Page 325 of Wicked Highland Heroes

The tinkle of glass, then liquid being poured into the tumblers followed.

“We ought not to have meddled,” Father Brennan said.

“You call it meddling, Father?”

“You are very much like your cousin,” the priest said in a cross voice.

“Iain had not been to Montrose Abbey in some time. He was unlikely to have seen her had I not sent

him there on that ruse.”

Victoria’s heart skipped a beat.

“Why did we interfere?” Father Brennan fussed.

“I suppose for the same reason he kidnapped her.” Thomas laughed. “Mon Dieu, but I was sure he

read the truth on my face that first night.”

Father Brennan grunted. “You think you were surprised? You should have been there. Nearly sent me to my grave. I still cannot believe he did it.” There was a pause, then Father Brennan added, “’Tis not like him. I thought he would woo the lass. Leave it to MacPherson to go against the natural order of things.

What in God’s name possessed him?”

“We both thought she was a fine mate for him,”

Thomas said. “Seems he agreed.”

Victoria became aware she was shaking. How had Thomas concocted the scheme that resulted in her being kidnapped by Iain MacPherson? She and Thomas had not yet met. She recalled that first day at Fauldun Castle, when it seemed she heard her name. No wonder the scoundrel had been so sure he could guess her name.

“What are we to do about it?” Father Brennan’s voice jerked Victoria from her thoughts.

“Do?” Thomas replied. “What can we do? It is out of our hands. Mayhap God prompted Iain.”

“More likely, He is punishing us for sticking our noses where they do not belong.”

“The moment I saw her,” Thomas said, “I knew they must meet.”

“You and your premonitions,” Father Brennan grumbled. “You know just enough to make you dangerous.”

Thomas laughed. “That, I cannot disagree with.”

“I am no better,” the priest went on as if not hearing him. “I cared for nothing but the fact that it was past time he married.”

“Perhaps,” Thomas replied, “but you also thought she would do well for him.”

“That will teach me to think. How are things otherwise at Fauldun Castle?”

The conversation turned to mundane matters. When an hour passed, Victoria grew concerned the men intended to spend the night in the library.

“You have no idea when Iain will return?” Father Brennan said.

“He sent word he was delayed with Fraser.”

“Any trouble?”

Victoria’s pulse accelerated.

“He did not say what the delay was, but had it been trouble, he would have said.”

“Aye, then,” Father Brennan said. “I will not wait for him.”

“You do not wish to spend some time with the lady?” The laughter in Thomas’ voice incited her fury all the more.

“She has made confession. Nothing else is needed.”

“Perhaps if you stay, she will be able to plead her case further?”

“You would have me suffer for my sins, eh, lad? I have a long trip back to Montrose Abbey tomorrow. It is time I retire.”

Victoria held her breath, praying Thomas would follow suit.

“Good night to you, Father—and you need not worry,” amusement reappeared in Thomas’s voice, “things are well in hand here.”

Boots scuffled along carpet and the room went dark an instant before the door creaked open then closed.

“Aye,” Victoria murmured as she slipped from behind the wardrobe, “all is well in hand.”