Page 129 of A Rogue in Firelight

Gray skies promisedmore rain as Ellison came downstairs that morning. She went toward her father’s study when Lewison emerged from the library carrying a silver tray with an empty cup and saucer. She knew it signified that that her father might have already left for the day.

“Good morning, Lewison. Is Papa still here?”

“Sorry, Miss, he left for breakfast with the Lord Provost. He came in late last night but insisted that you should not be disturbed. He asked me to tell you that he will see you this evening. Ah, a note arrived for you.” Setting down the tray, he handed her a small envelope. “Lady Strathniven sent a message over early this morning.”

Cracking the wax seal, Ellison read quickly. “I am invited to breakfast on Charlotte Square. It is not far, I can walk. If Papa should come home while I am out, do tell him where I have gone. Will you have someone look after Balor until I return?”

After rushing to her room for a bonnet and spencer against the light drizzle, she was soon on her way up the street. Lady Strathniven’s home on Charlotte Square was two blocks from her father’s house on George Street. Crossing Castle Street, she glanced toward her narrow townhouse, situated in the middle of a row on the hilly street.

Thanks to Mr. Cameron and Justice Beaton, the previous occupants had been sent away and the house was rented. She need not worry about that any longer. She owed thanks to Ronan, too, who had asked his friend Mr. Cameron to see to the situation. It was another thing off her shoulders, and another good thing that Ronan MacGregor had brought to her life.

Hope soared, but she could not shake the uneasy feeling that lingered beneath it. Once she had spoken with her father, and once the king’s visit was done, finally all would be well. It had to be.

Love and happiness must prevail. She could not let the shadows win.

“Heather sprigs,” LadyStrathniven said as she sat with Ellison and Sorcha at the dining table, “for our bonnets and headdresses. I had Jeannie pick an armful before we left the Highlands. The Edinburgh Ladies’ Silver Cross Society will give them out to the ladies at the royal events, and Mrs. Siddons will add heather to the bonnets she is making in her hat shop. During the king’s visit, we ladies can tuck a bit of heather in our bonnets or in our hair to show our pride in Scotland.”

“A lovely thought,” Ellison said.

“Indeed. Will the gentlemen have to wear heather too?” a man asked.

Ellison whirled to see Adam Corbie in the doorway. Suddenly the rainy day seemed gloomier. He looked at her and a tight, mocking smile.

“Adam!” His aunt sounded delighted. “You are here in time for breakfast.”

“Thank you, but I breakfasted already with the Lord Provost and Sir Hector.”

Ellison sucked in a breath. Had Corbie told Papa about the betrothal this morning? He would be sure to twist the tale in his favor. At least he did not know about her marriage and could not spread that news.

“Well, we are glad to see you,” his aunt said. “Will you stay here this week? You are welcome to, but you left Strathniven so hastily that we had no time to chat.”

“No, my lady aunt. I will keep to my rooms on Princes Street. There is much to be done and I would not want to disturb your household with my comings and goings.”

“We are busy as well. We were just going to do some shopping.”

“I would like a word with Miss Ellison before you leave.” As he came closer, Ellison leaned back in her chair as if to escape.

“It is a very busy day,” she began in protest.

“He only needs a moment, Ellison,” Lady Strathniven said blithely. “Come, Sorcha, we will wait for the carriage in the foyer.” She rose, as did Sorcha, who turned.

“Shall I stay?” she asked Ellison, her gaze sympathetic. She seemed to sense Ellison’s discomfort. “Cousin Adam, I have not had a chance to ask how you enjoyed the dance at my mother’s house.”

“Very much. You may go, Cousin. I want a quick private word with Miss Ellison.”

Ellison nodded. This had to be done. “I will see you in a moment, dear.”

When Sorcha left the room, Corbie took her arm firmly and drew her away from the door. As he began to close it, Ellison pulled her arm out of his grasp and faced him.

“Leave it open,” she said.

“I did not think propriety was that important to you.” He took her elbow in a fierce hold and pulled her toward a window niche where they could not be heard.

“And I thought acting the gentleman was important to you,” she returned.

“I have been considering for hours,” he began, “what to do about your betrothal.”

She raised a brow. “Did you tell Papa about—my engagement to Lord Darrach?”