Page 98 of My Highland Love

“Sophie—”

“Don't become annoyed with me, Marcus. We have known one another too long for such foolishness. I am pleased you have found a woman to care for, and approve of the match.”

Marcus raised a brow.

She gave him a dry look. “You comprehend what I mean. Now, tell me, what is she hiding?”

He took a deep breath. “I have yet to find out.”

Sophie smoothed her dress. “She isn't given to talking about herself, even half in her cups. Which do you think is most likely: that she has committed a crime or has run away from her husband? Either one would allow for her gentle upbringing.”

He prayed to God she hadn't run away from a husband. What would he do if that were the case?

“Those are not the only possibilities,” Marcus said. “It may be her husband was in debt and she has no means to repay the creditors.”

“Quite right,” Sophie said. “I hadn't thought of that.”

Thus far, his investigations had turned up no record of a ship sinking in Solway Firth, nor had any ship docked in the firth. There had, however, been a terrible storm the day before Shannon and Josh found Elise. The ship may have sunk as Elise said. The report of ships docking in Edinburgh and London gave no clues as to what ship she might have sailed on. The report on ships leaving Boston harbor had yet to reach him.

Marcus focused on his cousin. “I will have no meddling in this affair, Sophie.”

She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Of course not.”

“I am serious,” he added.

“Marcus, I don't interfere in the affairs of others.”

He gave her a reproachful look.

She screwed one side of her mouth into a wry smile. “Not really, I don't, and you cannot deny that I have never interfered in your life.”

“True.”

“But that doesn't mean I can't see what is happening. What measures have you taken to discover the truth?”

“That is nothing you need concern yourself with.”

Sophie sighed. “I feared you would say that. Marcus. I like the girl. Still, I would ask that you inform me if any… problems arise.”

“I will keep your request in mind,” he said, and wished her a good day.

* * *

Her wedding day brought with it all the promise of a hailstorm in June. Wind blew in clouds so dark, it looked as though God's wrath would rain down upon them. Elise sent up a prayer of thanks for Sophie's experienced hands. She held her breath while Sophie deftly fastened the buttons that went from the neckline of the yellow silk gown to the small of her back.

“There.” Sophie gave a final tug to smooth out the dress. Elise turned as Sophie reached for the matching lace veil. “Look at this beautiful work.”

“Yes,” Elise agreed. “Winnie is a master needlewoman.”

Sophie smiled and positioned the veil's band atop Elise's hair. The lace fell to her waistline. A lace overskirt continued the illusion of fog amid petals to the floor. Sophie stepped back. Elise watched her soon-to-be-cousin, touched by the genuine pleasure on her face.

“Lovely.” Sophie's expression sharpened. “Well, Cousin, you've done it now.”

Elise glanced at the clock on her mantel. “I still have half an hour.”

“A full thirty minutes in which to explain to Marcus why you changed your mind.”

Elise jerked her gaze onto the countess.