Page 130 of The Highlander Is All That

“Are you all right, Lady Elizabeth?”

She blinked and focused her attention on another man. It took a moment to recognize Violet’s husband, Ewan McCloud.

He was here too?

But again, she didn’t have the wherewithal to think on it. “I’m . . . fine,” she said.

McCloud frowned. “Take her inside,” he said to Jamison. “I think she’s in shock.”

“No,” she said, turning back to Hamish, who was still battering Blackworth. “I want to watch.”

McCloud chuckled. “Bloodthirsty wench.”

Some semblance of sanity returned, and Elizabeth’s gaze went to Miss Claire. “Please help her,” she said, and Jamison complied, leaving Elizabeth’s side to lift Miss Claire and carry her into the cottage.

“Well, really,” a crisp female voice echoed through the night. Elizabeth was delighted to recognize Helena, the Countess of Darlington, as she emerged from the shadows. She set her gaze on Hamish and his battering. “How long is this going to continue?” she asked, crossing her arms.

McCloud shrugged. “Til Hamish gets it out of his system, I imagine.”

And they all stood and watched for a minute more.

It was clear Hamish was flagging, but it didn’t much matter to Blackworth.

“Do you want me to take over?” McCloud called.

Hamish glared at him.

“Really, darling,” the countess remarked. “I think he’s had enough. Perhaps we should tie them up and contact the magistrate?”

“Aye,” McCloud said. “You doona want to murder him.”

“Do I no’?” Hamish bellowed, taking one more vicious punch.

McCloud snorted. “Nae. Far too much paperwork . . . in my humble opinion.”

Hamish paused, took a deep breath, and let Blackworth fall to the ground. The man issued a wheeze of relief. Then Hamish turned to Elizabeth. “Are you all right?” he asked, which, she considered, was a little late in the day.

“She’s fine,” McCloud said. “Come on. Let’s get these blackhearts trussed up.”

Jamison returned from the cottage with ropes and while the men tended to this business, the countess took Elizabeth’s arm and led her inside. “You’ve had quite a fright,” she said.

Elizabeth nodded. What else could she say?

To her surprise, Helena Tully, Countess of Darlington, bustled around the kitchen, making tea. While they were waiting for the water to boil, Elizabeth saw to Miss Claire, who was rousing. There was a terrible bruise on her cheek, which Elizabeth bathed with a cool cloth.

“That bastard,” Helena said as she helped Miss Claire sit.

Miss Claire stared at Helena for a moment and then cooed. “Is it really you, my darling?”

“It is,” Helena said. “I’ve come for a visit. And not a moment too soon, it seems.”

“She brought Scotsmen with her,” Elizabeth said. “They saved the day.”

Helena smiled. “Indeed they did.”

Elizabeth frowned. Now that the shock was beginning to wane, her fury rose to the fore. “That Twiggenberry is a rotter.”

Miss Claire shook her head. “I must say, I never thought he would go to such lengths to marry you.”