Harlequin Historical May 2021--Box Set 1 of 2 Page 10

  Grant looked blank and shook his head. ‘I am not aware I have any relation of that name in the military.’

  ‘No, it is the strangest thing. No one I know has heard of a Colonel Rathmore.’

  Grant laughed. ‘But as you can see, Captain, I am not an army man.’

  The Captain was regarding him steadily. ‘The incident took place at the change house at Kildrummy. I thought perhaps the tale had become muddled and it might be yourself, sir?’

  ‘Kildrummy?’ Grant shook his head. ‘I did not come that way.’ He laughed. ‘I would not be surprised if it was some rascally fellow using my name. What is this...er... Colonel supposed to have done?’

  He saw the Captain’s eyes flick towards Madeleine, who was plying her fan and looking uninterested, even slightly bored.

  ‘He assaulted three troopers and stole their weapons.’

  ‘That is serious indeed,’ said Grant. ‘Do you know the reason behind the assault?’

  The Captain ignored the question. He said, ‘Patrols have since been increased in that area. I would not be surprised if we see more soldiers billeted here before too long.’

  Captain Ormskirk walked to the window and stood looking out at the summer twilight, his hands clasped behind his back, and Grant exchanged a silent glance with Madeleine. All three of them were standing in the large, square bay window now, an almost tangible feeling of danger swirling around them. A few feet away, in the main room, the music and dancing continued, but it was as if that was another world. The Captain began to speak again.

  ‘I believe the matter had something to do with a woman, although there is nothing of that in the official report.’ He kept his gaze fixed on the window. ‘It is difficult to discover the true facts, but from what I know of the men involved, and from what I have heard, the troopers were behaving disgracefully.’

  ‘If that is the case,’ said Grant, choosing his words with care, ‘one can hardly blame the man for coming to the aid of the lady.’

  ‘True, such rogues deserve to be punished, Mr Rathmore. However, the law must be upheld.’

  Madeleine sucked in an indignant breath and Grant shook his head at her, warning her to keep silent.

  Captain Ormskirk continued. ‘I have orders to report any strangers in the area. That was one of the reasons for coming here tonight. When I heard Sumington was holding a little party I thought it would be a good opportunity to make enquiries. It has been most...illuminating.’

  Grant’s hand moved instinctively to his side, but he was not wearing his sword. He and Madeleine maintained their silence and at last the Captain turned to face them. He stepped up and took Madeleine’s hand in his own.

  ‘It has been most enjoyable, too, but alas I must be going.’ He bowed over her fingers. ‘Thank you for your company, Miss d’Evremont. In other circumstances I should have been eager to further our acquaintance, but as it is...’

  He let the words hang, but neither Grant nor Maddie broke the silence and after a moment he continued.

  ‘I wish I could stay longer, but duty calls. However, I doubt I shall get around to sending off my report before tomorrow night.’ He gave a little nod, half turned and stopped again. ‘Oh, and I have heard they are stepping up patrols around Aberdeen and along the coast, too. I pity any poor devils who try to escape to France that way in the next few weeks.’

  Another nod and he strode away.

  ‘He knows.’ Madeleine turned to Grant, trying to keep her voice steady. ‘I said nothing to give us away, I swear it. I thought, by keeping him by my side, I was protecting you. Us.’

  ‘Perhaps you did. He has given us warning, has he not?’ He broke off as Lord and Lady Lochall came up to join them.

  ‘Captain Ormskirk has left,’ said His Lordship, looking grim. ‘I saw him here, talking with you both. That was most unfortunate. If I had known Sumington would invite the military, I should never have accepted.’

  ‘As I understand it, he was not invited,’ said Grant. ‘He came here for information. But we cannot talk here—to see us huddled together might give rise to even more speculation. We should dance.’

  Maddie shuddered. ‘I am not sure my legs will support me!’

  ‘Oh, I am sure they will. Come, let us show the world a brave face.’

  Grant’s smile was warm, comforting, and when she put her hand in his, she felt strength flowing through her. Head held high, she walked out with him to join the dancers.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  It was not until they were travelling back to Lochall House that anything more was mentioned about their plans. Grant lost no time in explaining to Lord and Lady Lochall all the Captain had said to them.

  ‘Oh, dear heaven, how unfortunate that he should attend tonight,’ said Lady Lochall, gripping Madeleine’s hand tightly. ‘He may even now be on his way to Lochall House with a raiding party.’

  Her husband shook his head. ‘That is unlikely. Why would he be at such pains to warn them if that was the case?’

  ‘I agree.’ Grant nodded. ‘His disapproval of the soldiers’ behaviour was evident.’

  ‘And he did seem very taken with Madeleine,’ added Lady Lochall.

  ‘Aye.’ In the shadowy interior of the carriage, Grant’s teeth gleamed in a sudden smile. ‘She charmed him finely!’

  Madeleine blushed and disclaimed. She was exhausted from an evening spent measuring every word, every response to avoid giving anything away. She said now, ‘Can we trust him, do you think?’

  She heard Grant huff out a sigh. ‘We have no choice, but I believe so.’

  ‘One thing is for sure,’ said Lord Lochall. ‘You must leave at first light.’

  ‘But not together.’ Madeleine was adamant about that. ‘They will be looking for a man and a woman. And it is not safe to go to the east coast.’

  The carriage had pulled up on the drive and Lord Lochall jumped out, turning back to hand down the ladies.

  ‘We can do nothing more tonight and I think sleep would serve us all best now. We will all think more clearly after a few hours’ rest.’

  Madeleine agreed and went to her room.

  * * *

  Her nerves had been so on edge she’d thought it would be impossible to sleep, but it seemed that no sooner had she blown out her candle than the maid was gently rousing her. The little clock on the mantelshelf told her it was early but, as the memory of the previous evening returned, she lost all desire to close her eyes again and sat up to drink her hot chocolate.

  The maid dipped a curtsy. ‘His Lordship says to come down to the morning room as soon as you are dressed, ma’am.’

  Her travelling dress, she decided. It was a little shabby now after the hard wear of the past few weeks, but it was the most practical of her gowns and heaven knew she would not be able to take more than could be packed into her saddlebags.

  * * *

  When Madeleine finally made her way to the breakfast room she found the others were already gathered around the table. Lord Lochall dismissed the servants and invited her to sit down.

  ‘We dine in private this morning,’ he told her as the door closed softly behind the footman. ‘That way we can talk more freely and decide how best we may help you.’

  ‘You have done more than enough already, my lord. I think the sooner I quit your house, the better it will be for you.’

  ‘I do not think there is any immediate danger,’ he responded. ‘However, after what we learned last night, I believe it would be best to return to your father’s original plan.’

  ‘I think so, too. I hope you can provide me with a guide, sir, at least for the first part of the journey.’

  ‘That will not be necessary,’ said Grant. ‘I know the way.’

  ‘You?’ Madeleine shook her head at him. ‘No. Captain Ormskirk has made the connection between us. It would be far too dangerous to
travel together.’

  ‘I do not propose that we travel under our own names.’

  ‘I doubt that will make much difference.’ Her nerves were at full stretch and she found his smile infuriating. ‘Grant Rathmore, I have told you, I do not want your escort!’

  ‘But you need me, whether you like it or not.’ He held her angry gaze for a moment longer, then said in a coaxing tone, ‘Come, Maddie, listen to what I have to say before you fly up into the boughs. Finding a reliable guide to take you from here to the Western Highlands would be well-nigh impossible. I confess my knowledge of this area is limited, but once we cross the Ness you will be entering my world. I grew up there, I know most of the tracks and have more chance than anyone of getting you safely to Loch Òrail.’

  ‘But you have said yourself you might be recognised if you go back.’

  ‘That is a chance I will have to take.’

  ‘No. It is still too dangerous. The soldiers will be on the alert.’

  ‘But they will not be looking for two brothers, travelling together.’ He smiled. ‘You should not look so surprised. You have already said they will be looking for a man and woman. Therefore, we must do something different.’

  Maddie’s thoughts raced. It might work. She was already used to riding astride, like a man. And yet there were obstacles.

  ‘I have no clothes...’

  Lady Lochall leaned over and patted her hand.

  ‘That is all settled, my dear. We keep a collection of servants’ liveries and I had Tomson look out what we have in your size. She will have something ready for you when you go back to your room.’

  Maddie sat back, considering what she should do. She did not want to accept their help, they had done so much for her already. She thought the best thing she could do for everyone was to slip away, and as quickly as possible, but when she looked at Grant it was clear he had read her mind.

  He said, ‘I am not leaving you to make that journey alone, Madeleine.’

  ‘Rathmore is perfectly correct.’ Lord Lochall dabbed at his lips with his napkin before continuing in his slow, precise way. ‘It is imperative you have someone who knows the route and who better than a man who was born in that area?’

  ‘It seems I have no option.’

  ‘None,’ Grant said to her. ‘Now go and turn yourself into my little brother!’

  * * *

  Less than an hour later Madeleine returned to the morning room, transformed. An overlarge shirt was concealed beneath a plain linen cravat and a blue serge waistcoat, with a matching blue frock coat over all. She wore her silk breeches beneath the rough leather ones that had belonged to some long-gone stable boy and her black leather riding boots were considered masculine enough when worn with the pair of leather spatterdashes Tomson had looked out for her. The ensemble was completed by a cocked hat which she set upon her head at a jaunty angle, having brushed her hair back into a queue and secured it with a length of ribbon.

  Not having a greatcoat in her size, Maddie had to make do with a cloak to protect her from the elements and she had wrapped it around herself when she left her bedchamber, lest her appearance give rise to comment among the servants. However, Lady Lochall had thought ahead and sent everyone out of the way and it was not until she entered the morning room that she had any reaction to her altered appearance.

  Taking a deep breath, she put up her head and swaggered in, saying as she did so, ‘Well, will I do?’

  There was a moment’s silence, then Grant slapped his thigh and gave a shout of laughter.

  ‘Bless me, but you make a fine lad!’

  A mischievous smile bubbled up. She swept off her hat and make him a low bow.

  ‘Why, thank you, sir.’

  ‘You need names,’ declared Lady Lochall, entering into the spirit. ‘Let me see, what shall it be: Douglas, Iain, Robert?’

  ‘What about James?’ suggested Maddie. ‘That has a good ring to it.’

  ‘No!’ Grant’s sharp rejection drew all eyes and he felt obliged to explain. ‘I lost a friend of that name at Culloden.’

  He still felt the guilt of it, having survived while so many of his comrades perished on Drumossie Moor.

  ‘Oh. I beg your pardon.’ Maddie was immediately contrite. ‘What say you, then, what name would you suggest for me?’

  He looked at her, considering the matter.

  ‘Duncan,’ he said at last. ‘And I shall be Ross. Duncan and Ross... Malcolm. What think you?’

  ‘I think it will do very well.’

  ‘We are agreed, then. Now, we should be on our way.’

  ‘You will need money,’ said His Lordship. ‘Allow me to fund you.’

  Madeleine shook her head. ‘Thank you, my lord, but that is unnecessary. I still have the funds I brought with me from Inverness. Sufficient for the both of us.’ She sent a challenging look towards Grant. ‘You will, of course, be reimbursed for escorting me.’

  ‘Let us get to France first, then we will argue about payment.’

  He turned away abruptly, not wishing her to see how concerned he was about this journey. They had more than a hundred and fifty miles to cover just to reach the rendezvous. Their chances of making it safely to France were low.

  * * *

  Grant and Madeleine stepped out of Lochall House to find their Highland ponies ready and waiting for them on the drive. They took their leave of their hosts and scrambled into the saddles, stopping for a final wave when they reached the turn in the road. A steady drizzle had started to fall and Grant remarked that they should be thankful for it.

  ‘The track will take us up into the low cloud, which will conceal us from prying eyes. His Lordship suggested we should head west before we cross the river, to avoid any extra patrols.’

  ‘Very well.’

  She sounded dispirited and he said in a rallying tone, ‘What is this, Madeleine, you are not contradicting me. Are you quite well?’

  She did not smile. ‘I am afraid we have put Lord and Lady Lochall in great danger.’

  ‘I agree. It is unfortunate, but there is no help for it. The best thing we can do for them now is to get as far away as possible and quickly. They will tell Captain Ormskirk, when he calls, that we have gone to Aberdeen and they know nothing more than that.’ He reached across and clapped her on the shoulder. ‘Chin up, young Duncan, we will win the day, never fear!’

  * * *

  The going was tough, constant rain turned the track to a muddy stream and the ponies slithered and stumbled their way up and down the hills. They sheltered at night in caves or under rocky ledges. The supplies Lady Lochall had given them lasted for the first two days. After that they were forced to seek out farms or inns where they might buy food.

  * * *

  It was a relief when the weather cleared and Madeleine’s spirits lifted a little to see the battered castle walls of Inverness and the buildings huddled around it.

  ‘Keep your hat low and your collar up,’ Grant warned her. ‘I do not want to risk your being recognised.’

  ‘No one will expect to see me in this garb,’ she told him. ‘Also, most of our acquaintances left here in the weeks before the battle.’

  ‘And no one offered to take you with them?’

  ‘No. They were none of them particular friends. Papa never encouraged it. We never settled in one place for very long, you see.’

  ‘I, on the other hand, lived at Ardvarrick for most of my life. Until I joined the army last year.’

  ‘Did you lose many friends in the campaign?’

  She saw the shadow cross his features. ‘True friends? No, but that does not make it any easier to bear their loss. The thought that I am alive and they are not.’

  He spoke bitterly and she could think of nothing to say to help him. The best she could think of was to change the subject.

  ‘I sha
ll be inordinately pleased if we can find a respectable inn for the night,’ she remarked. ‘I should so much like to wash and put on clean clothes. Perhaps even to take a bath! Now what in the world have I said to make you laugh?’

  ‘You are my little brother,’ said Grant, still laughing. ‘Any bathing would have to be done in our shared room.’

  Her eyes widened. ‘Goodness, I had quite forgot that! Could we not bespeak separate rooms?’

  ‘We are lowly travellers, not royalty!’

  ‘Not you, perhaps,’ she said in a teasing voice. ‘Papa once claimed he is connected to some minor branch of the Bourbons.’

  ‘That will not help us in our present situation,’ he retorted. ‘Such grandiose notions would rouse a great deal of speculation.’

  ‘Yes, and I am afraid it is just another of his tales.’ She sighed. ‘Ah, well, if it must be a single room, then you will have to take yourself off for an hour.’

  * * *

  Inverness was very different from when Maddie had left it. The streets were overrun with soldiers and many buildings stood empty. They passed the house of Louis Haster, the elderly watchmaker she had visited when Papa had needed his pocket watch repaired. Then it had been as neat as wax and freshly painted. Today it was empty, windows smashed, door hanging off its hinges and she felt sick, imagining what might have happened to the kindly old man.

  ‘At least the inns are still in business,’ remarked Grant, looking around him. ‘Let us see if we can find suitable lodgings for the night.’

  They found two hostelries that looked in reasonable order and visited both for a tankard of ale, in order to decide which would be the most salubrious for their night’s stop. They both agreed the one on Bridge Street was the best, the servants better dressed and the public rooms cleaner. An enquiry of the landlord produced the information that the inn was almost full, but by dint of a little charm and a few extra coins Grant was able to procure a private room for them, with the luxury of a peat fire burning in the hearth.

  A bath, however, was not possible. The landlord could spare no more than two jugs of hot water and with this Maddie had to be satisfied.