Page 130 of The Highlander's English Bride

“Why isn’t she on the boat?” he asked his sister-in-law.

“Because I am not returning to England,” responded the lady herself.

For the first time in his life, Graeme understood the phrasegnashing one’s teeth. “We talked about this. You cannot be here.”

“No, you talked about it. We, in fact, never had that chance.”

“Because you’ve been avoiding me.”

Royal appeared from the back hall, also garbed for travel. “What’s all the yelling about?”

“It’s just Graeme, dear,” Ainsley replied. “The usual.”

“Of course I’m yelling. And if someone doesn’t tell me—”

“You’ll what?” Ainsley interrupted. “Storm off in a huff? Then you’ll never find out what the plan is.”

Graeme shook his head. “You really are a pain in the arse, you know.”

She smiled. “It’s rather my mission in life when it comes to you, dear boy.”

Ignoring her response, Graeme turned back to Sabrina, who studied him with a polite regard. That, naturally, spiked his temper again. Unfortunately, theSassenachwas impervious to bluster, yelling, and attempts to intimidate.

He forced himself to mirror her calm attitude. “If it please your ladyship, would you care to tell me why you’ve remained behind?”

She rewarded him with her sweetest smile. “A civil conversation, then. Finally.”

“Not for long, if I don’t get some answers.”

“We’re going on a trip,” she said.

“I can see that. Where?”

“To Lochnagar Manor.”

Graeme stared at her. “What in the—”

“The carriage is here, Lady Ainsley,” said one of the footmen. “Should we start loading up?”

“Yes, please.”

Graeme held up both hands. “Nobody is doing anything until I get some answers.”

Ainsley waved the footmen over to the pile of luggage. Not surprisingly, the lads jumped. Everyonealwaysjumped when it came to Ainsley.

Graeme narrowed his eyes on Sabrina. “Lass?”

“As I said, we’re going to Lochnagar Manor. My family’s ancestral holdings.”

She said it slowly and distinctly, as if he were dim-witted. And at the moment, he felt rather dim-witted. “And why would you be doing something so foolish?”

“There is trouble on my father’s estates, and his tenants have suffered as a result. I need to correct that.”

Graeme leaned in until he and Sabrina were almost nose to nose. “And have you forgotten the bit about smugglers and someone trying to kill you?”

She responded with a disdainful sniff. “I cannot be swayed by the vague ramblings of Old Bill. It’s likely all stuff and nonsense, anyway.”

“Well, I can be swayed. And if you had a particle of sense in that pretty head of yours, you would be, too.”

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