Page 70 of A Rogue in Firelight

“Soon. You bought something pretty, I trust? You came back looking pleased.”

“Gowns for the ladies’ reception in Edinburgh.”

“Ah.” His gaze touched hers, blue as the silk of her gown. He lifted his cup and sipped, again glancing toward the men in the corner.

“Do you know them?” she asked quietly.

“Aye.” He rose to his feet. “Ladies, forgive me. I see friends and must greet them. Enjoy your tea and cakes. I will be back shortly.”

*

What brought Aleckand Geordie Muir to the hotel’s tearoom? This was not a usual stop for them. Had something happened? Crossing the room, Ronan resisted the urge to look back. Of course Ellison was safe, he told himself. These lads were not scoundrels, though that sort might be around, unnoticed. He felt wary, prickly with it.

“Sir.” Geordie glanced past Ronan. “You keep gentle company today.”

“I do. Good to see you both. We can talk outside.” He led them out and through the yard in the afternoon sun, pausing under the shade and privacy of beech trees.

“I saw your grandfather,” he said.

“He told us you came to the distillery,” Geordie replied.

“We came to Kinross today for supplies and saw Mr. Cameron in the street,” Aleck added. “He said we could find you at the hotel.”

“Is there news?” Ronan sensed tension. Rabbie Muir was loyal as old oak, but these young lads had to make their own way and take care of a mother and sisters. They might do whatever was necessary. Pitlinnie could tempt young lads like these two to do smuggling and underhanded deeds if funds were needed. “You can be honest with me.”

“Good news, and some not so good,” Aleck said. “Geordie will take over the work of the farm from Grandda. Our lad will be married soon.” He clapped his brother on the shoulder. “Mary MacGillie down the way.”

Geordie nodded. “She works at Strathniven House.”

“I met the lass. Cheerful and capable, and just as ginger-haired as you. We may expect bonny ginger bairns someday.” He grinned. “I wish you both well.”

“We would be honored if you would come to our wedding in the autumn.”

“I will do my best. What other news?” He saw Geordie glance at Aleck.

“We would like to open our own distillery,” Aleck said. “Did Grandda say?”

“He did not. But it is a good plan.” Ronan waited, expecting more.

“Have you seen Pitlinnie?” Geordie asked briskly.

“I have not had the pleasure,” Ronan drawled. “Something I should know?”

“He makes more profit than ever moving goods, and no one is the wiser. Those who know keep quiet about it.”

“Safety is a good reason.”

“Sir, we could earn extra money with him,” Aleck said.

“If you truly want to work with that rascal, go ahead.”

“Some of our cousins are doing so, but they are not as discreet as Pitlinnie thinks,” Geordie said. “They tell us what they know.”

“So we heard Pitlinnie says he wanted you and your friends out of the way, and so it was done,” Aleck said.

“The arrest? Did Pitlinnie put the excise on us?” Ronan asked sharply.

“He might have arranged it.”