All the better to write down the recipes with, she thought as she zipped up the case. It wasn’t like it was forever anyway, she’d be able to come back whenever she wanted. As long as the key worked, of course.
There was no reason to suppose it wouldn’t. It had worked so far.
With the case packed, and after a final look around her room, she returned to the living room. “Will you be able to afford the rent without me?”
“I’ll manage,” Tabby said. “Now go get him, tiger. And tell him to look after you.”
They walked to the front door together. Daisy slid the silver key into the lock. “What if it doesn’t work?”
“It will.”
She turned the key and then pushed the door open. “This is it,” she said, turning to look at Tabby. “Am I doing the right thing?”
“Go find out.”
Daisy stepped through the door. Tabby took a look through at the bedchamber on the other side. “Not my cup of tea,” she said before pulling the door closed, leaving Daisy alone.
Jock turned at the sound of Tabby’s voice. He looked surprised to see Daisy.
“Did you not think I’d come?” she asked.
“Not after this long.”
“What do you mean? It’s only been a couple of minutes.”
He shook his head as he walked over to her. “It’s been hours.”
“You look angry. Should I not have come?”
“I’m not angry with you.” He slid in hands into hers, dwarfing them with his huge fingers. “I am mighty glad you’ve come.”
“Then what is it? You’re upset about something.”
He sighed. “It is nothing you need concern yourself with.”
“Right,” she said, pulling her hands free and prodding his chest, surprised by how solid it felt, like prodding a rock. “Let’s get one thing clear. No secrets. I don’t know how far back feminism goes but I’m not going to be a wallflower in your life. I want to be part of it if I’m staying, right?”
He looked furious for a moment but then he smiled. The grin lit up his face, filling it with warmth. “You would make a bonny laird’s wife,” he said. “That was spoken like a true MacGregor.”
“So what is it?” she asked. “What’s the problem?”
“The king comes to visit this evening. I promised to lend him money for his latest campaign.”
“So?”
“I haven’t the money.”
“Oh, that’s quite a problem.”
“My financier took over control of the treasury from my father. He forged my signature on the assignation and took the money. It’s hidden somewhere but he refuses to say where. If I don’t find it before the king gets here, it’ll be my head that pays for his crime.”
Daisy thought for a moment before smiling. “I think I might be able to help.”
Chapter Fourteen
Jock knew she would come back. He was sure of it from the moment he kissed her. That kiss confirmed everything he suspected. She would come back.
Nonetheless, he was surprised when the door to his bedchamber opened and she walked in. Perhaps it was because she’d come so quietly, or maybe it was because he’d thought she would join him straight away.
