A Highwayman's Honor: (A Highland Highwayman Novella #1) by Michelle McLean Read Free Book Online

maid running for her mother. And then all hell had quietly broken loose.
    Elizabet knew her parents wouldn’t be happy about what had happened but she’d assumed, hoped, that their anger would be aimed at the man who’d taken her. Not that she wanted Jack in trouble, but he wasn’t there and knew how to keep himself out of trouble. She probably should have known better. Her mother did at least show some concern over her state. But once the doctor that her mother had insisted on sending for confirmed that Elizabet was all right and her wound had healed rather nicely, her mother’s concern focused on other things. Had anyone seen her getting out of a strange carriage? In the dead of night? Unaccompanied?
    Pointing out that no one was likely to have seen her as they were probably in bed sleeping did not improve matters. Mother was furious.
    “We must keep Sir Robert from discovering anything about this…distasteful business.”
    “I’ve been gone for over a week. Where does he think I’ve been?”
    “We’ve put it around that you’ve been ill.”
    Elizabet eyes widened with surprise and hurt. “You didn’t tell the authorities? You had no one looking for me?” The small fissure in her heart that had her mother’s name on it cracked open wider. “Didn’t you care at all?”
    Her mother’s eyes widened. “Of course we cared. We were trying to protect your reputation! What do you think would become of you if it was known you’ve spent the last week God knows where with a man not your husband? And a notorious highwayman at that! You’d be ruined. We assumed there would be a ransom demand for you eventually. ”
    “And if no ransom demand had come?”
    Lady Harding’s lips pursed. Then the fight seemed to drain out of her. “I don’t know. I…your father…” She walked over and slumped to the sofa, leaning back against the cushions with a tired sigh.
    “Come sit by me,” she said, patting the cushion next to her.
    Elizabet hesitated, not sure if she trusted this calmer version of her mother. She went to the sofa and perched on the edge. Lady Harding sat up and took her hands.
    “My dear child. I know you think I’m some sort of terrible monster, but I only have your best interests at heart. You’re home. Safe. Unharmed and unspoiled by the grace of God.”
    Elizabet opened her mouth to argue that point but thought better of it. Her shoulder still ached. But she didn’t think her mother would appreciate being corrected.
    Lady Harding continued. “Sir Robert is a good man with a good family name and connections, beautiful homes, and enough money to keep you extremely comfortable for the rest of your days. There is not a girl around who wouldn’t be thrilled to be his wife. I love you too much to risk all of that. Whether it was your doing or not, what happened to you could ruin any chances of your marriage. Sir Robert might be willing to take you without a dowry, but not if there is scandal attached to your name. All anyone must know is that you were ill.”
    Elizabet weighed her words carefully. She knew her mother had her future in mind. Elizabet’s heart would never pound in her chest when Sir Robert was near. She wouldn’t dream of him night after night, or find herself staring off into space as she relived every moment of their time together. But he would ensure her comfort, if not her happiness. It was more than many women got.
    Her mother was waiting for a response. “I understand, Mother. I know I’m lucky to have Sir Robert. I won’t jeopardize our agreement.”
    “Good. Now, hurry up to bed.”
    “Yes, Mother.”
    “Elizabet.”
    She turned around and glanced back at her mother.
    “I am glad you are home.”
    Elizabet smiled, warmth spreading through her at her mother’s words despite the ache in her heart left by her highwayman. “I am too.”
     
    * * *
    Elizabet twitched her fan open, sending a faint breeze across her heated face. How she could be could be so thrilled and