Page 136 of My Highland Love

The earl rose in one graceful motion. “Forgive me, Lord Ashlund, but I find it likely King George will countermand this foolishness with the next turn of wind. He will find fault with you and your clan soon enough.”

Marcus gave a short laugh. “I wager King George would be just as pleased to find fault with you as he would with me.”

Loudoun's face reddened. He whirled and headed for the door.

“Loudoun,” Marcus called.

The earl halted and faced him.

“I will make sure King George enforces this edict.”

Loudoun's lip curled upward. “Even if it takes every last crown in the Ashlund vault.”

“Even if it takes every last crown.”

Loudoun turned and left the room.

Only a moment passed before the library door opened again. Marcus turned from staring at the hearth and smiled as Elise's head appeared around the edge of the door.

“I saw the earl leave,” she said. “How did the meeting go?”

“As to be expected.”

“Your son is waiting to speak with you.”

Marcus raised a brow. “Why not come himself?”

She laughed, opening the door another inch but didn't enter. “He tells me you forbade him so many things when he last saw you he fears forgetting one of your rules.”

“He has done as I instructed and we're in London, after all. He has free reign here.” Marcus grimaced. “Nae, 'tis best you not repeat that.” He regarded her. “Do you intend on standing in the doorway the entire day?”

Elise blushed and opened the door fully. She wore a simple gown of soft turquoise muslin. This was the most festive dress she had worn since returning from Boston. Perhaps she was truly beginning to forgive herself—and him. The softness in her eyes gave him hope.

She remained in the doorway. “I'll send Kiernan to you.”

“Will you return later?” Marcus asked as she started to turn.

She looked at him. Her expression displayed some of the shy reticence he had seen during those first months at Brahan Seer

“Perhaps,” she replied with the hint of a smile, and turned to close the door.

Marcus's gaze fell upon the mail he had received just before Loudoun arrived. A letter from Boston lay at the bottom of the mix.

“Elise,” he called.

She paused and looked over her shoulder.

“Have Kiernan meet me in the stables in fifteen minutes. I have something to attend to and I planned a ride before lunch. He can accompany me.”

She nodded and left him alone.

Marcus seated himself at his desk and fished the Boston letter from the pile. He tore open the envelope and removed a letter, two folded newspaper clippings, and a sealed envelope addressed to Elise. He laid the two letters aside and unfolded one of the newspaper clippings. The title read:

November 10, 1826

The Wellington leaves Boston harbor carrying twenty-five American convicts headed for Australia.

Marcus scanned the report, which listed the twenty-five men, their crimes, and sentences.