Page 109 of Laird of Twilight

“You could send a note,” James said. “No need to drive out here.”

“I also came,” Eldin went on, “to offer you the use of my barouche. I will not need it out here often, and my driver will bring it back to Auchnashee once you are in the city. It will allow Lady Struan to ride in comfort to Edinburgh. It does not do for the viscount and his bride to travel like gypsies.”

James nodded. “I see. How did you know we were leaving today?”

“I had a letter from Lady Rankin, who feared you might strap all your belongings to the old landau like a pair of tinkers. She is not certain what a Highland girl might do.” He smiled, flat but sincerely. “I assured her in my reply that the new Lady Struan would be an exemplary viscountess and a credit to the family.”

“Thank you,” Elspeth said. “We are honored by your offer. Are we not, James?” She pressed her elbow against his side.

“Of course,” James said. “Thank you.”

Eldin inclined his head and spoke to his driver. Politely refusing the repeated offer of hospitality, he mounted his horse, untied by his driver, and rode away. The driver stayed with the carriage, talking quietly with MacKimmie.

James stared. “What the devil,” he muttered. Elspeth slipped her arm around his waist.

“We may never puzzle him out,” she said. “Let us go inside to warm up before we take our tinker parade across the Highlands. MacKimmie can drive the gypsy landau, and Eldin’s driver can take us in the barouche. It will be quite the parade!”

James laughed, hugging her close, his breath and hers coming in foggy clouds. Elspeth’s nose was pink. He kissed it. “I thought you were in no hurry to go to the city.”

“I would go anywhere with you, Struan, city or mountain, even if all you want to do is look for old rocks.”

He kissed her, taking time for it, tender and slow, despite the cold. “I am grateful for your patience, truly,” he whispered.

“The barouche will be very comfortable,” she said, snuggling closer.

“I would not put it past my cousin to have put some kind of spell on it.” He almost believed Eldin capable of it.

“The only spell inside that carriage,” she whispered, “is the one we will set ourselves.” She leaned toward him for another kiss.