Chapter 13

W hen Jessie awoke the next morning, it was with the startling realization that her limbs were entwined with Robert's—and that she was warm, even comfortable.

In fact, she was too comfortable.

Curled into Robert's furnace-like heat, her head rested against his shoulder whilst one of his thighs lay over her hip. Even more shockingly, one of Robert's hands gently cupped her breast. She should be affronted and swat his hand away, untangle herself from his legs and use his dirk on him like she'd threatened to last night. But she didn't want to. The thought disturbed her, more than just a little. Robert had been joking yesterday, but perhaps she was a wicked wench.

She moved slightly and Robert stirred. His hand moved away from her breast to brush her hair away from her cheek.

"This seems to have become a bit of a habit, us spending the night together. How did you sleep?" His voice was low and husky, a caress against her ear.

Jessie found her voice, also husky with sleep and another emotion she didn't care to name. "Better than expected… And you?"

"I slept well," he murmured, sliding his hand from her head to her shoulder, then down to the curve of her waist. "Better than well."

Oh my . Jessie pushed away from him, attempting to create space between them, to break the intimacy. But then she saw Robert's face and she stilled. Her breath caught. His blue eyes were soft and dark in the dim light of dawn, his smile languid. No one had a right to look so handsome first thing in the morning. She swallowed, dragging her gaze away from his mouth. His wide beautiful, inviting mouth . She was definitely wicked. And this was dangerous—very dangerous. She needed to get up. Start the day. Get away.

Get to Edinburgh.

Robert's thoughts must have drifted in a similar direction. He sighed then dropped a quick kiss on her forehead. "As much as I would enjoy lying here all day like this, I think we really should get up. Besides, Tobias may be back at any time and?—"

"Good mornin', milord. Miss Munroe."

Tobias!

Jessie shrieked and scrambled awkwardly from the bed, ignoring the pull of her stitches and the soreness of her sprained ankle. Her face blazed as she adjusted her plaid and wrapped her cloak tightly about her. Tobias hovered awkwardly at the entrance of the cave.

"Ah, good morning to you, Tobias." Robert followed Jessie out from underneath the bedclothes and stretched lazily, seemingly unperturbed by being caught abed with a woman. "I trust your fact-finding trip was worthwhile."

"Aye, milord." Tobias, his face beetroot red, looked only at his master. "I do indeed have news that I believe will interest ye."

Robert glanced back at Jessie. His expression had turned serious. "If you'll excuse me, Miss Munroe." He inclined his head toward the entrance of the cave. "Lad, how about you and I go and check on my horse?"

Heart sinking, Jessie watched the men disappear into the early morning fog drifting in the frigid mountain air. Despite the deal she'd struck with Robert last night, he still didn't trust her. After all, some of Tobias's intelligence must be about her. At least there would be independent corroboration of her claim she was the factor's daughter and that she'd been summoned to Edinburgh by her cousin—even though that, in and of itself was a lie.

What a muddle.

But she prayed the information Tobias had gleaned would improve Robert's opinion of her, even just a wee bit. Which meant he might still uphold his end of the bargain.

God willing, in a few hours, she would be on the public coach to Edinburgh.

She had to be.

The fog remained impenetrable as Jessie, Robert, and Tobias descended with painstaking slowness from the snow-shrouded upland glen to the lower wooded braes and Loch Kilburn. Jessie rode with Robert, his arm encircling her. She wasn't sure if it was for support or restraint.

After the men had returned to the cave, Robert had been subdued and distant. Every now and again, Jessie had caught him looking at her speculatively, making her worry anew about what he'd learned about her, and whether or not he would abide by their bargain and let her go.

In the rush to leave the cave, there hadn't been an opportunity to talk with him about her ideas for gaining safe entrance into the castle, or what her role would be. As they drew closer to Lochrose, Jessie found herself more than a little frustrated with Robert for not sharing his thoughts about the morning ahead. But railing at him wasn't an option, not when stealth and subterfuge were paramount.

Thankfully, they encountered no one along the way. The world around them was still, silent, and gray. Trees loomed out of the fog like ominous specters. Robert had insisted she leave her scarlet cloak behind as it would be too noticeable against the snow-dusted landscape. Even though he shared his plaid with her now, Jessie shivered with cold…and bone deep dread.

She was acutely aware that every step of Robert's horse brought her closer to Simon. Anxiety tied knots in her belly and frayed her nerves to the point that she felt nauseous. It probably didn't help that all she'd had for breakfast was a small portion of salted beef. But even if a feast awaited her at Lochrose, she doubted she could have eaten a thing.

At last she began to identify familiar landmarks as they materialized out of the fog. They were skirting the loch, heading for the direction of Lochrose's main gate and the Gate House. She clutched the pommel in front of her and began to gnaw at her bottom lip. The going had been so frustratingly slow, she was now terrified that time was slipping away from her. She estimated she only had a few hours at most to get to Grantown to catch the coach. She really couldn't stand not knowing the plan any longer.

Jessie turned back toward Robert. "Where are we headed?" she asked quietly over her shoulder, hating that she couldn't hide the breathy edge to her voice. "I canna imagine that ye're going to ride straight up the drive."

Robert waited a heartbeat before responding softly against her ear. "Your house, Jessie."

"Oh." Her brow plunged into a deep frown. He'd truly surprised her. "But why? Are ye going to share yer ideas so I can help? Dinna you remember our bargain?"

"Of course I do. But all will be revealed in good time."

Jessie hoped so. She really hoped so. There wasn't much time left.

When they got to within fifty yards of the Gate House, Robert and Tobias reined in and tethered the horses within a dense copse of larch and fir trees at the dwelling's rear. Robert helped Jessie to dismount, and she found herself pressed up against the hard planes of his body, his hands lingering at her waist. Despite her trepidation, Jessie immediately responded to his nearness. Her breath hitched and though she was chilled to the bone, warmth suffused her cheeks. Her physical attraction to Robert must be mortifyingly obvious. And despite the wide gulf of misunderstanding and mistrust that stretched between them, she also sensed that Robert desired her too.

The passionate way he'd kissed her last night certainly suggested he wanted her… And the way he'd gazed at her this morning when they were abed—the expression in his eyes so meltingly soft, she felt like sun-warmed butter…

She chanced a glance at his face and the corner of Robert's mouth inched upward into a smile. "It's been a long time since I've been this close to home, Jessie," he murmured as his eyes locked with hers. "I'm trusting you not to give me away."

Jessie's heart leapt in the oddest way. She offered a small smile in return, hoping Robert could see she was truly sincere. His good opinion of her mattered, more than she had hitherto realized. "I willna let ye down. And in case ye've forgotten, we can enter the Gate House from the back. I left the rear door unlocked when…when I left for Edinburgh."

Robert glanced at Tobias who stood nearby, seemingly busy with his mount's harness. A silent communication passed between them. The servant nodded and Robert turned back to Jessie. He took her hand. "Lead the way then, mo ghaoil ."

The cozy two-floor house was deserted but it was obvious someone had been there at some stage since Jessie had left. Someone who'd been very, very angry.

The hair at Jessie's nape stood on end as she took in the sight of a kitchen chair which had been upended, and her father's whisky bottle smashed on the stone floor. Even more disturbing was the state of her bedchamber upstairs. There looked to have been a rough search through her belongings. Her chest of drawers had been opened and items of her clothing had been tossed about the room.

Robert, standing beside her in the doorway, raised an eyebrow. "Simon?"

Jessie nodded, clutching the doorjamb, willing herself to swallow the surge of bile rising to her throat.

"He must be frustrated indeed that you left him, Jessie." Robert paused for a moment, frowning as he considered her face. Concern shadowed his eyes. "I imagine you would like to change, now you've access to your clothes. Will you be all right if I leave you for a few minutes?"

She found her voice although she couldn't hide its tremble. "Aye, aye, of course. I'll be fine. I willna be long, I promise."

Robert gave her a reassuring smile. Reaching for her shoulder, he gave it a gentle squeeze. "Good lass. Call me if you need anything."

Jessie nodded then he disappeared down the stairs.

Although her nerves were completely tattered, and she had precious little time to waste—the clock on her mantel indicated it was almost nine o'clock—Jessie didn't wish to squander this opportunity to wash and change into fresh clothes. It mattered not that the water she'd left in the pitcher several days ago was icy-cold as she splashed it over her face. With as much haste as she could manage, she shed her hodgepodge of filthy garments before grabbing fresh undergarments from the clothing strewn about on the floor. She shuddered to think of Simon touching her most private things, but she had no choice other than to use what was at hand.

From her wardrobe, Jessie selected a thick black wool cloak and her spare riding habit of emerald-green worsted wool trimmed with black velvet; it would serve just as well as a traveling gown. The tailored jacket and matching waistcoat—which she wore over a lace-trimmed linen shirt—buttoned up the front, so it was a relatively easy ensemble to don.

Although her ankle was still stiff and sore, she managed to pull on soft, black leather ankle boots without too much difficulty. She also fished out a pair of black kid gloves which she shoved in her habit's pocket along with a small purse containing her guineas for the coach fare. She wouldn't bother with a hat. It would just be something else to worry about.

Then she glanced at the clock. Five minutes past nine.

Her hair… Well, her hair was a disaster. Jessie sat before her dressing table mirror and dragged a brush through the tangled mess before pulling the curls into a low arrangement of sorts with a leather tie and black velvet ribbon. There were dark shadows under her eyes, but at least she no longer looked like some wild harridan. She was presentable enough to catch a public coach, at the very least.

If she made it in time. As long as she left by eleven o'clock and rode like the wind, she should be able to get to Grantown by midday. All going well.

And if Robert keeps his promise.

And if I do no' meet Simon.

Tears pricked and Jessie scowled at her reflection. Stop it, Jessie. Ye dinna have time to cry.

When Jessie went downstairs, Robert was standing by one of the mullioned windows in the small front parlor, scanning the drive.

In the weak light that filtered through the window, she immediately noticed that Robert had also taken the opportunity to improve his appearance for his upcoming reunion with his father. Although he hadn't shaved away the dark shadow of his morning stubble, he'd clubbed his hair back with a black velvet ribbon. He'd discarded his rumpled, travel-stained plaid and now wore buckskin breeches tucked into his black and tan top boots, a fresh white linen shirt with an elegantly tied cravat, and his brown hunting coat. Even though Robert's attire was simple, one couldn't fail to notice his innate air of authority.

Robert Grant, the gentleman Jacobite. A worthy bearer of the titles Master of Strathburn and Viscount Lochrose. Jessie prayed the earl would see that too.

She drew closer to the window. "'Tis fortunate the fog is lingering. Is there any sign of movement outside?"

Robert frowned, his mouth a hard line. "Four Black Watchmen rode by, headed for the castle but two minutes ago." His gaze met Jessie's. "Simon is persistent, I'll give him that."

Jessie clutched her black traveling cloak closer, her skin prickling with unease. She'd considered stealing outside and taking one of the horses under the cover of the fog, but she was beginning to question whether it was all that wise to go anywhere unaccompanied, given that Simon was still actively searching for her. In fact, she was starting to wonder whether she might be better off staying with Robert and not traveling to Edinburgh at all. Despite the mistrust between them, despite her initial doubts about him, she couldn't deny that he, above all others, made her feel safe.

Robert suddenly reached out and lifted her chin with gentle fingers, forcing her to look at him. "What is it, lass?" His voice was soft and low, but his gaze was searching. "Why are you so?—"

The creak of the kitchen door opening made Jessie jump and Robert curse beneath his breath. He immediately tugged Jessie over to the parlor door and shielded her with his body. Her breath seizing, her heart crashing against her ribs, she watched Robert silently draw his dirk. His lightning reactions and apparent calmness in the face of possible danger were nothing short of impressive. Yet as his hand gripped hers, Jessie was also conscious of tightly reined in energy. He was the epitome of a battle-hardened soldier about to strike.

"'Tis only me, milord."

Only Tobias. Thank God. Jessie sagged against the wall, her knees almost buckling beneath her.

Robert visibly exhaled also and gave her a tight smile before sheathing his dagger. He stepped into the kitchen. "How goes it out there, Tobias?"

"No' verra weel, milord. Yer brother is still abed—he was up drinking until the wee small hours according to his valet, Baird. But there are four verra impatient Watchmen waitin' in the forecourt for him to rise. But Baird doesna ken when that will be. No one is game enough to wake him. My cousin Annie says that ever since Miss Munroe left"—Tobias flicked Jessie a glance—"the young Master has been in the foulest temper she's ever seen."

Robert ran a hand down his face and sighed heavily. "You know, Simon will probably have the coaching inn watched, Jessie," he said tightly, a dark frown creasing his brow. "He is relentless. He's making it almost impossible for you to catch that public coach."

"I know," Jessie replied in a small voice, fear and despair clogging her throat. She hated being the fly in the ointment, ruining Robert's plans. Even worse was the knowledge that her own plan to escape was destined to fail. She'd had no idea that Simon would be so…so dogged.

She closed her eyes and dug her fingernails into her palms, willing herself to swallow her tears, not to give in. She needed to think. And she didn't want to break down in front of Robert.

Robert gently touched her shoulder. "Perhaps my father can intercede. For both of us."

She nodded weakly. Perhaps… What other choice do I have?

"Are ye ready then, milord?" Tobias asked.

Ready for what? Although her vision was blurred with tears, Jessie narrowed her gaze on Robert. "I think it's about time ye shared yer plan, milord."

Robert rubbed his jaw, guilt gnawing at his belly. Jessie regarded him warily, eyes glistening with unshed tears and sharp suspicion. She knew something was afoot, and now was the time to tell her what was in store. The problem was, he knew she wasn't going to be happy.

He drew a deep breath and looked at her squarely. "Jessie, I'm going to leave you here with Tobias while I sneak into Lochrose. You'll be perfectly safe."

Her face blanched. "Ye dinna trust me, do you? Please…I beg you, let me go with you. I give ye my word, I willna betray yer presence."

Robert hesitated. Jessie was all but quaking with terror. It had initially occurred to him that perhaps she was play-acting, that her previous show of fear was just an elaborate hoax to get him inside the castle so she could alert Simon—or his stepmother—about his return. But now, studying her ashen face, he discarded the idea.

Why was Jessie so afraid to be left here with Tobias? If Simon was such a threat to her departure, surely it was safer if she stayed here, where she was hidden?

"It's better for everyone if I do this alone," he said carefully. "If something goes wrong, it's better if you and Tobias are not implicated in aiding a wanted man. You're both innocent. Tobias will look out for you."

Jessie swallowed and licked dry lips, her fear palpable. "I just want to help you. That was our deal. I must get to Edinburgh and I do no' care how. But if Simon comes here looking for me again…I dinna think he will let me go."

"Jessie, it is more likely that you will encounter Simon inside the castle than if you remain here. Tobias will protect you."

But the lass shook her head and grasped his hand, desperation clouding her golden-brown eyes. "Please, I would rather stay with you."

Robert searched her troubled face. Something clearly wasn't right. Not at all. He glanced around the room at the smashed bottle and tipped over chair. "Why are you so frightened, lass?" he asked gently. "Has Simon done anything to harm you? There's something you're not telling me, I know it."

Her eyes grew wide for an instant, her pupils dilating in panic. Then her eyelids fluttered downward. She wouldn't look at him. "It doesna matter." Her voice was barely above a whisper. Her cheeks had turned a burning red.

She was ashamed to tell him.

Anger flared inside Robert, hot and bright. Simon had hurt Jessie in some way, he was sure of it, but whatever it was, she was obviously reluctant to confide in him. More than ever, he was determined to find out what was really going on.

But now was not the time to question Jessie further. With every passing minute, it was more likely that Simon—and for that matter, his stepmother—would be rousing for the day. With that would come increased activity in and around the castle.

Robert made a snap decision. "All right, Jessie, you can come with me."

She grasped his arm, almost collapsing with relief before him. "Thank you, Robert," she murmured on a shaky exhale. "Ye willna have any cause to regret yer decision, I swear it."

Robert glanced over to Tobias who'd been trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible during the tense exchange. "You may as well head off. The rest of the plan remains the same."

The young man looked uncertain but nodded. "If ye're sure, milord."

"I am, Tobias." Robert crossed the room and placed a hand on his shoulder. He knew the best and safest place for the lad to be was far away from him, should anything go wrong. His family had already lost so much. "You've done more than enough to help. There's no sense in waiting around for my father's verdict on whether he'll assist me or not. It's best you go back to the Phoenix . Besides, if all does go well for me, I'll be seeing you and Drummond in Edinburgh before you both set sail again."

Tobias bowed his head. "As ye wish, milord. Godspeed to you."

Robert smiled and gave him one last clap on the shoulder. "Good lad. Give my regards to Drummond, won't you? Godspeed to you too, Tobias."

Once the back door clicked shut, Robert barred it against any other unexpected visitors, then turned to Jessie. "Is there a lantern or an oil lamp about, lass?"

She narrowed her eyes and looked quizzically at him for a moment, but quickly retrieved a lantern, as well as tinder from a dresser near the fireplace. "We are going somewhere dark, I take it?"

"Very." Robert smiled back at her before swiftly striking the tinder and lighting the lantern's wick. "You're not afraid of dark tunnels, are you? Or secret passages?"

Jessie eyed him suspiciously. "Nay… Ye really didna need me to help ye at all, did you?"

Robert ignored her question and flashed her a grin instead. He was pleased to see she was no longer shaking, and she even blushed a little at his smile. Picking up the lantern in one hand, he grasped Jessie's hand firmly with the other, and led her toward the Gate House's cellar door. "Come with me."