Page 38 of Highland Seduction

Indeed, as he said the words, the man turned as if sensing he was being followed. If he was surprised to see Tor and Ainsley, his expression did not betray it. Instead, he stopped and waited for them to reach him.

“Father Godfrey,” she exclaimed, surprised to see him. “I’d no’ have expected to see ye here in Berwick.”

If she thought it odd, her husband clearly did as well. Tor’s expression was as guarded as the first time he’d met their priest. Mayhap even more so now, understandably. Father Godfrey had made no mention of coming to Berwick when they spoke with him.

“Greetings,” he said, “Lady Ainsley. My lord.”

Tor said naught, though he did make a sound that she supposed could be a greeting.

“And to ye,” she said, still waiting for him to respond.

“What are ye doing here in Berwick?” Tor asked, not kindly at all. Ainsley gave him a look of reproach, but her husband did not appear to be rebuffed.

“I was called here, just after I spoke with ye, by the bishop.”

“Incredible timing,” Tor said, making it clear he did not believe the man. Ainsley agreed ’twas fortuitous they should be here at the same time.

“Indeed,” the priest said. “Unfortunately, I must be on my way, if ye will pardon me—”

But Tor stopped him as the priest began to leave. “We’ve no’ yet gained an audience,” he said.

That did seem to surprise Godfrey. “Did ye no’?”

“Nay,” Tor answered, watching him carefully.

The priest’s lips pursed together. At least, Ainsley believed they did. ’Twas difficult to tell beneath that beard.

“I shall appeal to him on yer behalf,” Godfrey said, this time bowing slightly and then taking his leave, saying adieu as he did.

Ignoring the pang in her chest at the thought of Godfrey obtaining them an audience more swiftly, especially with what they’d learned about Ian and Marta, she turned to Tor, who still seemed displeased by the encounter.

“Ye dinnae like our priest,” she said as they walked back to the inn.

“Nay, I dinnae.”

“And dinnae trust his reason for being here?” She’d accepted it, for a moment, but then when Tor appeared suspicious, Ainsley thought better of her initial assessment.

“Nay, I dinnae,” he repeated.

Ainsley asked the obvious question. “Why then, if no’ called here by the bishop, do ye believe he is in Berwick?”

Tor sighed. “I dinnae know but mean to find out.”

They entered the inn. “How?”

“By making inquiries as we attempt to locate our missing couple,” he said. “After we finish our meal, there is someone we must see.”

“Who?” she asked, sitting.

“A friend of my brother’s.” Tor’s lips pushed out as they tended to do when he was thinking. If she were a bolder woman, Ainsley would lean across the table and kiss him. They were, after all, husband and wife. And he was primed for a kiss.

Tor noticed her looking. “Do ye wish for something, wife?”

He teased her.

“Nay.”

“Ye’re certain?”