Page 124 of A Rogue in Firelight

In a moment of clarity, he knew she was part of his life now, heart and soul, and part of his family. He was grateful she had agreed to marry him so quickly, but if she needed time to think on it, he could wait. He would wait for her forever.

“What I want to know about Pitlinnie,” Ludo said, “is why he arranged to have Ellison taken, and what can be done about it?”

“I have my suspicions,” Ronan said, “but we must go carefully. We cannot accuse a man without evidence. It will not stick.”

“Says the lawyer,” Ludo remarked with a wise nod.

“And how is Mr. Corbie involved?” Donal asked.

“I might know something about that,” Rabbie Muir said. “Last night I went to the distillery. I wanted to make a good count of the kegs and bottles there, since we had not yet found the whisky store.”

“Aye. What happened?” Ronan asked.

“A man came to the yard, very late. He said he needed some whisky and would I sell him some. Said if I gave it to him for free, he might remember where the lost Glenbrae whisky was. I had a bad feeling, since only the thieves would know that. But I agreed, see, and then a second fellow came in and they took three kegs.”

“Did they tell you where the other lot was?” Ronan asked.

He shook his head. “They said the whisky was for a wedding celebration, and that I would learn about the missing whisky if I came with them.”

Ellison sat forward. “Came with them! Oh, Rabbie Muir, how dangerous.”

“But I am a careful fellow. They asked if Ronan MacGregor was about. Then they showed a pistol. I had no choice but to go with them.”

“Where did they take you?” Ronan asked. “Thank God you are safe.”

“They said we would go to a wedding. I was puzzled. But now, hearing you lot, it is clear to me. The marriage, see.”

Ronan frowned. “Whose marriage?”

“They said they needed whisky for the wedding and they needed me.”

“Why? As a witness?” Ellison asked.

“No, Miss Graham. They wanted me to perform a marriage.”

“Perform?” Ronan sat straighter. “Why you?”

“Rabbie Muir was a pastor when he was a young man,” Sir Ludo said.

“I did not know that.” Ronan blinked in surprise.

“I was ordained as a young man and had a parish north of here,” Rabbie said. “Well before you were born, lad. But the clearing agents came through that glen and put my home and church to the torch. I had to protect my family, my young wife, and my aging parents, see. Your father, Ronan, bless him, was laird of Glen Brae then. He took us in and made me his factor, even gave me land in the glen.”

“I knew you were my father’s factor,” Ronan said. “I did not know the rest.”

“No reason to tell it. But know there no one more grateful and loyal to your kin than Auld Rabbie Muir.” He thumped his chest.

“I know you were a great friend of my father and grandfather too. How did these men know about you? Did you make the marriage?”

“Nah. But it was some lad marrying his ladylove quick-like.”

Sir Ludo looked at Ronan. “You? And Miss Graham?”

“No,” Ronan said.

“I heard a name.” Rabbie pursed his mouth. “They said Corbie was to marry his lady love.”

“Corbie!” Ellison cupped her hands over her mouth.