Page 21 of A Rogue in Firelight

“This is preposterous,” Corbie said. “Sir, you cannot seriously consider this.”

“If a justiciary court reviews their case soon, they could be tried and sentenced before the king arrives,” Sir Hector said. “Otherwise, it may be necessary to move them.”

“Move them? Where?” Ellison asked.

“Hanged,” Corbie barked. “All of them.”

Stunned, Ellison paused with her spoon halfway to her lips and stared at him.

“Moved out of the Castle,” Sir Hector corrected sternly. “To avoid attention.”

“King Geordie will want all the attention on himself,” Lady Strathniven said. “He will not like being upstaged by Highland heroes. He would throw a royal tantrum.”

Sir Hector coughed. “We should not express opinions on this so bluntly, my lady.”

“Aging widows can say what they like.” She sniffed.

“It would be horrid to hurry their sentencing for the king’s convenience,” Ellison said. “I hope you will not allow that.”

“They should get what they deserve,” Corbie said.

“Considering the uproar over the hangings that occurred here two years ago,” Sir Hector said, “the courts will avoid any hue and cry. Perhaps the man could be transferred into my custody until the king departs.”

“Wherever he goes, he must remain under guard,” Corbie said.

“I so love our wee scheme!” Lady Strathniven exclaimed.

“My lady, this is not amusing,” Sir Hector warned.

“Papa,” Ellison said, “Mr. MacGregor must be informed. What if he refuses to cooperate? He may not want to meet the king.”

Corbie huffed. “If he refuses, there would be consequences.”

“Consequences?” She looked at her father.

“I will see what can be done,” Sir Hector said.

Ellison stabbed a fat berry in her dessert bowl. “I had hoped for a reprieve.”

Corbie laughed. “Unlikely!”

“The man must appear proper in every respect.Comme il faut.We have our work cut out for us, Ellison dear,” Lady Strathniven said.

“I do not think it is decided,” Corbie said.

“I think it is,” Lady Strathniven said.

“It may be our best choice,” Sir Hector said. “Prepare the fellow and we will see.”

“I can tutor him in the etiquette required for a royal occasion,” Ellison agreed. “Papa, you said Sir Walter has written a pamphlet with advice on decorum?”

“He has. I will give you a copy.”

“When we are done with this Highlander,” Lady Strathniven said, “he will be a gentleman anyone would be proud to present. We could try his new skills at Strathniven with a country supper or a dance!” She clapped her hands.

“We are not giving this scoundrel a holiday,” Sir Hector warned.

“Sir, I do not believe your daughter should spend time with him,” Corbie said.