Page 15 of A Rogue in Firelight (The Whisky Rogues #1)

I have a secret—

“Lord Darrach,” said a soft, beautiful voice, “shall we—”

“ I have a secret to disclose to you,” said he, “which cannot be divulged—”

“Lord Darrach,” Ellison repeated, “shall we discuss protocols for the royal visit?”

Ronan looked up from reading Jane Porter’s novel, Scottish Chiefs . He had secrets too. He smiled at her while rain tapped against the windows.

“Miss Graham.” Setting the book aside, he stood.

“Are you enjoying Miss Porter’s book?” she asked.

“I am sure Ellison Graham writes just as well, just as brilliantly.”

“Thank you.” She smiled, a tiny dimple emerging. “You have not read my work.”

“Someday I hope to. Is it time for our lesson?”

“Aye, we must review the protocols for the royal visit.” He saw she held a copy of Scott’s leather-bound booklet.

“Of course. Ah, Miss Beaton,” he said, as Sorcha entered the parlor carrying a basket of stitchery work, ready to act the gentle chaperone.

“Sorcha, do join us. Reviewing the guidelines for the royal visit will help all of us.”

“I am happy to, Elly,” Sorcha said as she sat beside Ellison on a sofa near the window. Ronan felt reluctant to sit on the thing himself, for its delicately curved legs gave him pause. He preferred more solid furniture. Sorcha resumed her needlework and Ellison opened the book. He chose a sturdy chair covered in red tartan cloth.

“Studying etiquette is a suitably dull task for a rainy day,” he said. “Proceed.”

Sorcha giggled, but his pretty tutor gave him a scathing look. “We have work to do,” Ellison said primly.

“I did want to ride out later, regardless of the rain.” He could not stay cooped up inside for long, after months in a dungeon cell. Besides, a Highlander was accustomed to being out in any sort of weather. Today he wore trousers and coat again, but at least they were his own; Donal had fetched them along with the rest of his Highland kit.

“Will you tour your Darrach estate, sir? I would love to see it,” Sorcha said.

“It is a distance from here. He may be too busy.” Ellison arrowed a look that warned him not to take the viscount ruse too far. He needed no reminder.

“If you would both like to tour the countryside, I will show you a pretty loch not far from here. Perhaps Donal would come with us.” He noticed Sorcha brighten at the mention of Donal, a handsome, engaging lad near her own age. “We could go fishing.”

“Could we do that tomorrow?” Sorcha asked eagerly.

“Perhaps,” Ellison clipped out. For some reason, she was not pleased with him. Did she worry he might indulge in a bit of smuggling if left to wander outside? He twisted his mouth sourly.

“We can catch fish,” he said.

“I do not want to catch fish,” Ellison replied, wrinkling her nose.

“I will show you the Highland method of fishing. It’s just the sort of thing one might read about in a book,” he added teasingly.

As he suspected, her eyes sparkled at the prospect of research. “Perhaps.”

“Tomorrow, then, if the weather suits.”

“Wonderful!” Sorcha, who easily radiated enthusiasm, beamed.

“Then it is settled. I will speak to Donal Brodie.”

“Perhaps Mrs. Barrow will pack a luncheon basket.” Ellison opened the book. “Now, let us discuss what is expected once the king arrives. Let me see.” She traced a finger over one page, the next. “Here. The Lord Provost and magistrates, with the sheriff and other officials, will meet the royal party when the king disembarks at Leith Harbor. The ancient keys of the city will be presented to King George, and the Edinburgh cavalry will lead the progress from Leith to Holyrood Palace... Darrach, are you listening?”

“Aye, madam,” he drawled, opening one eye. Sorcha laughed.

“Gentlemen are expected to wear a blue coat, white waistcoat, and white or nankeen pantaloons. This can be got up handsomely for an inconsiderable cost, it says.”

“I may have to miss this momentous occasion,” he remarked.

“You would look fine in that outfit.”

“I doubt anyone would look well in that. Besides, I am not expected to attend that part of the festivities.”

“True,” Ellison agreed. “My father will be there, but we can stay away.”

“There will be a large assembly of Highlanders in full regalia,” Sorcha said. “Will you join your clan, Lord Darrach?”

“If MacGregor of Clan Gregor summons me, I must answer.” He doubted it.

“In plaid, bonnet, feathers and all?” Sorcha smiled. “So romantic! Ellison, do you not agree Lord Darrach would be the grandest fellow there?”

“Grand indeed,” Ellison said, pink rising in her cheeks. “Some may elect to wear Highland dress, but Papa and other gentlemen will wear formal black and white.”

“We must comply, I suspect,” he said.

“Highland gear is a display of the pride and dignity of Scotland,” she said. “But I wonder if King George can appreciate the pride and tradition in the Scottish character.”

“He might try,” Ronan allowed.

Ellison still looked prim, a curious mood for her, he thought. “Back to the protocols,” she said, turning a page.

“Fire away, Miss Graham. Lord Darrach is fascinated,” Ronan drawled. Sorcha giggled again, but their petite and earnest teacher sent him a withering look.

He must stop teasing her, he thought. The ruse distressed her, from her role as tutor to his as viscount, her father’s involvement, and Ronan’s casual air too. But it could not be helped now. And since humor could make her eyes sparkle, he would try.

“Very few Scots have met the king or any royalty, unless they have attended court in London,” Ellison said.

“Then tell us, what fancy steps and phrases must we backward Scots learn?”

“Sir,” she warned gently, “do take this seriously.”

“Madam, I do.” He met her eyes directly.

“Papa says notable gentlemen will be invited to a levee at Holyrood Palace the day after the king arrives. You will receive an invitation, sir. It will come to Papa’s office, and you and Mr. Corbie will be in his party to attend the gentlemen’s levee.”

“Mr. Corbie too. How exciting,” he murmured.

Sorcha, stitching away, looked up. “Will ladies be invited to this as well?”

“A separate assembly will be held for ladies, with gentlemen escorting them. An evening ball is also planned for another evening.”

“It truly is exciting!” Sorcha said. “Darrach, will you attend the ladies’ assembly?”

“My invitation may only be to the gentlemen’s levee.”

“Surely you will be asked, as a Highland viscount!”

“Papa will make the arrangements for Darrach,” Ellison said. “You will be introduced there, and Papa will do that. Guests can only be introduced to the king by someone who has previously met him. Papa will be introduced to him when he arrives,” she went on. “Or you could give your card to the Lord-in-Waiting, who can present you.”

“My card?”

“You will need a few. Mr. Corbie is having some printed up for you.”

“Very helpful. Ah, Balor, come to join us!” Glad of the interruption, Ronan patted his knee as the little terrier trotted into the room and came straight to him.

“Will Lady Strathniven introduce us, Ellison?” Sorcha asked.

“I believe so. She will be introduced before we will. When a person is introduced,” Ellison went on, consulting the booklet, “they approach the royal dais between the lines of dignitaries, attendants, cabinet ministers, and so on. A lady must curtsy deeply to the king. A gentleman will drop the right knee and kiss the king’s hand.”

“What then?” Ronan stroked the dog’s warm, silky coat, feeling the rapid little heartbeats under his hand. He needed to know what to expect after the introduction.

“The crowd will be so great that each person must move forward. But guests must never turn their backs to the king when departing.”

“And this takes but a few moments?”

“Sir Walter says here that introductions take less than a minute.”

“And then it is done.”

“Aye,” she replied softly, watching him.

“And Lord Darrach will wear full Highland dress,” Sorcha reminded them.

Ellison nodded. “Gentlemen must wear full dress. Those who have an officer’s rank may wear their uniform, and Highland gentleman may wear their regalia.”

“Lord Darrach, do you have an officer’s rank, by chance?” Sorcha asked.

“Actually I do.” He felt Ellison’s quick, curious gaze. He had never mentioned it, nor was it in any of the documents Sir Hector had regarding him.

“Do you!” Ellison’s lips formed a sweet, bewildered moue. He wanted to kiss that mouth, but pulled his attention back to the moment.

“I do, but prefer Highland gear, and have a choice,” he said simply.

“This says,” she went on, cheeks pink, “any gentleman with the right to Highland costume as a chief or chieftain must wear proper Highland gear.”

“How does Scott define it?” Ronan ruffled the dog’s ears.

“Highland gentlemen may wear feathers in their bonnets—three eagle feathers for a clan chief, two for a chieftain, one for a Highland laird.”

“A single black feather suits if one carries a grudge,” Ronan added.

“I would not advise that,” she said crisply.

“Some might be tempted. Go on.”

“Full Highland costume, bonnet, sporran—and weapons. Those who wear Highland dress can also be armed in proper Highland fashion. That means steel pistols, broadsword, and dirk.” She made a wry face.

Ronan cocked a brow. “Armed in the king’s presence?”

Sorcha looked horrified. “How savage!”

“Anyone carrying weapons will be very cautious,” Ronan said.

“I hope so,” Ellison said curtly. “And Highland chiefs and chieftains will attend ‘with their tail on’—that is, attended by their followers.”

“Is the chief of Clan Gregor your kinsman, Lord Darrach?” Sorcha asked.

“A cousin, Miss Beaton.”

“Papa said the MacGregor chief will lead the entire Highland procession when the Honors of Scotland are moved from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse to be kept there during the royal visit,” Ellison said.

“How exciting this will all be!” Sorcha said.

“Very,” Ronan murmured. He doubted Sir Evan would welcome him in his tail of MacGregors. He rubbed the dog’s head thoughtfully.

“Balor is very attached to you,” Ellison said. “It will break his heart when you go.”

“Mine too,” he murmured.

She stood suddenly, hems falling softly around her feet. Ronan set the dog down and stood too.

“Sorcha,” Ellison said, “we should discuss the protocol for the ladies’ assembly.”

“We will. And I cannot wait to see my silk gown and feather headdress.”

“Ladies, I will leave you to talk of feathers and silks. Thank you for the advice, Miss Graham. I am the better gentleman for it.”

Ellison turned. Those eyes, those lips, that look of candor and something more. He felt the power of it push through him, heart and soul.

He spun for the door, terrier at his heels.