Mad for the Plaid by Karen Hawkins

short distance away, spinning back to face her, the lantern held at his side. “Well, I’m not a child, and I’m not a bloody fool.”
    Ailsa blinked, her mouth hanging open in surprise. In all her years, she’d never seen her cousin so angry. “I assure you I never think of you as a child or a fool.” She spread her hands wide. “Truly, I dinnae.”
    He glared at her, and for a horrible moment, she thought he’d turn and leave her alone in the black snow, taking the light with him. But instead, he grimaced and pressed a hand to his temple. “I’m sorry, Ailsa. I just didn’t—I can’t explain how this—” He swiped his eyes as if wiping away tears.
    â€œI’ve never seen you so overset. What’s wrong?”
    â€œEverything. Nothing.” He gave a shaky laugh. “It’s been a long few months. You don’t know how—I just—really, it’s not you I’m angry with, it’s Uncle.”
    â€œHe’s hard on you, I know.”
    â€œHe never treats me as if I were an adult. And yes, I know that’s partly my fault. Over the last few years, I’ve let him down more than once.” Gregor shook his head and came back to rejoin her on the path. “Ailsa, I must tell you something. And it is not pretty.” He swallowed, the noise loud in the silence of the night. “I visited the Earl of Argyll at your father’s instigation.”
    â€œPapa’s? But why— Ah. Argyll’s daughter.”
    Gregor nodded glumly. “Last month, I went to see Uncle in London to apologize for—well, for everything I’ve done wrong. He wouldn’t listen; he just kept saying I was a failure and was heading for the poorhouse and how he couldn’t keep me from it forever, and— Oh, it was a horrible argument. We both said things we shouldn’t have. At the end, he informed me that he and Argyll had made a decision for me, since I was unable to make one for myself. Argyll’s daughter, the indomitable Lady Agnes, was unmarried, and seemed unlikely to gain a suitor. And there I was—a hopeless wastrel with no prospects other than my services as a well-bred stallion.” He laughed bitterly. “I was to marry her and get her with a child or two, and then Argyll would give me an allowance and I would be free to wander about the world as I wished, unfettered and unwanted.”
    â€œGregor, nae. Papa would never be so cruel—”
    â€œWouldn’t he? Those are your father’s exact words. And I, having no pride, agreed. But I just couldn’t bring myself to come to point.” Gregor shook his head. “When your father finds out, he will cast me off.”
    â€œSurely nae.”
    â€œIt’s what he said he would do. And he meant it. He thinks the worst of me, and when he finds out I left Argyll’s in such a fashion—” Gregor rubbed a hand over his face. “Which is why I’m so grateful you allowed me to help. This opportunity, this chance to do something right for once, it could make the world of difference. I could prove to your father that I’m not a waste of air.”
    She slipped her arm through his. “You’re nae a wasteof air, nor a wastrel, nor a failure. You’re dear, wonderful, delightful Gregor, and I’m glad to have you along. It will make the trip fly by. But I must warn you, Greer said the way is verrah rough. ’Twill nae be an easy journey.”
    â€œI don’t care; I’ll do whatever I must.” Gregor sent her a crooked, strained grin. “Dear, dear Ailsa. You’re the sister I never had, which is yet another reason I must come. What if these unscrupulous abductors decide to take you prisoner, too? What then?”
    â€œI’d be oot of luck, for Papa is nae nearby, and Lady Edana never has two coins to rub together. But I’m certain I’ll be safe. I was never going alone, you