“I’d love to argue with you, Elise, but I’m too relieved,” Harry said, sounding much more himself. “Sorry for uprooting your time in London.”

She laughed a hard, brittle noise that didn’t sound anything like her usual self. “Think nothing of it. I’ve naught to do here but stare at the telly. At least in the country, I can get some fresh air.”

Her words weren’t entirely true. Physical therapy took up a fair bit of her time. Undoubtedly, Hugh, her father’s driver at Torwoodlee Castle, could take her after she rescheduled her medical appointments in Edinburgh. Transporting to and from the therapist via car would be much less jostling than the London Underground.

Another positive about home was that she could work on her skills much easier there than in the city. But without the excuse of training, her mother’s constant blathering about marriage might turn her into a complete bampot.

Chapter 7

The day of the christening dawned gray and dark, the sky the color of soot. Elise showered and put on a yellow dress of modest design appropriate for a religious service. Curiosity filled her when they arrived at Jack’s church, and she looked about at the unadorned interior with interest. She had never attended a christening by lay clergy before, and the comparisons fascinated her on an intellectual level.

At the clergyman’s request, Jack took Baby Richie to the front of the chapel, where Jack’s father, brothers, and brother-in-law, Nick Davidson, the Earl of Rivendon, joined him near the pulpit.

Her eyes slid to the two men flanking Jack. When Jack said his brothers were identical, he wasn’t kidding. Even though it had only been a few months since she and Harry had interviewed James Pressley-Coombes, she had no idea which twin he was.

Jack hadn’t mentioned that other family members would be in attendance. The rest of the Pressley-Coombeses must be staying at the priory.

If James was here, then the Duke of Kinross’s daughter, Lady Margaret, must be as well. Elise swiveled slowly in her seat, so as not to draw attention to herself, her eyes scanning the congregation. Sure enough, Lady Margaret sat a few pews back on the right. Elise stiffened, and a spurt of alarm filled her. She needed to leave right after the service—before her cover was blown.

Unobtrusively, she accessed her mobile inside her handbag and texted Harry.

Elise: Is it possible to leave in an hour?

Harry: Was about to ring you. Our flight has changed. Can you be ready in forty-five minutes?

Elise: I’ll be ready.

Tension ebbed from her shoulders. Leaving at the end of the ceremony left little room for exposure. Should anything arise in that window of time, Jack could run interference with his family.

The men gathered in a circle, calling Elise’s attention to the front of the chapel. Jack cleared his throat.