A Most Dangerous Profession(48)

“No one would be so foolish,” Robert scoffed.

“You’d be surprised,” she said drily. “There are many wealthy people who believe silly notions, including our king. George hasn’t been the same since his daughter, Princess Charlotte, died. They say he holds séances in an effort to contact her and has become the pawn of charlatans. He would be ripe plucking for a man like Aniston.”

Robert nodded. “I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. As you can see, this map could be very important.”

“But didn’t William take one of the boxes to Egypt to win Michael’s freedom? The map won’t be complete, then.”

“It’s a copy. As you pointed out before, it’s a simple object and easy to falsify. We made certain the fake box still had a portion of the map inside, but with a few modifications.” His grin was wicked.

“Very clever.”

The coach turned then, and they entered the yard of a small inn. Stewart pulled the coach to a halt and Leeds jumped down to open the door. He lowered the step for Robert, and they spoke for a moment before Robert turned to help Moira down.

“Ross’s agent will arrive shortly. Are you ready?”

“Oh yes.” She smiled and took his hand. “I’m more than ready.”





CHAPTER 14





A letter written yesterday to Robert Hurst from his brother-in-law Angus Hay, the Earl of Erroll.


I have no idea where to find you so I’m addressing this to your town house, hoping that you will find it before you leave Edinburgh. You asked what I knew about a certain Sir Ross of Balnagown. I’ve made inquiries and have much to report.

Robert, if you have any dealings with this man, have a care. I hear he is very volatile and his opponents have a tendency to mysteriously disappear and never be heard from again.

The inn was very small, only one floor, more of a tavern really. The windows were broad and low to the ground; the yard was neat and planted with flowers that bravely showed their face to the chilly Highland wind.

Robert took Moira’s elbow and they walked inside. A broad-faced innkeeper met them on the threshold of the common room and introduced himself as MacKeith.

While Robert spoke with the innkeeper, Moira stripped off her gloves and wandered about the room. The area was quite large, with wide windows and good seating. Two long, well-scrubbed tables ran along the far wall for meals. There was a fat settee covered in deep-blue flowered chintz, and several chairs made in the Hepplewhite fashion. The broad mantel was decorated with a display of glassware, some of it quite lovely.

“Moira, MacKeith will warm our coats by the kitchen fire while we wait.”

“That would be lovely.” Moira allowed Robert to take her pelisse.

He handed it to the innkeeper. “Thank you, MacKeith.”

“Och, ’tis me pleasure. Do ye need feed fer the horses?”

“And food for the men, too, please. We’re here to meet with an agent of Sir Lachlan Ross’s. Have you seen a Mr. Carmichael?”

“No’ yet, though I was tol’ t’ expect ye. Would yer lady wife like some tea, or a small glass o’ sherry?”

Moira hid a shudder. She hated sherry; it was so sweet, it made her teeth ache. “Do you have any scotch? I much prefer a glass of that.”

The innkeeper looked impressed. “O’ course we do. Can I offer ye a wee dram o’ the water o’ life, too, sir?”

“That would be excellent.”

The sound of a carriage made the innkeeper turn to the window. “Och, there’s Carmichael now—and Sir Lachlan is wit’ him!”

Robert crossed the room to look out the window.

“I’ll fetch yer scotch anon. I’m sure his lordship will wish fer a dram himself.”

“Thank you.” Robert didn’t turn as the innkeeper hurried off. “Ross is riding a brute of a horse.”

“Ah. Then I shall become a horse lover.”

Robert smiled as he turned away from the window. “You are very quick. Are you ready?”

Moira smoothed her gown. “Oh, yes.”

Out in the hallway, swift steps sounded. The door opened and a man entered. He was short set and incredibly fat, sporting three chins under a flushed face. He was dressed modestly, his neckcloth and sober coat befitting a solicitor.

His gaze flickered to Robert, and then blinked with surprise on finding Moira.