman opened the door.

“We are here to see Miss Lennox,” Alison said. “Please tell her that lady Alison is here to see her.”

“I am sorry, my lady, but Miss Lennox is not at home. She and her father went out for the evening.”

“Out for the evening?” Alison glanced at Mrs. Cummings. “Oh dear, Erin has forgotten our appointment.” Without waiting for a response from Mrs. Cummings, she said to the footman, “It is urgent I speak with my cousin. Have you any idea where she has gone?”

Without hesitation, he answered, “To a ball, my lady.”

“Do you by chance know which one?”

He shook his head. “I do not.”

“Might I speak with her maid?” Alison gave him a dazzling smile. “I would so appreciate the favor.”