Read Online Kill or Be Kilt by Victoria Roberts - Free Book Online

I’m happier now with Fagan by my side. Ravenna and I had a chance to decide for ourselves which path we wanted to take. I want the same for you and Kat. Whatever you choose, England or Scotland, I will always support you. Don’t forget that.”
    Elizabeth smiled with sincerity. “Thank you.”
    â€œIf you would’ve given us notice, we could’ve had new gowns made for you. But you’re going to look beautiful in Ravenna’s dresses.” Grace glanced around and then spoke in a conspiratorial whisper. “I know our sister spoke with you about the daggers.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œPromise me that you’ll heed Ravenna’s advice. Wear the blade at all times. The men will watch over you, but remember that you can’t be placing yourself in situations that you cannot remove yourself from.”
    â€œRavenna said the same to me last night.”
    â€œOur sister is wise. Be cautious, Elizabeth. I can’t stress that enough.”
    The way Ravenna and Grace kept telling her to be safe and not to be foolish made Elizabeth wonder if there was something more to their odd behavior, or if this was simply her sisters being too protective. Grace’s voice broke her woolgathering.
    â€œI’m sure you’re going to have a grand time. I hope that you’ll find a handsome suitor, one who sweeps you off your feet in a dance, and one who makes you forget all about Laird Munro.”
    Elizabeth gasped. “I don’t—”
    â€œYour words do not fool me.” Grace leaned in close. “The man does not return your interest; therefore, he does not deserve your love. There are men who are far younger and much more pleasing to the eye than that hardened Scotsman. You’ll discover that at court.”
    Elizabeth stood in awe as her sister walked out the front door.
    * * *
    Ian breathed a sigh of relief when the last coach rode over the drawbridge with the Sutherland guards in tow. At least three women and a wee lass were no longer underfoot. But now the worst part of his trip to England was about to begin, and he wasn’t looking forward to it in the least. Who the hell would want to travel to the English court and appear before the king? That had to be a fate worse than death. He also wasn’t in favor of being among so many English. At least Ruairi and Fagan were along to share in the misery.
    Fagan and Ian mounted their horses as they waited for Ruairi and Elizabeth. Hampton Court Palace was a day’s ride from Scadbury Manor. Of course, they’d have to stay at court since the palace was too far to travel from the manor house. Ian gave pause, thinking perhaps he should’ve journeyed with the women and Torquil to see Aunt Mary too.
    Elizabeth lingered by the front door of the house, and he hoped she was having second thoughts about coming along. But to his dismay, Ruairi escorted her to the waiting coach.
    â€œIs everything all right?” asked Ruairi.
    â€œYes, I just wanted to be certain that I didn’t forget anything.”
    â€œLass, this is the last time I’m going to ask ye.”
    Elizabeth stepped around him. “For heaven’s sake, yes, I’m certain that I want to go.” She climbed into the coach and closed the door in Ruairi’s face.
    â€œI donna think there’s anything we can say or do to change her mind,” said Fagan, as Ruairi was approaching them.
    Ruairi grabbed the reins of his mount. “We’re wed to Walsinghams. Have ye ever been able to change their minds about anything?” When Fagan took a moment to think about his friend’s words, Ruairi added, “I did nae think so.”
    Ian laughed. “And that’s why I’ll ne’er be wed. I did warn both of ye besotted fools.”
    They followed the carriage over the drawbridge and out the gates. To the right was the dirt path where he had walked the evening before with Elizabeth. He was amazed the lass