"I have been straightforward with you," he said.
“Really?" she replied. "You never mentioned that you obtained a special license.”
“I would be remiss not to be prepared.”
“May I see it?”
A corner of his mouth twitched. “Had I known you wished to see it, I would have brought it with me.”
“I would think you would keep it on your person at all times. You know,” she raised her brows, “in the interest of being prepared.”
“Quite right,” he said with more enthusiasm than she cared for. “I'll put it in my pocket the moment I return home. Shall I procure a change of horses for my carriage tonight?”
“If you like. That way you can ride onto Scotland early.”
“No,” he said. “I'll await your pleasure.”
“My pleasure, indeed.”
“What’s that you say?” he inquired in a polite tone that told her he had heard her.
“When we arrive to Scotland, will you take me about the countryside?” she asked.
He gave a genuine smile of pleasure. “Of course. Anywhere you like.”
“I wish to ride north. I've never been farther into Scotland than Brahan Seer. The castle is in the very south of the Highlands, isn’t it?”
“It is,” he replied.
“I would like to visit Kildonan parish, or even farther north to Ldderachylis.”
He showed no consternation at hearing that she wished to visit territory owned by the Duchess of Sutherland.
“Kildonan and Ldderachylis are some distance away,” he replied amiably. “Perhaps we should save that trip for after our marriage.” The cab came to a halt. Kiernan peered out the window. “We have arrived.” He opened the door and helped her from the carriage. He raised her hand to his lips. “Until tonight, my dear.”
“I make no promises.”
He caressed her cheek. “I'll be here at ten.”
He turned and his coat went taut over his broad shoulders as he grasped the door and vaulted back into the carriage. Phoebe didn't move, her legs once again weak as a kitten. He waved once, then leaned back and disappeared into the depths of the carriage. Phoebe released a breath and turned, but halted suddenly, whirling. She raised her hand to gain the rider’s attention, then dropped it back to her side when the carriage turned the corner.
“My books.” With a sigh, she started up the walkway to Shyerton hall.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
At hearing her uncle's voice through the partially open door of the drawing room that evening, Phoebe halted in the hallway. “Lady Albery,” he was saying. “would you see what is keeping Phoebe, please?”
“What keeps Phoebe,” Phoebe muttered, “is the question of whether life in Newgate is worth shooting a certain marquess.” She opened the door and saw Kiernan rise from the chair located beside the couch where the Duke and Duchess of Ashlund sat.
“Phoebe." He crossed the room. “I'm pleased to see you.”
“Forgive me, Lord Ashlund. The time slipped by. Before I knew it, the clock had struck nine.” The hour she received his note saying that the duke and duchess would accompany them to the soiree.
Kiernan kissed her hand, lingering a second longer than was appropriate before releasing her. “You look lovely tonight, my dear. My father and Elise are here.”
“Yes,” Phoebe replied. “I received your note an hour ago.”
He gave no outward sign of noticing her reprimand and led her forward, stopping before the duke and duchess.
“Your Graces.” Phoebe curtsied.
The duke rose and took her hand in his. “Remember, lass, call me Father.”
Elise stood and gave her a hug. “So good to see you again, Phoebe. I hope all is well with you."
“Very well,” she replied. “But I have kept you waiting long enough. Shall we go?”
“Phoebe,” Kiernan said, “before we go, I have something for you. My father and Elise accompanied me this evening for a very special reason.” Kiernan reached into his pocket and produced a square velvet box.
Phoebe's heart jumped into her throat. "Lord Ashlund—"
“This was my mother’s.” He opened the box to reveal a single strand, diamond and emerald necklace, matching earrings, and a heavy banded emerald ring. He removed the ring and handed the box to his father.
Phoebe took a step back, but Kiernan caught her hand. Her hand felt ice cold against his warm fingers and her hand trembled as he slid the emerald onto her finger.
He looked at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “She would have liked you.”
“You should have waited,” Phoebe whispered, and cast an anxious glance at the duke. “Nothing has been decided.”
He gave a soft smile that said everything was, indeed, decided.