Page 49 of Stealing Sophie

“More trouble than you know,” he muttered. “But listen. Duncrieff told me that he thought Sir Henry was planning to ruin Clan Carran with a marriage to his sister.”

“Me. Not Kate. You thought it was Kate. How could he possibly ruin the clan?”

“I do not know how, but he wanted you in safekeeping, and I am doing what I can to ensure it.” His impatience showed itself in his tight grip on her shoulder.

She sent him a little glare. “I need to go home to Duncrieff. Now.”

“I will fetch your things from there, as we discussed.”

“And my tulips—oh!” She stumbled, and Connor caught her elbow.

“Careful. Best hurry, now. Soldiers may be searching for you. There are renegades in these hills as well.” He glanced around, searching the hills, the tree line, always wary.

“Worse than you? You have no right to keep me anywhere.”

“Far worse than me, lass. And my right is in marriage vows and a signed note from your clan chief and brother. Listen, you would not want to encounter caterans or brigands on your own out here. Come along quickly now.”

“But it was fine for me to encounter you last night.”

“I am the exception. The glen is crawling with red soldiers. I saw them today.”

“Good. I could get a ride to Duncrieff.”

“Not the sort of ride you would want,” he said crudely. “Do not think they would treat you well if they found you. Most have manners and morals, but some do not.”

“I suppose you know a great deal about soldiers.”

“I do. I was in their ranks for two years. Captain MacPherson of theAm Freiceadan Dubh,” he said, inclining his head.

“The what?”

“Black Watch. A new regiment of local Highlanders who police the Highlands. General Wade, who is cutting a new road straight through Glen Carran, formed the first company two years ago. The ranks have grown quite a bit since then.”

“It is hard to imagine you a captain. A rebel and a bride-stealer is easy to see.”

“Ah, but it is true. I promised my father to join a regiment, and so I did.”

“You always keep your word.”

“No matter how much trouble it may bring me.” He cocked a brow toward her.

“Perhaps you should stop making promises, then.”

“Perhaps so. Hush, now.” Scanning the hills as they went, he began to guide her toward a stand of trees that would offer better shelter than the open slopes.

“Why do they call it the Black Watch?”

“For the regiment plaid, hues of blue and green so deep it looks black. I wear mine on occasion. It is a fine plaidie. Though I do without the red coat these days.”

“You joined only to please your father?”

“And to help my fellow Gaels. If the government was bent on policing the Highlands, I thought to do my part to help some to escape their unfair punishment.”

“A rebel in the ranks?”

“Something like that,” he murmured.

She paused. “Then think of me as one of those who deserves to escape.”