Page 127 of The Highlander Is All That

“The coaches are faster,” the duke insisted. Again.

Aye. When they dinna break down.

“We’re close to Woolfardisworthy,” James, the Earl of Darlington, said.

Woolfardisworthy? Hamish snorted. And these people thought the Highlands were the back of beyond?

“Let’s send the women in the other coaches to town and have them send back help.”

They had all come on this journey. This holiday. All ten of them. Hamish, McCloud, Lady Esmeralda, Victoria, the earl and his countess, the duke and his duchess, and, of course, Mary and her footman. It had been something like a traveling circus. Four coaches, three maids, and two grooms to boot.

For his part, Jamison was learning to hold his own with the powerful personalities in the company, which was saying a lot. Esmeralda had almost come to terms with the unconventional marriage of her youngest charge, although she still occasionally had fits of the vapors.

Hamish suspected this happened when she imagined she was not the center of attention.

At any rate, a broken axle this close to their goal was frustrating as hell.

If Hamish had his way, he would unhook one of the horses and ride bareback straight to Clovelly. Unfortunately, he had no idea where Elizabeth was living. Only Helena knew, because she’d visited once, and though she’d tried to give directions, the little town was convoluted, like an ouroboros, and no one could really understand the route. She would have to show them.

“Doona worry,” McCloud said, slapping him on the back. “We’ll find Lady Elizabeth soon.”

Hamish nodded to the Scotsman. “I know. But I just have this feeling. She needs me.”

“Of course she needs you,” the earl said blandly. “All women need their men.”

“It’s no’ that. I feel as though she’s . . . in trouble.”

Moncrieff and Darlington exchanged a glance. “It has been my experience that one should listen to those feelings,” the duke said.

“I agree.” The earl tapped his lip. “Perhaps Hamish should go with the women into Woolfardisworthy. Then he and Helena can head straight for Clovelly. That way, he can set his mind at ease today.”

“I should go along too,” Jamison said. “As added muscle.”

They all surveyed the boy. Though he was young and healthy, he was hardly muscled.

But Hamish liked Jamison, and assistance would be welcome if necessary, so he nodded.

“I’m far more menacing,” McCloud grumbled.

“That you are, my friend,” the duke snorted.

“Perhaps I should go as well.”

“And leave me here alone with Darlington?” Moncrieff jested.

“We could leave the servants,” James said.

“Bah.” The duke frowned. “We want it done right.”

“Come along then,” Lady Helena called from the coach. “What is the plan?”

Clearly, the countess was impatient. But then, Hamish had learned, women who were increasing often were.

“Darling,” James gushed.

“Don’t darling me,” she snapped. “What is the plan?”

The duke stepped forward and took charge as dukes were wont to do. “Lady Helena, it has been decided that the working carriages will go on to Woolfardisworthy and send back help while you escort Mr. Robb to Miss Claire’s house. Mr. Jamison and the good Mr. McCloud will go with you.