Page 66 of A Stranger’s Gamble

“His sister? That horrid man is her brother?”

“Stepbrother. I’ve never met the girl, but I hear he keeps a close watch on her.”

“She’s here?” Sophie demanded.

“Aye.”

“I had no idea.” It hadn’t even occurred to her to see if Imogen was in Edinburgh.

“We used to play on the estate,” Sophie said. “When she went away to France, I assumed she simply became too busy to write.” Sophie met his gaze. “She told me her stepfather sent her away to school.”

“That would have been Balfour’s father,” Adam replied.

“I should see if she is here. I can ask Mr. Balfour—”

“Nae,” he interrupted. “I ask you to leave the matter to me.” Before she could reply, he instructed her to dress, then excused himself to the ante room.

Fifteen minutes later, a maid showed them to the breakfast room where Mr. Balfour was sat at the breakfast table.

He looked up as they entered. “Please, have a seat. I made sure to have plenty for breakfast this morning.”

“I can stay,” Adam said. “You and I have business, I believe. Sophie will go home.”

“Our business will have to wait,” Mr. Balfour said. “I am leaving in ten minutes.”

“I can ride with you,” Adam said.

He shook his head. “We can meet this evening, say seven?”

Adam angled his head in acknowledgement. “Of course.”

“I have begun preparations for your wedding celebration,” Mr. Balfour said.

“There is no need, sir,” Sophie said.

He shook his head. “It’s no trouble.” He took a sip of coffee then stood. “I have a carriage waiting outside to take you home. You really should have some breakfast first, though. Cook outdid herself.” He looked at Adam. “I will see you tonight, Monthemer.”

Adam nodded and Balfour left.

“Would you like some breakfast?” Adam asked.

“I do not want to spend another minute in this house,” she said, though she did wish she could ask after Imogen.

Adam gave a slight bow. “I do not blame you.”

The footman waiting outside the room escorted them to the front door. Adam grasped her hand and helped her inside the waiting carriage, then vaulted in after her and too the seat opposite her.

The vehicle lurched into motion, and Sophie suddenly felt certain she was walking in a dream. No, a nightmare. Adam—the Marquess of Monthemer—sat across from her in the carriage as casual as could be. She would again accuse him of trapping her into marriage—if the situation weren’t so outlandish. It simply was beyond comprehension that anyone could have planned this…situation. Of course, he had no idea she would be so foolhardy as to follow him from Mrs. Eldridge’s home. Lord, she could scarce believe she’d done it.

What would her father say? He wanted her to marry—that part would please him. He wouldn’t, however, be pleased at how she accomplished the matter. She would like to think that because she was now married that her father would have nothing to say. She knew better. Not to mention, she had no intention of staying married.

“What is going on?” she demanded.

He met her gaze. “What happened is that you expedited our marriage.”

Sophie narrowed her eyes. “You and Mr. Balfour are engaged in illegal activities.”

Poor Imogen.