“As ye can see, we’ve given ye plenty to choose from,” Ian said. “I’ve divided them into those for and against the rebellion.”
“We left out the Campbells because an earl’s daughter seemed beyond our reach,” Connor said, his eyes twinkling. “But if ye can enchant one, I’ll no complain.”
Alex refilled his cup, wondering when this would be over.
“I want both of ye to go to the rebel gathering at Duart Castle on Mull,” Connor said. “From there, one of ye can go on to Edinburgh to see the regent.”
“Should be a pleasant time at Duart Castle, consorting with rebels and a host who tried to murder us,” Alex said, and they all laughed.
Connor tapped his finger on the parchment. “While ye are at the rebel gathering, ye can meet some of the prospective brides on my list.”
Connor shoved the list across the table toward Duncan and Alex. Neither of them would take it, but the names were plain enough to see.
“Ahh, McNeil’s eldest daughter is at the top of the list,” Duncan said.
“Alex, I understand ye showed considerable interest in the lass,” Connor said. “Kissing her in front of her father and clansmen.”
Alex glared at Duncan. “Traitor.”
“Shall I send a message to her father?” Connor asked with a wicked glint in his eye.
“The kiss meant nothing,” Alex protested. “Ye know I have a weakness for pretty lasses. I forgot myself for a moment, that’s all it was.”
Duncan took a slow drink and set down his cup “’Twas a rather
Alex couldn’t help joining in the laughter. But he was thinking that the kiss had not been nearly long enough.
“I almost forgot, Alex,” Connor said, reaching inside his shirt. “Father Brian was here, and he brought a letter for ye.”
CHAPTER 5
Who would write me a letter?” Alex asked. Anyone who wished to speak to him could just get in his boat and come find him.
“Looks like it’s been through many hands to get here,” Connor said, holding out the battered parchment. “Do ye recognize the seal?”
As he studied the rose seal, vague recollections of France, perfumed messages, and assignations flitted through Alex’s head. He sniffed the letter. The faintest hint of lavender remained.
Alex broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. The loopy French script tugged at his memory. This time, the image of perfect, full breasts came into his mind.
“How long are ye going to keep us waiting?” Connor asked.
“Just savoring the moment,” Alex said. “Do ye remember Sabine de Savoisy, that countess who took me to her bed soon after we arrived in France?”
“Ye cannot expect me to remember all your women,” Connor said. “I can’t count that high, let alone recall their names.”
“There was only one countess. Ye must remember Sabine—she had the enormous house outside Paris.”
Connor nodded. “And lovely breasts.”
It was unlike Connor to speak crudely in front of a woman, but he didn’t appear to notice that Ilysa was standing nearby.
“So ye do remember Sabine.” Alex looked at the date at the top of the letter.
The four of them had almost no secrets, so Alex began reading aloud.
“The woman must have a vivid memory,” Ian said, “to ask ye to make such a long journey for a tumble.”
“Good as I am,” Alex said, tapping the edge of the letter against the table, “I suspect Sabine could find a man in Edinburgh if that were her only purpose. No, she has some other reason for wanting me there.”
They had fought with D’Arcy in France.
“D’Arcy has close ties to Albany,” Connor said.
So did Sabine, but Alex kept that to himself. He took a sip of his whiskey and then read the rest of the missive.
Alex set his cup down and read the letter through twice more to himself. The message was veiled, the signature indeterminate, and the seal not her official one. But then, the countess was always careful.
