A Most Dangerous Profession(45)

CHAPTER 13





Michael Hurst’s diary, on hearing that his brother William is on his way.


I received word that William is to arrive within the month to secure my release. It’s about bloody time. I’ve things to do, damn it!

While my lodgings are luxurious, I’ve been forced to endure the constant company of Miss Smythe-Haughton, which—because of my lack of female companionship—has caused me some discomfort.

Something rather odd happened last night. My assistant spent the afternoon in the harem, gathering information to help negotiate my release. Little did I know she was also using that time to learn the ways of the harem, including dressing in such a way that—well, I hardly know how to describe it.

I did not appreciate the way the sulfi began to look at her when she appeared so attired, and I now worry that more trouble is on the way. While the sulfi may allow me to go free once the box has been delivered, I’m not certain he’ll do the same for Miss Smythe-Haughton.

The coach hit a rut in the muddy road and Moira winced as her knee banged against the edge of the opposite seat. “Ow! I hope we arrive soon.”

Robert planted a foot against the seat Moira occupied to steady himself. “We’re only a few miles from the inn where Ross said his agent would await me.”

“Thank goodness. I’ll be black and blue if the road gets any worse.”

As if Stewart could hear her, the coach slowed and the rocking subsided.

Robert pushed back the leather curtain that covered the coach window. “The road is stone covered now and should be smoother.” He peered into the distance and said with satisfaction, “We’re beginning to climb, so we must be entering the mountains now.”

Moira looked out the window, amazed at how the vista had changed over the last few hours. Instead of heather-covered moors, purple mountains rose before them, fronted by deep, green valleys with sparkling blue lochs. The road looked like a ribbon, twisting around each curve as it climbed. “I’ve never been this far north. Have you?”

“No.”

She nodded, lost in the beauty of the scenery. “It’s a different world from Craigentinny.”

He lifted a brow. “Is that your home?”

She shrugged and offered no more.

“That’s hardly fair, seeing as how I’ve told you everything—including the time when I was stung by bees while trying to spy upon the neighbor’s charming daughter.”

She laughed.

“If I can tell you the most embarrassing of my childhood exploits for your merriment, the least you can do is share the mundane aspects of your own life.”

Her lips twitched. “Fine. It’s not very interesting, though. When I found out I was with child, I purchased a small cottage in Craigentinny. It’s a pretty little hamlet an hour outside of Edinburgh.”

“Why there?”

“It’s close to where I was born, within a few miles of the mill my mother used to work at. It’s the closest thing I had to home.”

“I see.”

“The cottage I purchased has only five rooms, but it’s big enough for me and Rowena and a servant.”

“It sounds snug.”

A soft look crossed her face. “It is. Long ago, it was a hunting box for a local baron. There wasn’t even a roof on it when I bought it, just stone walls. But with the help of some local artisans, it’s now a very cozy little property.”

Moira hadn’t allowed herself to think about Claigsmore Cottage in the six months since Rowena had been stolen away; it hurt too much. But now, looking at the rolling land, it was hard not to think of her beloved home.

“I planted a small orchard behind the house. We’ve apple trees and a garden. Rowena is excited when it’s time to harvest—” A crystal-clear image of Rowena holding up a large apple and laughing hit Moira like a punch. What if I never see her again? What if we don’t find the box? What if Aniston—

She fought against the runaway thoughts, trying hard to recapture her control over her emotions.

Robert watched as her lashes lowered to hide her expression, and he knew instantly what had happened. His throat tightened. He didn’t know what it was to love and then lose a child, but the expression on her face gave him a glimpse. “Moira, we will get her back. I swear it.”

After a few more seconds, she gave a sharp nod. “I know we will.” The words sounded like a challenge.