‘What does it say?’ Enora asked, energy bubbling out of her.
‘He has asked me to elope with him.’
Enora froze. ‘Elope? Why?’
‘Father has forbidden him to return, it seems. His manservant overheard some exchange between Father and one of his men.’
‘But if ye are engaged, he cannot object, can he?’
‘Aye. As my father and laird, he can.’
He can do whatever he wishes to, unlike me.
‘Once Laird McKenna leaves, I will not be allowed to see him again and our engagement will be nullified by Father. It will not matter what words were spoken between us.’
‘What will ye do? What message shall I relay?’
Moira’s heart pounded in her chest. This was the moment she had dreaded, yet desired since Peter’s passing. She had been given a chance to take the reins of her own future, but she had to be brave enough to seize it. Finally, the choice was hers. She swallowed hard.
Would she falter or take that first step forward?
‘Give me a quill and ink as well as that parchment, Enora. I will add my answer.’
Rory paced his chamber. By all that was holy, what was taking so long? He ruffled his hair and tugged at his cravat. If they were to leave unseen, it had to happen sooner rather than later. Time, like usual, was not on his side. He frowned. A knock sounded from the outer door, and Angus hastened to open it. Rory froze. Surely, this was his answer.
He squeezed his eyes shut.
Be brave, Moira. Be that brave, fearless woman I have seen glimpses of.
The door closed and Angus rushed to him, handing him the same folded parchment he had sent to Mrs Fraser. The seal didn’t even appear broken. ‘Did she even read it?’
Angus smiled. ‘Open it.’
Rory broke the wax seal and opened it, noting the added heaviness of it.
‘Clever lass. Her maid said her missus added her reply below yer own and affixed the seal atop her own, so that if one of her father’s men seized it, it would appear unopened and unread.’
Rory shouldn’t have been as surprised by her intrigue, but he was. She was indeed clever. He scanned the letter and discovered her script curling like flowery vines beneath his own.
Name the place and time. I will be there.
M
Those nine little words made him light on his feet and his fingers tingled. She had said yes. She was coming with him after all. Why had he doubted her? She was no wilting primrose. He’d do well to remember such.
He grinned over at Angus. ‘Ready whatever remains, and notify those eager to leave that they have a position at Blackmore if they choose it. It seems Mrs Fraser has more gumption than even I believed. She has agreed to elope with me. We just need to name the place and time.’
Angus clapped Rory on the shoulder. ‘What did I tell ye?’
‘You believed it far more possible than I. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were a hopeless romantic.’
Angus shrugged. ‘It wouldna be the worst name I’ve been called in my time.’
Rory chuckled and the hope that had been so long out of reach was within his sights. He’d not lose it. ‘And your plan for stealing my bride in the full light of day?’
‘Simple.’
He scoffed. ‘I doubt such a feat will be simple.’
