Highland Hellion (Highland Weddings #3)(68)

“Kat…”

She let out a little hum of enjoyment. Her dreams were so full of details tonight. She heard the rich timbre of his voice keenly.

Someone shook her shoulder, and she let out a huff because she didn’t want to let the dream go.

“We’ve got to go, lass.”

Katherine blinked, having trouble absorbing what she was seeing. Rolfe pulled her up and onto her feet while she tried to clear slumber’s hold on her brain.

“Lad is out cold.”

Adwin’s voice was the slap across the face that she needed. The brassy Highlander’s humor made her smile as she looked into Rolfe’s eyes.

“How…?”

“I’ll tell ye how.” Adwin was walking back toward them. “Through assault—what those court fops will likely call attempted murder—and deception.”

“And ye enjoyed every moment of it,” Rolfe informed his captain with a smirk.

Adwin tilted his head to the side. “So long as we do nae get caught.”

“Aye.” Rolfe had spun her around to get at the laces on the dress. Katherine turned to face him, needing to confirm he was not a dream. He frowned at her, turning her again and resuming his task.

“We’ve precious little time, Kat. Explanation will have to wait until we’ve gotten ye free of this place.”

That was all the encouragement she needed to stand still while he tried to open the dress. There was a flash as Adwin pulled out a small dagger and simply slit the laces. She let out a sigh as the bodice sagged, and they both dug their hands into it to raise it above her head. She bent her knees to help, coming up on the other side of the skirt in her underpinnings.

“Never seen so many layers of clothing in me life,” Rolfe muttered as he pulled at the farthingale and tried to free her from the hip roll.

“Are ye in there, lass?”

“I wish I wasn’t,” she answered as she tried to help. “I believe they put this on me to keep me from running away.”

“Oh, in that case, please continue.”

They all froze as Robert Campbell spoke from the bed. He was sitting up, his legs slightly apart, which afforded them all a fine view of the bottom of his shoes. “Please don’t think me a beast, dear, but I really do no’ want a wife or to go to the English court. Getting stinking drunk was the only thing I could think of. But I am no’ quite as drunk as I put on.”

“Thank you,” Katherine said sincerely as Rolfe tossed a pair of pants at her. Down to her smock and corset, she pulled the clothing on as she began to shake with anticipation.

Maybe…

Just…maybe…

“Morton came to witness the consummation, along with some others,” she told Robert. “They will be back.”

Robert shrugged.

“There will likely be repercussions,” Rolfe added as he looked at Robert.

Her groom slowly grinned. “You Highlanders are not the only ones who enjoy having a bit of fun at the earl’s expense.” He shot an arrogant look at them. “We’ll cross paths again.”

“I’ll call ye friend when we do,” Rolfe assured him.

“We need to be gone.” Adwin pushed a hat onto Katherine’s head.

Rolfe was stern, grasping her wrist and pulling her behind him. She cast a last glance back toward Robert, who sent her a grateful little smile before he collapsed back onto the bed.

*

The passageways were lit by candles.

Katherine had never seen such a waste of candles, not even in her father’s home. They were left burning every ten feet or so. That left plenty of shadows, but afforded far more light than she was used to having at night.

“Let go of my wrist.”

Rolfe’s fingers tightened in response.

“I am your servant,” she stressed in a whisper. “My duty is to follow you.”

There was a shuffle and a smothered cry, confirming they were far from alone. Huge tapestries hung over the walls, making plenty of hidden alcoves for couples interested in darkness to hide their actions.

Rolfe released her, but Adwin was behind her. Every footstep seemed to take forever as her heart pounded. She strained to see through the murky light, hoping she wouldn’t see Morton coming around one of the turns in the passageways.

Their footsteps seemed to echo as loud as thunder while they made their way. She caught the scent of the kitchens before Rolfe headed through them. The servants looked away when they entered, clearly not wanting to recognize them. It spoke of a harsh life, but with Morton ruling, Katherine had firsthand knowledge of how much easier it must be to remain obscure.

Diocail Gordon was waiting for them with horses. “Marcus and Symon are a half day’s ride out since neither of them dares to be seen here.”

Rolfe nodded. He made sure she was on her horse, a satisfied look entering his eyes before he swung up and into the saddle himself.

They rode out, uncaring of the darkness or the way the rain was starting to fall.

After all, they were Highlanders, and there was nowhere else she’d rather be.

*

Morton stared at the scattered pieces of the dress. Robert snored away while the earl slowly laughed. It was a rare indulgence. One he didn’t allow himself lightly.

Being bested by Rolfe McTavish? Well, that was unexpected. He might be a man, but he was a young one who had yet to fully taste life. Wisdom came with that desire, or perhaps it was more correct to say that one gained knowledge after being tossed aside by life. It was always a humbling experience to discover that while the flesh was strong, circumstances might still defy brawn.