Moira leaned back against the pillows. “I shall enjoy my bath and then join you for lunch.”

“Excellent.” With a bow and a smoldering look at her, he was gone.

She listened to his booted feet go down the hall. Soon after, his deep voice rang through the courtyard as he called to his groom.

Sighing, she snuggled into the pillows, her body aching pleasantly.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but at least she was no longer fighting this battle alone.

CHAPTER 13

Michael Hurst’s diary, on hearing that his brother William is on his way.

I received word that William is to arrive within the month to secure my release. It’s about bloody time. I’ve things to do, damn it!

While my lodgings are luxurious, I’ve been forced to endure the constant company of Miss Smythe-Haughton, which—because of my lack of female companionship—has caused me some discomfort.

Something rather odd happened last night. My assistant spent the afternoon in the harem, gathering information to help negotiate my release. Little did I know she was also using that time to learn the ways of the harem, including dressing in such a way that—well, I hardly know how to describe it.

I did not appreciate the way the sulfi began to look at her when she appeared so attired, and I now worry that more trouble is on the way. While the sulfi may allow me to go free once the box has been delivered, I’m not certain he’ll do the same for Miss Smythe-Haughton.

The coach hit a rut in the muddy road and Moira winced as her knee banged against the edge of the opposite seat. “Ow! I hope we arrive soon.”

Robert planted a foot against the seat Moira occupied to steady himself. “We’re only a few miles from the inn where Ross said his agent would await me.”

“Thank goodness. I’ll be black and blue if the road gets any worse.”

As if Stewart could hear her, the coach slowed and the rocking subsided.

Robert pushed back the leather curtain that covered the coach window. “The road is stone covered now and should be smoother.” He peered into the distance and said with satisfaction, “We’re beginning to climb, so we must be entering the mountains now.”

Moira looked out the window, amazed at how the vista had changed over the last few hours. Instead of heather-covered moors, purple mountains rose before them, fronted by deep, green valleys with sparkling blue lochs. The road looked like a ribbon, twisting around each curve as it climbed. “I’ve never been this far north. Have you?”

“No.”

She nodded, lost in the beauty of the scenery. “It’s a different world from Craigentinny.”

He lifted a brow. “Is that your home?”

She shrugged and offered no more.

“That’s hardly fair, seeing as how I’ve told you everything—including the time when I was stung by bees while trying to spy upon the neighbor’s charming daughter.”