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“Just get your things. I’ll meet you out front in ten minutes.”
Ainsley picked up her skirts and ran down the corridor toward her bedroom.
Sabrina pelted in the other direction, bursting into her room. She threw a wool pelisse over her evening gown and wrestled on her boots. Then she grabbed her reticule, along with a few bracelets and an opal necklace, and went back down the hall at a dead run.
When she reached the front door, Wilson and Ainsley were waiting for her.
“We look ridiculous,” Ainsley said as they hurried to the courtyard. “A mad rescue in our evening gowns. We’ll never hear the end of it from Graeme.”
Sabrina flashed a wobbly smile as the groom gave her a leg up into the saddle. The others quickly mounted, and within seconds they were pounding down the drive toward Dunlaggan.
Ten minutes later, they pulled up in front of the pub. It appeared the entire hamlet had gathered there.
“Here, my lady, let me help ye down,” said the butcher.
“Thank you.” She glanced around. “Quite the crowd.”
“Waitin’ to see what ye’ll do.” He leaned in to murmur. “We’re all sick of the Barrs, ye ken. But some still be fashed ye might be leavin’ us. Then we’d be in the lurch.”
Sabrina thanked him before facing the crowd. While some of the villagers seemed wary and suspicious, most looked to be quietly anxious and waiting for a sign.
“Ah, Mrs. Ferguson,” she said to the middle-aged woman who ran the small fabric and notions shop. “I’ve been meaning to chat with you. The draperies at Lochnagar are simply falling apart. May I come by your shop next week to discuss replacement materials?”
The woman blinked, then gave an eager nod. “Aye, my lady. I’ll start pulling samples.”
“Thank you.” Sabrina cast a glance over the small assembly. “I intend to visit all the shops and services in Dunlaggan over the next few weeks. There is a great deal of work to be done at Lochnagar, and I’m counting on your support to accomplish it.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and strode to the pub door. Royal reached it ahead of her.
“Well done,” he said.
“Money talks,” Ainsley added as she followed them inside.
“Let’s hope it speaks loudly to the Barr family,” Sabrina replied.
At a center table sat a brawny young man holding a cloth to his face. In his plain shirt, leather jerkin, and breeches, he looked like a local crofter. Sitting with him were Chattan and Monroe. A few other villagers were scattered about the room, most scowling at the young man.
Patty came out from behind the bar with a wet cloth in her hand. “Here, Magnus. Change it out with this one.”
The fellow gingerly pulled away the cloth he’d been holding and accepted the new one from her. “Thank ye, Patty. Yer a peach.”
Magnus had a black eye and his nose was obviously broken. Sabrina had a good idea who’d inflicted the damage.
“I’ll peach ye, ye booby.” Patty glanced at Sabrina. “Her ladyship is here. Now, ye behave yerself or I’ll break more than that nose, do ye hear?”
“Aye, Patty.”
The young man’s gaze followed the girl as she returned behind the bar.
Monroe jabbed his shoulder. “And dinna make those sheep’s eyes at my daughter. Yer nae good enough for her.”
“Och, Da. Leave him alone. He’s had enough of a beatin’ for one day,” Patty replied.
“Love is in the air,” Royal murmured.
“Maybe that’s why he decided to throw over the evil Jackie,” Ainsley replied.
“Let’s find out,” Sabrina said.
