Free Bride of the Solway by JOANNA MAITLAND Page A

the door before adding softly, 'And when you have a moment free, I have a special task for you. One that you will enjoy, I fancy.'
    Fraser turned. One look at Ross's face was enough to tell him what was in store for him. He grinned widely. 'That's more like it, Captain. Sounds just like old times. What was it you was wanting me to find out for you?'
    Ross beckoned him back into the room. Once the door was safely closed, he said, 'I need you to discover some information for me, Fraser, about a young lady and her family. She—'
    'That would be the young lady you rescued down by the Solway, would it, sir?'
    Ross groaned and struck his forehead in mock despair. 'By Jove, Fraser, is there anything you don't find out? The colonel and I have gone to considerable lengths not to have that tale bandied about, and yet you know about it before you have been here five minutes. I suppose there's no point in asking how you know, is there?'
    'No, sir,' Fraser said flatly.
    Ross knew there was nothing to be gained by pressing the man any further. He sighed theatrically, shaking his head. 'Very well. I shall not ask. Now, just in case you do not already know, the lady in question is Miss Cassandra Elliott and she lives with her half-brother, James, at Langrigg House, between Dumfries and Annan. I want to know what James Elliott is about and what was so terrible that his sister was prepared to take the risk of fleeing across the Solway. I need to—'
    'You need to know everything there is to know about the Elliott family. Very good, sir. Leave it to me.'
    Ross wondered how Fraser, a stranger newly arrived in Dumfries, could possibly hope to get the information Ross needed. But he knew better than to ask. 'Thank you, Fraser. I know I can rely on you,' he said simply, and meant it. 'Oh, and forget about the ruined boots. Better use your time for the Elliotts .'
    Fraser drew himself up to his full height, which was considerably shorter than Ross. 'I shall do my duty, sir,' he said formally, 'and that, sir, includes your boots.'
     
    'Make sure you take your most becoming gowns. God knows I've paid enough for them, over the years, just to make sure you look the part of a fine lady. I want my investment to be repaid, Cassie. Mark that. You must ensure that the gentlemen are suitably impressed.'
    'You have changed your mind all of a sudden, have you not, James? When we visited the Anstruthers , you made quite sure that I would not accept the invitation.'
    'That was before Colonel Anstruther himself became involved. Now that he is to act as our host, it is a splendid opportunity for you to display your.. .er.. .womanly attributes.'
    Cassie felt herself blushing. Again! Why did her brother have to be so crass? And why was it that she always showed her embarrassment?
    'Be ready to leave first thing tomorrow morning. The carriage will be at the door by nine. Do not be late. Morag will accompany you in the carriage and I shall ride alongside. We should arrive well before noon.'
    'But I had intended to ride there myself. I hate being cooped up in the carriage. In summer weather like this, there is no reason why I should not ride.'
    'There is every reason. I do not wish you to ride.'
    Cassie bit back the angry 'Why not?' that rose to her lips. Instead, she said, 'Colonel Anstruther is a military man. He would expect his wife to ride. And ride well. Would this not be an opportunity to demonstrate my attributes in that area of a lady's accomplishments?' Good tactics, Cassie thought to herself. That had stopped James in his tracks. Captain Graham would be proud of her.
    James started to speak, but Cassie heard barely a word. Why on earth was she thinking it mattered what Captain Graham thought of her?
    'Cassie! Pay attention! This is no time for your eternal daydreaming. It is your marriage we are planning here.'
    Cassie swallowed hard, but said nothing.
    'Remember, the aim of your visit is to impress the gentlemen. Your first object must be Colonel