Page 142 of A Rogue in Firelight

“I am accusing them of conspiring to kidnap me and endanger my life.”

“What?” He leaned toward her.

“But for Darrach, I do not know what would have happened to me that night. If Corbie had succeeded, I would be married to him now, and would certainly seek an annulment and charges of abuse in addition. Papa, this is why Darrach and I married impulsively—he wanted to protect me and prevent Mr. Corbie’s hateful scheme.”

Her father scowled down at her. “Ellison, this is madness.”

“It is the truth. I am married, aye. And I am happy, Papa. I chose this. I love him,” she emphasized. Her hands were shaking, her limbs were shaking. She continued. “You need to know that Adam Corbie is not the good man you think him to be. He and Pitlinnie planned to destroy Ronan MacGregor and take over Glenbrae whisky. And Corbie only wants to marry me so that Lady Strathniven will leave her estate to him. She is undecided. I think she sees more of the truth about Corbie than she wants to admit.”

“She has long been of two minds with him.” Brow creased, he sighed. “Adam tells this story differently.”

“I am sure he does. And I am sorry that you must learn the truth like this.”

“How did I miss this if it is true? I saw no indication of such behavior. Is it possible I have not paid attention to what goes on around me?” He spoke half to himself then.

“You are so busy, Papa, with much on your mind, and daughters you have raised alone. You do the best you can.”

“Too busy, though. Beaton is calling us over. Let us hear what he has to say. And I must read your account.”

Discussing the accusations and documents did not take as long as Ellison thought. Justice Beaton and Sir Hector were quick of shared mind, terse and efficient, and quick to conclude that Ellison’s claims were warranted until more was known.

“Sir Hector,” Beaton said, “I believe you need to employ a new secretary.”

“Whatever the truth is, my lord, I cannot give the man the benefit of the doubt where my daughter is concerned. As for this other fellow, Pitlinnie, I only know he makes a good whisky and is a generous donor to the city.”

“He donates to gain favor with the government,” Ellison said.

“That could be,” Beaton said. “He has some English peers in his pocket, I think. But I cannot guess what he would want with that.”

“He wants Glenbrae,” Ellison supplied. “He wants credit for the finest whisky to be his, not Darrach’s. If Mr. Corbie gains Strathniven and Pitlinnie has Glenbrae, they will combine and make a large profit for themselves. And even rise in the government.”

Both men frowned at that. “Interesting,” said Beaton. “Your daughter has a keen mind, sir. She might be correct.”

“She has a very keen mind, my lord. She is a writer, I wish to add. If her—husband gains the estates of Darrach and Strathniven someday, it might be a good thing for all.”

“Well, for now we can only try to resolve this situation. Was there mention of annulment, Miss? Or should I say, Lady Darrach?”

“Not at all, my lord.” She folded her hands calmly, fingers still, spirit calm and certain. She felt burdens leaving her shoulders, and thought of Ronan waiting for her outside. All would be resolved and they could find their happiness together—if her father ever recovered from the news of her marriage, she thought.

“I may have misjudged Lord Darrach,” Sir Hector said then, and she stared up at him.

“Many have been misjudged here,” Beaton replied. “The law will rectify it. Lady Darrach, thank you for bringing this to the court’s attention. I will pursue it. For now, I think it best to order Corbie and Pitlinnie to be detained until things can be sorted out. Your accusations have some weight.”

“Thank you. I did not want to cause trouble, but this had to be brought to light.”

“They will have a chance to defend themselves and the outcome remains to be seen.”

“Thank you, Lord Justice.” Though he was Sorcha’s older brother, she had only used his various formal titles.

“I am glad to help, my dear.” He stood. “And glad to assist Lord Darrach, knowing of his bravery in India. A worthy man. Now I must find my sister, who is waiting for me.”

Walking out beside her father, Ellison glanced around the hall but did not see Ronan. “They must be outside,” she said as they left the hall.

“I must say,”her father mused, “I began thinking differently about Darrach today. His willingness to place himself in jeopardy to help others is singular.”

“He would do anything for his friends and kin.”

“And for you. But what truly has changed my thinking is seeing you today,” he said, taking her arm. “You truly love this man. I saw that, and I saw how much he cares for you. He makes you happy—that is what I want for my daughters, though I may not show it. Even more, I saw a difference in you that I hoped to see someday.”