Kill or Be Kilt by Victoria Roberts Read Free Book Online

she’d be hurt with so many people in attendance. Why would you deny Elizabeth a chance to go to court, especially with Ruairi as her chaperone?”
    Ravenna’s eyes flashed a gentle but firm warning. “You know why.”
    Elizabeth studied her sisters back and forth. “Are you two ever going to tell me the truth about what happened with Daniel? I know you’re withholding something. You can tell me. I’m not a child anymore.”
    â€œShe’s not, Ravenna. Elizabeth and Kat have been living in the Highlands. When you wed Ruairi, the girls didn’t have a choice but to come to Scotland. Granted, I wed Fagan and made my decision, but I still had an option to stay in England or to reside in Scotland. Don’t you think Elizabeth should be given the same opportunity? What if her future husband is here in England? I know our parents would’ve been delighted if one of their daughters married a peer of the realm, as they’d intended for all of us to do.”
    Elizabeth touched her sister’s arm. “Grace, thank you, but I’m capable of speaking for myself.” She turned to Ravenna. “You’ve done so much for us, and I appreciate all that you’ve sacrificed to keep our family together. You’ve been more of a mother to Kat and me since our parents died all those years ago. But now you have Ruairi, Mary, and a family of your own.”
    Ravenna leaned forward. “You are my family.”
    â€œI know, Sister, but I’m not sure that I want to remain on Scottish soil for the rest of my days.”
    â€œIs that what this is about? Ruairi and I have no intention of arranging a marriage for you now. When you’re ready, I’ll—”
    Elizabeth shook her head. “No, this isn’t about arranging a marriage for me at all. Please don’t misunderstand me. I love Scotland, but I love England too. I miss our old home and want to be around girls my own age for a change. I know my decision to go to court was rather abrupt, but I’m tired of seeing bloody tartans everywhere. If you haven’t noticed, that’s why I’ve been wearing our English dress. Now that we’re back in England, I want to attend the theatre and do everything that I’ve not been able to do in Scotland.”
    When a laugh escaped Grace, Elizabeth’s temper flared. She should’ve known the luck she’d had with her sister had run out.
    â€œAnd what do you find so comical?” asked Ravenna.
    Grace smiled from ear to ear. “I have more in common with Elizabeth than I’d thought.”
    Ravenna sighed and squeezed her fingers over the bridge of her nose. “God help me.”
    * * *
    â€œWhat did ye say?” Ian ran his hand through his hair and then pulled out his flask and took a swig. He kept his drink on Walsingham’s desk, needing to keep it in plain sight for easy reach, or to beat Ruairi over the head.
    â€œYe heard me.”
    â€œWhy the hell would ye agree to take her to court?”
    Ruairi shrugged. “The women and Torquil will take their leave to Apethorpe Hall for a fortnight, and in the meantime, there is nay reason why we can nae escort Elizabeth. We have to attend, and she wants to come along. Ye donna have to do anything. The lass will be in my charge. Besides, ye should be grateful ’tis Elizabeth and nae Grace who will be accompanying us.”
    â€œI know that I should be offended,” said Fagan. “But I suppose ye both know my wife well enough to say those words.” He paused. “I did try to deter Elizabeth, but—”
    â€œYe did nae try hard enough. The English court is nay place for a lass, especially one as young as Elizabeth,” said Ian.
    Fagan slapped Ian on the shoulder with an expression of pained tolerance. “Mayhap ye have nae taken notice, Munro, but Elizabeth is eighteen now. Most lasses are wed at her age.”
    â€œAnd most lasses donna have