Dare, Lydia - Tall, Dark and Wolfish

Caitrin stopped in her tracks, drawing Elspeth to a halt. "Ye canna go with him, El."

"Doona ye think I ken that?" She started walking again toward the dress shop on Queen Street.

Caitrin chased after her. "Aye, but…"

"I have no intention of leavin' with him, Cait. But I have ta meet him, especially if he's come for me. He's part of me and… well, I doona expect ye ta understand." She pushed open the door to the shop, and a little bell tinkled as she stepped inside.

Almost at once she was nearly knocked to the ground by the suffocating sandalwood scent that assaulted her. Elspeth blinked back tears and stared up into the dark brown eyes of Mr. Alec MacQuarrie. "My dear Miss Campbell," he began smoothly in his cultured English accent. When Caitrin entered the shop, his smile broadened to that of a lovesick puppy. "And Miss Macleod. It is truly a pleasure seeing you this fine morning."

Caitrin shot Elspeth her most exasperated look.

In the last few weeks, it had seemed as though they couldn't go anywhere that Mr. MacQuarrie didn't show up. There was nothing outwardly offensive about the fellow, other than his unwanted and pointed attention constantly focused on the pretty, blond Caitrin. Mr. MacQuarrie was quite handsome with burnished auburn hair, an athletic build, and a strong chin. However, he was well aware of his attributes and often appeared more vain than the silliest of debutantes. But, Elspeth supposed, a fine English education would probably have that effect on anyone.

"Mr. MacQuarrie," Elspeth replied with a fraudulent smile as Caitrin turned her attention to the young shop girl. "I certainly wouldna think the interior of Mairghread's dress shop would interest ye of all people."

His smile didn't falter. "I was hoping to find the perfect ribbon for the perfect girl." His eyes flashed to Caitrin. Then he whispered, "Might you take pity on me, lass? I think you know her tastes better than I."

Before she could respond, Caitrin cast him an irritated glare. "Alec MacQuarrie, have ye taken ta followin' me now? And pesterin' my friends ta help with yer suit?"

"Miss Macleod," he pressed, stepping around Elspeth. "You can't fault me for wanting to bask in your presence, can you?"

"I see no future for us, Mr. MacQuarrie."

Elspeth had to smother her laugh. Alec MacQuarrie would never get around

that

objection. Poor fellow just didn't know it.

Undeterred, Mr. MacQuarrie clasped Caitrin's hands. "Let me escort you somewhere. Anywhere. If I can't turn your head, I'll leave you be."

Caitrin's frown darkened.

"Give me at least a chance."

"And then ye'll leave me be? No more followin' me in ta dress shops or ta the park or—"

"You have my word as a gentleman."

Elspeth turned away from the pair and smiled at the shop girl. "I doona suppose the muslin I ordered has come in?"

The young girl nodded, apparently relieved not to bear witness to Caitrin and Mr. MacQuarrie's exchange any longer. "Just this mornin', Miss Campbell. Would ye like me ta package it up for ye?"

"That would be wonderful. Thank ye."

Elspeth turned around to see Alec MacQuarrie escape back on to Queen Street. She glanced at Caitrin. "So?"

Her friend shrugged. "So I told him he could take me ta Sorcha's ball. That should put an end ta it."

"But that's a fortnight away. Ye doona want ta dispense with him earlier than that?"

A beautiful smile lit Caitrin's face. "He is rather handsome. And I'd prefer no' ta attend the Fergusons' ball without an escort."

"I see." More likely Caitrin didn't want to have to face Wallace Ferguson all alone. In addition to the gift of second sight, Caitrin Macleod had been gifted with the body and face of an angel, which most men found positively alluring. It was one thing to rebuff the attentions of Alec MacQuarrie, but more difficult to do so with the brother of one of her sister witches.

"Ye can wipe that smug look off yer face, Elspeth Campbell, I ken what ye're thinkin'. I'm no' afraid ta face Wallace Ferguson."

"Of course no'."

Her friend heaved a sigh. "We were talkin' about yer father before MacQuarrie stumbled upon us."

"So we were. But I believe we've finished that conversation."

The shop girl stepped back into the room with a brown wrapped package. "Here ye are, Miss Campbell."

"Thank ye," Elspeth replied and handed the girl a coin for her troubles. Then she turned to leave the store with Caitrin right on her heels.

"Just promise ye'll be careful."

Elspeth grinned her most charming smile. "I am always careful."

"Ha!" Caitrin replied, though Elspeth could barely hear her over the sounds of passing carriages.

Ben crept down the stairs of his rented townhouse. He felt like the biggest of fools, sneaking from his own rooms. But he hoped he could escape London, find the healer in Edinburgh that Major Forster mentioned, and return without either of his brothers being the wiser. It was a ridiculous plan. One or both of them were certain to miss him for the month or longer the entire journey would most likely take.

A healer!

He'd gone and lost his bloody mind.

"Ah, there you are," came a booming voice behind

him. Ben cringed before turning around to face his brother Lord William Westfield.

"Morning, Will."

His brother's icy blue eyes raked across Ben and his portmanteau, and he had to keep himself from reacting.

"Going somewhere?"

"Uh," Ben began, searching for the right words. "Just an impromptu trip up north."

"An impromptu trip up north?" Will echoed. "That sounds rather nondescript."

Damn his irritating brother. Ben shrugged, hoping he projected the carefree man he'd been a sennight ago. "Just visiting a friend. Nothing much to tell."

Will leaned his large frame against the doorway leading to a parlor. "A

female

friend?"

The last bit of Ben's patience evaporated. "God damn it, Will! What are you after?" When a look of surprise flashed in his brother's eyes, a prickling of guilt washed over Ben. "Sorry. I didn't sleep well."

That at least was the truth. He kept hearing Major Forster's words about witches and healers every time he closed his eyes. It was no wonder he was jumpy this morning.

"You feeling all right?"

Ben nodded. "I, uh, got word from Alec MacQuarrie in Edinburgh. He's been bored out of his mind and asked me to visit." Thankfully he knew someone up north to pull off this ruse, at least temporarily. He hoped MacQuarrie was still in Scotland. It had been a month or two since he'd last heard from his old friend, which was unusual. Something must have captured his attention.

"Oh." Will frowned. "Well, I suppose, considering

what happened in Brighton, it's not such a bad idea for you to change your scenery for a while."

Ben closed his eyes. He didn't want to think about the incident in Brighton, and he hated that both his brothers knew about it. He hated that

everyone

seemed to know about it. "Well, there you are. If the inquisition is over, I'd like to start my journey."

Will pushed himself away from the door frame and smiled. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather stay here? I'm supposed to meet Simon for lunch today."

All he needed was for both of his brothers to hover and watch his every move. The image sealed his resolve to find the fabled healer the major spoke of, as ridiculous as it sounded. Ben shook his head. "And leave poor MacQuarrie to his own devices? I wouldn't be much of a friend to desert him in his time of need."

Will laughed. "Very well. Travel safe, will you?"

"I always do."

Three

After traveling the North Road for nearly a fortnight, Ben was relieved when the city of Edinburgh finally came into view from his coach window. He'd sent a note to Alec, inviting himself to stay with his old Cambridge pal at his home, and he hoped his friend had received the missive. He would hate to show up unannounced.