Rogue's Challenge by Jo Barrett Read Free Book Online Page B

am not in the bloody room?” Ian asked, but no one paid him any heed.
    "Simple. Ye dress the lass as a boy,” Douglas said. “She's but a wee thing and could pass as one without trouble."
    "I'll not be cuttin’ that child's hair tae stuff under a cap,” Elspeth fussed.
    Ian's gaze shot to the long braid hanging down Jenny's back. Nay, he would not let them do such a thing, not even the woman herself. Not until he had the chance to see the rich tresses unhindered and about her shoulders and hanging to her tiny waist.
    He shook the notion from his head. What did he care what the woman did with her hair? The trip through time must have stolen his good sense. Aye, it had addled his wits for certain.
    "Fiona and I can take in a few dresses,” Elspeth said. “You'll simply have tae wait another day or two before you set off."
    An odd weight lifted from Ian's chest. He suspected it had to do with them not cutting her hair, but refused to give it anymore thought. The entire thing was lunacy. “'Twould be much simpler if I went alone,” he said. “And you have added more days onto this journey. I am sure we will not be back in time now,” he reasoned aloud, praying it was true.
    "Yes, it does lower the percentage a bit more, but it's still within the range of expectancy,” Jenny said matter-of-factly.
    He had to think fast. This would not do! Then it came to him. Resting his arm along the mantel he addressed the mad group. “You all seem to forget that there are no inns between here and Edinburgh. The lady is not accustomed to sleeping on the ground. And in such weather as this,” he said, motioning toward the window and the falling rain.
    "Hmm, true,” Amelia said with a thoughtful nod. “You're a wimp on a trip, Jen. He's got a point there. Cold, hard, wet ground, no soft fluffy pillow, no room service. It'll be tough. You sure you want to do this?"
    "I happen to be a human being, not a porcelain doll,” she said with a wry grin. “I'll survive, I assure you."
    "Works for me, then,” Amelia said.
    "But she has no maid to accompany her!” Ian said, casting out his last and only hope. “Her reputation would be in ruins."
    Amelia laughed, as did Jenny, bringing a deep scowl to Ian's brows along with a monumental headache.
    "Oh, my yes,” Elspeth said with a frown, lifting Ian's hopes, but only briefly.
    "Not a problem,” Amelia said. “Where we come from women travel without chaperones all the time. And that's the only place her rep matters."
    "I'm no’ so sure I care for that.” Elspeth turned her hard gaze to Ian. “But I know you will be a gentleman at all times and protect her."
    Ian could only nod, his voice lodged in his throat.
    "Well then, in that case come lass, we'll go find you some things for the trip while Colin gets Amelia back tae her bed,” Elspeth said.
    Ian's arm fell to his side, his mouth agape. This couldn't be happening. He was doomed.
    Jenny and Elspeth disappeared through the door, while Colin and Amelia shuffled across the room. Douglas sat smiling smugly, the old dog.
    "You should take someone with you in case you run into trouble, though,” Amelia said over her shoulder. “Jen won't be any help without her glasses, and she's not trained for combat."
    "You could have fooled me,” Ian muttered.
    Amelia paused with a chuckle. “Oh, I so have to hear the whole story."
    "Aye, love. I am curious myself,” Colin added with a broad grin.
    Ignoring them, Ian asked, “And whom do you propose I take on this ridiculous farce of a quest?"
    "Michael would be my pick,” Amelia said with a nod.
    "Aye, he has exhausted the area for a gift for Fiona. Nothing seems tae suit the lad. I'll wager he would like tae see what Edinburgh has tae offer."
    Ian cast his eyes heavenward. “This is utterly insane.” He was burdened with a lunatic scientist who could not see, was terrified of horses, and had no inkling of how to travel in his time, and a moony eyed lad searching for the perfect gift for