“You were obviously wrong on that score,” he said between tight lips.
“No,” she replied patiently. “They were clearly well acquainted, but she didn't act the part of a woman in love. In fact, she seemed very displeased with him.”
Kiernan kept his eyes straight ahead. “Lovers quarrel?”
“No, it wasn't that sort of thing at all.”
“I'll have to trust your judgment in the matter, but her upset seems to go beyond that of a friend dying.”
Elise slipped a hand into the crook of his arm and tugged him to a halt. “Kiernan.”
Kiernan met her gaze.
“He died in her arms.”
Kiernan covered her hand with his and gave it a squeeze before starting forward again. “Why was he there?”
“He was in love with her.”
“Yes, that was obvious even to me, but waylaying her on the road was a highly irregular way to go about pursuing her. Damnation, first someone tries to abduct her—” He caught the surprised look on Elise’s face. “Father didn’t tell you?”
“No,” she replied.
“Well, the night Phoebe and I met—”
“Would this be the night you abducted her?”
He gave her a dry look. “Indeed, madam.”
“Ahh.” She faced forward and they started walking again.
“There was someone else attempting the same thing,” he said.
“Good Lord, you aren’t serious?”
"Very serious."
"Why wasn't I informed?"
The harsh note in her voice surprised him. "It didn't occur to me. I suppose, I assumed Father told you."
Her eyes narrowed. "Had I known that, I would have been more forceful in trying to stop Phoebe from making this trip. Don't think I'm not aware that you blame me for not stopping her."
"Blame you?" Did he blame her? "Elise, she was determined."
"Was her uncle aware that someone else attempted to kidnap her?"
Kiernan halted. "Iat the time, Phoebe was sure she knew Branbury was the kidnapper, so I didn't feel—" He broke off.
"Didn't feel what?" Elise demanded.
"Damnation, Elise."
She lifted a brow. "I know exactly what your father and you would have done if I kept that sort of secret."
He knew she was recalling a time when she had kept just such a secret and had nearly got her brother and him killed. That had been a terrible time for them all, and he had often wondered if she'd fully forgiven herself for the deception—and his father for nearly killing her brother. Would Phoebe forgive him for setting her life on this new course? Did she blame him for her friend's murder? Could she accept him despite being forced into marriage?
"I was wrong," he said.
Elise's lips pursed, but she began walking again and said, “Who was this kidnapper?”
“I believed it was Branbury, but Phoebe swears it wasn’t him. Given that he was willing to chase her clear to Scotland, I’m not so sure. By the way, until this mystery is solved, Phoebe isn't to go anywhere without a guard.”
“Ahh, that explains why Donald is always nearby," Elise said. "You may use Niall, also, if you like.”
He shook his head. “No. It 's best if you both have someone near at all times. I would prefer to think it was Branbury who had tried to adduct her that night," Kiernan went on with his previous thought. "A midnight run for Gretna Green would be harmless enough,”
“Yes. If it wasn’t him, the kidnapper is still out there.”
“Just as Branbury's killer is still out there.”
“You're certain it was deliberate murder?” she asked. "It is possible a highwayman shot him."
"Possible, but unlikely," he replied. "Which means I have to discover whether or not Branbury was the intended victim."
Elise gasped. "Why would anyone want to kill Phoebe?"
"That is what I intend to find out.”
*****
Kiernan opened the door to the women's salon at Brahan Seer.
Phoebe didn't turn from where she sat staring at the fire, but said, “Are you ready, Lord Ashlund?”
He closed the door and crossed to the couch. “No need to rush.” He sat down beside her and she looked at him. Her brow furrowed as her gaze shifted downward and he realized she was surprised to see him in a kilt. A hint of amusement shone in her eyes, then vanished.
“What did the constable have to say about Adam's murder?" she asked.
"I sent word to the magistrate from Glasgow. He's someone we trust and the closest magistrate. I haven't heard back from him yet, but rest assured, he'll conduct a thorough investigation."
"I can't hide forever."
"We aren't hiding, Phoebe, but we must prepare for whatever that fool Ingersoll has in mind."
"Adam was a good man,” she said. “I owe it to him to face his family.”
“It's not your fault he was shot.”
Her brow rose. “It was you who suggested he wasn't the intended victim.”
“That doesn't make it your fault.”
Something flickered across her face. A sense of knowledge, he realized.
“He was there to beg me to marry him—to run off to Gretna Green that very moment, in fact."
“I see. Why didn’t you accept?”