“Now that he knows I’m here, he will tear this house down brick by brick until he’s satisfied with my well-being and safety.” She grabbed Simon’s shirt and thrust it toward him before he’d finished putting on his trousers. “So if you want to come with me, I suggest you get ready fast, before he decides to come looking for me.”
“Christ,” Simon muttered. He took the garment and shoved his arms into the sleeves, then pulled on his hose and shoes and helped Ida button her gown.
Little else was said between them as they descended the stairs. They paused outside the parlor. Simon heard Ida take a deep breath and decided to follow suit. She opened the door and entered the room, her slight frame further dwarfed by the man who got up to greet her.
Good God!
Simon struggled to keep from gaping.
MacNeil might be wearing breeches and boots with a tailored blue jacket and waistcoat to match, but that didn’t make him look less like a Highland warrior ready for battle. The man had to be at least a head taller than he, maybe more, his arms twice as thick and his shoulders…
With furrowed brow, Simon planted his feet in a solid position and crossed his arms. He didn’t stand a chance against this man in combat, but he sure as hell wasn’t about to let that concern show.
“Ida.” Blayne gave her a swift head to toe perusal. “Thank Christ you’re unscathed.”
“I’m fine.”
Blayne frowned. “I hear you took a wee tumble a few days ago.”
“Who did you hear that from?”
“’Twas in the paper.” Blayne’s jaw hardened as he glanced toward Simon. “Guthrie won’t be happy with this.”
“Guthrie’s not here,” Ida pointed out. When Blayne didn’t argue that point, Ida turned to Simon. “Allow me to introduce you to Blayne MacNeil.”
When Simon just glared at Blayne without any indication of offering his hand, Ida turned back toward their unexpected guest. “This is the Earl of Fielding. He’s been helping me figure out who really aided in Napoleon’s escape from Elba so my father’s name can be cleared.”
Blayne gave Simon a closer look and finally shook his head. “From the looks of it, he’s been helping you with a lot more than that, lass.”
Simon cut through the room before Ida could blink and was suddenly glaring Blayne straight in the face. “My relationship with Miss Strong is none of your concern, so I would suggest you stay out of it.”
A nerve ticked next to Blayne’s left eye, but he held himself still, much to Ida’s relief, and eventually nodded. “Duly noted. Although you may want to brace yourself for when Guthrie gets back. Ida’s like family to him, you ken?”
Grabbing Simon’s arm, Ida pulled him back a step. She knew Guthrie viewed her as his responsibility. He wouldn’t like learning she’d been threatened and forced into action during his absence, and he probably wouldn’t want to trust anyone else with her protection either.
“How did you find me, anyway?” she asked Blayne.
“It wasn’t too hard. Once I learned of your connection to Fielding, it didn’t take much to work out the rest. Not with Guthrie’s detailed catalog of London addresses.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Simon asked.
“I’m sorry for the intrusion, but I had to make sure you were well,” Blayne said, ignoring the question. “Holler if you need my assistance, aye? From what I recall, you suspect a marquess and an earl of being the real traitors?”
When Ida nodded, Blayne expelled a harsh breath. “Won’t be easy. It took two decades, a hell of a lot of luck, and some serious help for Guthrie to bring down a peer. And he’s as tough as they come, lass.”
“I know. But I have to try.”
“Aye. I suppose you do.”
Knowing it wouldn’t be long before Guthrie returned, Ida looked up at Blayne. “Will you tell him where I am?”
Blayne gazed down at her with narrowed eyes and a furrowed brow. “He’ll be wanting a full report the moment he gets here. I can’t keep this from him.”
“Of course not.”
He glanced at Simon who was scowling back with disapproval. “I don’t want to know what’s between you two, but it seems you’re on a path that’s bound to stir up trouble and put you in danger.” His thoughtful gaze met Ida’s. “Are you sure he’s the man you want on your side for this?”
“Without a doubt,” Ida told him resolutely. “Fielding cares for me. He’ll do what’s needed to keep me safe.”
