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He laughed loudly as he hugged her tightly. Ye can call me whatever ye wish,
lass, as long as ye call me.
She lovingly reached up and kissed him on the nose. He smiled back broadly.
Grabbing his own tartan, he spread it over them as they snuggled together in a
cocoon of love. She lay on her back and he remained over her, resting upon one elbow.
He was fascinated, as before, with her hair. She had not tied it with anything, instead
letting it fly freely as they rode through the brisk morning air.
His eyes followed the auburn waves as they fanned out around her head. His lips
parted slightly as he inspected the fiery strands with great interest. Reaching with one
hand, he slid his fingers through her tresses, as his eyes followed the movement of his
hand.
Gazing up, she took the opportunity to search his face and watch his facial
expressions. So handsome was he, she simply couldn t believe that he was actually in
love with her. The man of her dreams had come into her life and admitted his undying
love for her. It was all too unreal to fathom.
Elizabeth, we must discuss the true reason for my being in London, he said in a
low tone. I know that ye heard Angus and me discussing the murders in Edinburgh,
lass.
My brother Aidan was a student at the University of Edinburgh a year ago,
Lucas. I know he s dead.
His expression confirmed her suspicions, as his lips pursed and he averted his
eyes.
HANDSOME DEVIL Donna McAteer 95
Tell me, Lucas, what you know of the student murders! she wailed.
We ve been following a ghastly pair by the name of Burke and Hare who make
their wages by murdering innocent people. They work for a Dr. Robert Knox of the
School of Anatomy in Edinburgh. It s their job to bring him bodies for his dissections.
Fearing his next words and having to relive them, she covered her mouth in
disgust. She sat upright, clasping the tartan about her body. Her thick locks fell forward,
resting upon her shoulders and back. He sat up also, as his chest leaned supportively
against her shoulder.
Continue, Lucas. What else do you know? she whispered.
Burke and Hare have murdered many people, Elizabeth. But the last straw was
when they murdered Nell MacDonough, a member of my clan. I thankfully had no
Parliamentary duties to perform in London, which gave me more time to devote to
following the killers. He paused now as he grabbed her hand comfortingly. Their eyes
met in mutual understanding and consolation.
Angus and I are intent on capturing the two scoundrels. We will no allow them
to murder another soul, Elizabeth. I ve sent Angus and a few of my best men to follow
the bastards. Angus will report back to me when he has gathered information. He knows
to send word to me at Castle MacGinnis in Clackmannan, not far from here.
But you knew I d be here? How did you know this Lucas, when I only made the
decision very recently? She stared directly into his eyes as she waited.
Because I knew you have family in Scotland and ye were from Berwick, lass,
he softly answered. Angus and the men have strict orders to protect anyone who
happens to cross paths with the murderers. They won t let any harm come to good folks
who have the unfortunate luck to meet them. His expression was fierce.
As he laced his fingers through hers and raised his hand up, shock and horror
registered as she stared at the object on his finger.
Where did you get that ring, Lucas? she asked him haltingly as bile rose in her
throat. There on his ring finger was her brother Aidan s family ring, the insignia of the
crest in plain sight.
I found it in Burke and Hare s hotel room, why? He said, noticing her change in
pallor and look of horror. What is it, Elizabeth? Does this ring have some significance
for ye, lass?
It was Aidan s, she mumbled as she fought the urge to vomit.
Lucas wrapped his arms protectively around her as he rocked her comfortingly.
They remained this way until she had cried enough tears and calmed sufficiently.
What should we do next, Lucas? Shouldn t we be on our way to Edinburgh?
We should be there when your men apprehend these scoundrels, shouldn t we, Lucas?
she implored, as she gripped his arm.
His gray eyes searched hers, but he made no comment. Finally he sighed heavily
and cupped her face tenderly with his hands. No, beautiful Elizabeth, I think it d be best
if ye stayed here while I went ahead to Edinburgh with my men to do the dirty work, he
answered softly.
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