Death of an Adept

Ten minutes later, with the luggage stowed in the back, Humphrey was easing the blue Range Rover onto the slip road that led to the dual carriageway back toward Edinburgh. The verges were lined with patchy snow, and the sky was leaden, threatening fresh snow to come.

"I'm instructed to tell you that there's been a change of plan from what you were probably expecting, sir," Humphrey announced, glancing at Adam apologetically in the rearview mirror. "Lady Sinclair accepted an invitation on behalf of both of you to attend a Hogmanay party this evening at the home of Sir Matthew and Lady Eraser. She said it was a social obligation, sir," he added, at the chorused groan from Adam and Ximena.

"No, she's absolutely right," Adam said, glancing at Ximena in apology. "I'm sorry, darling. The Erasers have been my friends since all of us were children, and their Hogmanay party is one of the social fixtures of the season. If they knew we were back and we didn't come, Janet would never let me hear the end of it. Good God, Humphrey, the logistics on this are going to be dreadful."

"Hopefully not, sir," Humphrey replied with a smile. "Because of the weather, and to save to-ing and fro-ing, Lady Sinclair has booked you a suite at the Carlton Highland. I dropped her there on the way to the airport, and we brought up your Highland kit for this evening. She assured me that Dr. Lockhart would have brought something suitable. She'll have tea waiting for you, and after that you'll have time to catch a few hours' sleep before dressing for the evening."

Chuckling resignedly, Adam shook his head. "It seems we're to be shown no mercy," he said to Ximena. "When Philippa gets something in her head, there's no stopping her. Do you have something suitable for a black-tie party? There'll be country dancing, but you don't have to take part if you don't want to. We can at least plead exhaustion on that count." "I'll manage to find something to wear," Ximena replied good-naturedly. "And so long as we do get even a few hours' sleep, I should be all right. This isn't any worse than when I was an intern, or the nights when I've had to pull a double shift."

"Well, that's something, at least," Adam said. "Why don't you close your eyes until we get to the hotel?"

The manager of the Carlton was waiting to greet them in the lobby and, obviously briefed by Philippa, whisked them upstairs with all the aplomb of an accomplished social conspirator.

"I'm told that I mustn't make any reference to your good news until after the official announcement," he drawled, when they had reached the relative privacy of the elevator, "but I gather that we won't be kept waiting for too long."

Smiling, Adam tucked Ximena's hand into his arm. "Philippa seems to have things well in hand," he said enigmatically. "For now, let's simply say that the new year promises to bring some welcome changes at Strathmourne."

"Delightful!" the manager declared, as the elevator doors opened. "This way, please."

Philippa was waiting in the suite, which was filled with more flowers. A simple but hearty tea was laid out on a table in the sitting room.

"You two look positively exhausted," Philippa exclaimed, as she hugged first Ximena and then Adam. "Thank you for bringing them up, David. Everything is perfect!"

"You're very welcome, Lady Sinclair. Just let me know if there's anything else I can do for you. The luggage will be up shortly."

When the manager had gone, Philippa chivvied Adam and Ximena over to the settee and began fussing with the tea things.

"I hope you don't mind about tonight," she said, as she poured tea for the three of them. "When I rang Janet to let her know I was back in the country - and that you two would return in time for Hogmanay - she insisted that we come to her party. I know you're both exhausted, but it would be the ideal opportunity to announce your engagement. We'll never hear the end of it if she doesn't get to share in the excitement. There's a note from her, there on the mantel."

Smiling indulgently, Adam retrieved the cream-colored envelope from the mantel and extracted the contents, skimming Janet's note as Philippa began distributing plates for sandwiches and scones. It had been penned on the back of an engraved at-home card giving the details of the Frasers' annual Hogmanay party, and was addressed to him in a distinctive copperplate hand.

"Adam darling, If you don't feel equal to being sociable tonight, please don't hesitate to decline," Janet had written. "But if you can possibly manage it, we'd love to see you - especially since your dear mother gives me to understand that you and Ximena have an important announcement to make."