Page 99 of My Highland Rogue
“When is he returning?”
“Why should I tell you?”
“Because it’s the decent thing to do?”
Maggie only smiled at her.
She had an idea, something that had occurred to her after a conversation with Jennifer.
“Jennifer used to write to Gordon. Every Christmas and every year on his birthday. He never received those letters. Are you aware of that?”
Maggie looked at her, no expression on her face.
“I can’t help but wonder if you took those letters, Maggie. Were you so overprotective of Gordon that you intercepted his correspondence?”
For a moment, Maggie didn’t speak. Finally, she said, “She was intent on ruining his life.”
“So you did take them.”
“Someone had to protect him from her.”
“That wasn’t your decision to make. Now you’redetermined not to tell us where Gordon is. Why? For the same reason?”
“There’s an old adage I learned as a child that eavesdroppers never hear any good about themselves.”
They both turned toward the door. Ellen hadn’t heard it open, and evidently neither had Maggie.
Gordon stood there. “To answer your question, Mrs. Thornton, I’ve just returned. What can I do for you?”
Ellen was not going to divulge her history in front of Maggie. She had the impression that the woman used any scraps of information as a weapon.
“If I may speak to you in private, I have some information that I think would be of interest to you. No, let me rephrase that, Gordon. I think it would change your life.”
“I’ve had one too many conversations like that recently. I’d prefer not to have another.”
She stood, walked toward Gordon, grabbed his arm, and pulled him out of the room. With her other hand, she slammed the door shut.
“You’re not her brother.”
Gordon blinked at her several times, but didn’t speak.
“You’re not Jennifer’s brother. Would you care to hear why?”
He nodded, but surprised her by turning and walking down the corridor, opening a door and stepping aside so that she could enter. There was enough light from the sconces in the hallway that she could see him go to the sideboard and lighta gas lamp. This room, too, was an office but a more expansive one than Maggie’s.
A wall of windows overlooked the street. The curtains hadn’t been closed, and the streetlamps were like golden glowing stars forming intricate patterns.
The desk itself was massive, heavily carved, and a beautiful piece of furniture. Strangely enough, it reminded her of Colin’s desk. She had never been able to get rid of it, or even change his study in any way. This room reminded her of her husband with its shelves filled with well-read books, the brass inkwell, and the leather blotter. There were four stacks of papers across the front of the desk, each topped with a brass paperweight. The carpet beneath her feet was something that reminded her of the Orient, another similarity with Colin’s study.
Gordon pulled out one of the chairs in front of the desk and she sat, watching as he took the chair opposite. He met her gaze straight on, as if he had nothing to hide. A good sign as far as she was concerned.
“Do you love Jennifer?” she asked.
“How I feel about anyone is not your province, Mrs. Thornton. I would prefer to keep my emotions to myself.”
“While it is very important that I get an answer to that question, Gordon. Do you love Jennifer?”
“Why do you want to know?”
