Page 26 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

“You cannot bring yourself to commit an act you consider a betrayal to Mister Thomson, can you?” Cameron suddenly envied Mister Thomson. “No need to worry, Lady Alison, when Mister Thomson returns, you may tell him that you remained true to him.”

Cameron hauled her over his shoulder and started for the door.

She shrieked. “What in the world are you doing, sir? Put me down.”

“This is for your own good, my lady.”

The door swung open and Hamilton blocked the doorway. “What the bloody hell?” He started toward Cameron. “Put her down, you bastard.”

Hamilton reached them and Cameron swung Alison down onto her feet. He rammed his fist into Hamilton’s jaw. The man dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes.

Alison gasped. “What have you done?”

Cameron seized her arm.

She yanked her gaze to his face. “Brute.” She punched him in the belly with enough force to knock the wind from his lungs.

“By God,” he wheezed. “You hit like a man.”

Cameron tossed her over his shoulder again. She twisted in an effort to break free. He clamped an arm over her backside and strode out the door into the hallway.

“This is kidnapping,” she shouted. “Help!”

He made a quick turn and descended the stair.

She twisted violently.

Cameron grimaced when he faltered a step. He gave her rear end a slap. “Unless you want us both to fall headlong down these stairs, I suggest you cease your struggles,” he growled.

She gasped, but stilled until they reached the second floor, then pounded his back with her fists. Cameron turned right and hurried forward.

“Stop!” she shouted.

They neared the front door and butler appeared at a run down the stairs to the left. A woman gasped. Cameron glanced over his shoulder. Mrs. Cummings hurried toward them at a fast walk with three maids close behind. Cameron reached the front door as the butler reached them.

“Mister Smithers,” Lady Alison cried. “Help me!”

Mrs. Cummings reached them as Cameron threw open the door. He whirled to face the servants. “My fiancée and I are on our way to my father’s home. You must be aware that we were discovered together in my bedchambers four nights ago. I will not wait another night to prove to the world that ours is no torrid love affair.”

Mrs. Cummings’ eyes narrowed.

“Mrs. Cummings, I am sorry, but I cannot in good conscience leave Lady Alison in this house with her cousin.”

“How dare you?” Alison cried. “Someone do something.”

A look passed between the cook and the butler.

“If you are sincere, then you will take the maid with you,” the butler said.

“Mister Smithers, do something or you will be free to seek employment elsewhere!” Alison thrashed.

Cameron locked gazes with the housekeeper. “Mrs. Cummins, if you will accompany us.” He didn’t wait for an answer, but strode out the door.

“Sir,” the housekeeper called. She hurried after him.

“Help!” Alison shouted.

“For God’s sake, Alison, do you really want to stay here with Hamilton?” Cameron demanded.