Page 124 of My Highland Love

Brentley whipped his glasses off and faced Price. “What do you make of this, Price?”

Price stepped up to them and extended his hand. “May I see the ring?”

Brentley placed it on Price's open palm. Ardsley stepped into the doorway and examined the ring. An instant later, he turned his gaze onto Marcus. “It looks very much like the ring Robert gave Elise.” He handed the ring to Steven.

“It could be a forgery,” Brentley said.

“Possibly,” Price agreed, then said to Marcus, “Have you other proof of your claims?”

“The night Elise was washed overboard, her husband tried to strangle her. She was forced—”

“That is common knowledge,” Price interrupted.

Satisfaction surged through Marcus. So this was to be the line Price would not have him cross. “True,” he agreed, “but there are details which wouldn't have been common knowledge.”

Price inclined his head. “Gentlemen,” he looked around the room, “in the interest of privacy, perhaps it would be best if we reconvened in my study.”

The men gave a general nod of agreement. Price grasped the servant's bell hanging near the door and tugged. A moment later, Simons appeared in the doorway.

“Simons, show my guests to the study.”

“Indeed, sir,” Simons replied. “If you would, gentlemen.” He bowed.

“I cannot leave Elise,” Marcus said.

The men hesitated, and Price said, “Gentlemen, if you will allow me, I will reassure Lord Ashlund that Elise will be well tended in his absence. Go with Simons. We'll be along directly.”

The men filed out of the room until only Steven, Marcus, and Price remained.

Price closed the door, then faced Marcus. “What do you want?”

“My wife,” Marcus said, and turned to carry the woman impersonating Elise back to the bed. He gently lay her on the mattress, straightened the covers about her neck, then faced Price.

“And the stocks?” Price asked.

“Yours, once you deliver her to me.”

“They are mine now.”

“All assets will be frozen for a minimum of three months,” Steven interjected. “That is the time it will take to confirm the Marquess's claim. And”—he added with a slight smile—”that could easily turn into six months. The board will wish to be extremely thorough in this matter. In the end, they will be mine.”

“It's a shame Robert's aim wasn't better,” Price commented.

“Be that as it may,” Steven replied evenly.

“You have until tomorrow evening to deliver Elise to the Josephine,” Marcus said. “The ship is docked in Boston Harbor and awaits our arrival before departing for England.”

“I have a signed affidavit giving me Elise's stocks,” Price said.

“I care nothing for your money,” Marcus said. “Return her to me, and I will not contest the documents.”

Price looked at Steven.

“My sister's life is worth the shares I gave her.”

Price returned his attention to Marcus. “You will dine with me tomorrow evening.”

“An early supper. I have a friend aboard the Josephine. He knows Elise and will send me word once she arrives.”