Page 26 of Keeping Kate

“My mother was born a MacDonald of Keppoch.”

“Keppoch MacDonalds are strongly Jacobite—yet you are a Fraser and a regimental officer. But what sort of Fraser are you, the Whiggish or the Tory sort?”

“Comme ci, comme ça.”He wiggled his fingers.

She frowned. “A captain in a Highland independent company, wearing Highland gear and speaking only a little Gaelic—I would guess you are kin to Fraser of Lovat.”

“Astute,” he said, offering no details.

“Simon Fraser of Lovat, your chief, usually toes the line in this dispute over the claim to the throne, when he is not turning in Scotsmen he previously supported. They say that he now refuses to acknowledge James Stuart as Scotland’s true king.”

“Do they? A very well-informed lass.” He folded his arms.

“It is not difficult—Lovat is well known among Highlanders and Lowlanders both. He began the first independent companies of the Highland Watch, and that was well done—until he gave control of it to the British. One would assume he would make sure to place his kin as officers, so that he could keep his influence in the operation.”

“One would assume,” he said.

“But they say he does not want the inconvenience of supervising the companies,” she said. “Do you supervise for him?”

“I do not.” He shook his head. “My father bought me a commission when I was young, and it is true that Lovat made me a captain in one of his watches, the company calledAm Freiceadan Dubh—”

”The Black Watch. I know it,” she said. “So you are in Lovat’s pocket! Do you flip and flop like he does, and like some others, to protect yourself?”

“I am firm as a rock in my convictions.”

“Even so, I cannot trust a turncoat, even one with Highland blood.”

“I assure you, I am no turncoat. And have you forgotten that we enjoyed...a friendly encounter previously?” he asked. “That could invite loyalty between—friends.”

“But it did not end on friendly terms. And it will not happen again.”

He was quiet. “I suppose not.”

She looked away, feeling disappointed suddenly. Watching the passing landscape, a blur of darkness, rain and racing shapes, she glanced at him again. “When we arrive in the city, will you deliver me to the Tolbooth or to Edinburgh Castle?”

“So eager to be confined?”

She lifted the chains, shook them. “I would rather be free. You could help.”

“If I were to loosen those, you might fling yourself from the carriage and run off.”

“What an interesting idea,” she drawled. “But I am too stiff and sore from the courteous treatment I received at Inverlochy Castle, thank you.”

“Thank Colonel Grant for that, not me. Tell you what,” he said, reaching into his sporran. “Promise me something, and we may bargain.”

“For my necklace?” she asked hopefully.

In answer, he waggled a small iron key with two fingers.

“I promise my good behavior,” she blurted.

“I was thinking of something more reliable. Your name, for a start.”

“Kate.”

“Now, now. Full name.” He flipped the key, caught it.

“Katherine.”