Castle Kincade was a stout, craggy stone structure that had stood upon this hill for more than two centuries, weathering storms, armies and the winds of change. It was impenetrable. Not even Charles’s wild schemes could find a way to break through.
“Halt!” a man somewhere above the battlements cried out in a thick brogue.
Ashton tugged the reins up and back, stopping his horse. It swung its head from side to side and pawed the dirt restlessly with one hoof. Ashton let his head fall back so he could stare up at the man on the ramparts watching him.
“State your business!” the man barked.
“I’ve come to request an audience with Lady Melbourne.”
The man disappeared from view for several long moments and then finally reappeared.
“The lady says you can go and hang yourself!” He finished wit
