Page 125 of A Rogue in Firelight

“I did not know the name. But now I am thinking those who wanted the whisky stole Miss Graham last night.”

“Devil take the man,” Ronan growled. “Was Corbie there?”

“He was to meet them but never showed. Nor did the lass.”

“Indeed,” Ronan drawled. “How did you get away?”

“They took me near Loch Brae. That made no sense to me, for there is only that cursed water and that rotten old tower. They left me waiting in the cart,” Rabbie explained. “But then horses got loose, and the idiots went chasing after them. And me sitting with the whisky in a cart. So I left and came here.” He shrugged.

Ronan laughed, shook his head. “We are glad you did.”

“If they looked for find me, they did not think to come here. And now we have our whisky back. All of it.” Rabbie looked smug and satisfied.

“So Corbie meant to force Ellison into marriage,” Ronan said.

“I fear so,” Rabbie said.

Ellison looked at Ronan. “They mentioned others. Perhaps they meant Pitlinnie.”

He nodded. “Corbie and Pitlinnie must have schemed this at the cèilidh after we told him we were engaged. I saw them deep in discussion later.”

“But why would they bother to stage a marriage?” she asked.

“He wants to prevent our marriage, and thought this would do it.”

“How did they know you could marry them, Rabbie Muir?” Mairi asked.

“Some in the glen know about it. I am muckle glad his plan was ruined.”

“So am I,” Ellison said.

“Likely he is on his way to Edinburgh,” Ronan said. “And I mean to find him.” He fisted a hand on the table, taut whitened knuckles containing his anger.

“Miss Graham may still be in danger if he was that desperate to marry her,” Sir Ludo said. “What does the fellow really want?”

“I wish I knew.” Ronan glanced at Ellison, who began to reply.

“He wants Strathniven,” she said. “He is Lady Strathniven’s heir, but she insists that he find a practical wife if he expects to inherit.”

“He wants your father’s approval and favor very badly too,” Ronan murmured.

“He does. With a good marriage and a peer’s title, he could rise high in a civil office. And if he sees Papa before I do, he could convince him that he should marry me. Papa relies on him. Favors him.”

“We must get to the city before he does any more damage.” Ronan flexed his hand, anger simmering. Ellison rested a gentle hand on his forearm. He relaxed, feeling the care in her touch.

“What if we could ensure that Mr. Corbie cannot marry our Ellison?” Mairi asked. Ronan and the others looked her way.

Our Ellison.He drew in a breath. “What do you mean?”

“Mr. Muir, what do you think?” Mairi smiled at Rabbie, sitting beside her.

He tipped his head. “I would be honored to perform marriage for those two.”

“Now?” Ronan glanced at Ellison. He immediately saw the sense in it. And he knew how much he wanted it. But he tipped a brow toward her in silent question.

Ellison stared up him, eyes wide. “Married, now?”

“If it is agreeable.” His heart thumped. “I would agree. But it is up to you.”