Page 45 of My Highland Love

Winnie frowned. “Well, she is.”

Elise released a breath. “That doesn't change the truth… or the fact I must leave.”

“Leave?” Winnie snorted. “Surely not because of Lady Margaret?”

Elise leaned forward on the table. “Winnie, he is to marry her.”

The older woman's shocked expression said she knew nothing of the betrothal. Elise experienced a sense of relief she hadn't hoped for. Winnie hadn't been a part of the deception.

“I don't believe it,” Winnie said.

“No?” Elise asked. “Because you don't like her?”

“Nae.” But this time, the denial held less conviction.

“I am going. Tomorrow.”

Winnie's brows snapped together. “So soon? Mayhap you should wait just a little while, give Marcus a chance—”

“A chance for what?” To win me over? The very thing she couldn't allow. For she would submit, then the leaving would only break her heart all the more. And she would leave. For Amelia. For Steven. And because he had lied to her.

“Marcus is away,” she said. “It's better I go now.”

“You plan on returning to America?”

Elise nodded.

“I suppose you can manage there as well as here.”

“I need your help.”

Winnie gave her a wary look. “I dinna' like the look in your eye.”

“I must leave early if I am to reach Glasgow before nightfall. Leaving so early is sure to raise suspicion. If you and I go together to the village—”

“Lord save us.” Winnie rolled her eyes heavenward.

“You know it will take trickery.”

“Oh, it will take trickery.”

“If you know another way?”

“There is a secret passage leading outside the gates.”

“A secret passage? Where does it emerge?”

“Near the gate.”

“That might work,” Elise murmured.

Winnie unexpectedly shook her head. “Nae. 'Tis a bad idea.”

“Why?”

“If you are caught, the jig is up. We will do as you said and go early. Only you cannot go all the way to Glasgow alone. Peter will go with you.”

“Peter?” Elise's heart thumped. “I won't risk another person's life.”