by Tarah Scott
“Aye,” Jacob agreed and pulled her close.
He started toward the keep, this time, his pace slower. Richard fell in alongside. The warmth of Jacob’s body pressed against her side caused heat to creep up her cheeks.
“We will give the dead a Christian burial,” he told her.
Linnae nodded, but kept her gaze on the ground. The tears, so close to the surface, might give way any instant.
They reached a postern door and the men stepped aside and allowed her to enter first. She took three steps into a large foyer.
“Your grandfather will be relieved to hear of your arrival, my lady,” Richard said as the door closed behind them.
Her grandfather? She opened her mouth to tell him that she wasn’t the granddaughter, wasn’t the bride-to-be, but Jacob said, “How is Laird MacKenzie?”
Richard shook his head. “The same.” He smiled at Linnae. “Perhaps, seeing you, my lady, will give him strength. He prayed that he might see ye before he dies.”
Dies? Linnae froze in confusion. How did she tell a dying man that his granddaughter had died? Why did they think she was Lady Alison? She and Lady Alison had the same blonde hair and fair complexion. Still…
Jacob smiled down at her. “I know you are exhausted, but your grandfather would fare well with a visit from ye.”
The sorrow in his eyes twisted her heart. Richard looked at her, expression solemn. The laird meant a great deal to them.
“I will escort you.” Jacob cupped her elbow and started them across the foyer with Richard close behind.
They reached the stairs and she started up, with Jacob close behind and Richard taking up the rear. They climbed to the third floor. Two guards stood outside the fourth room on the right. As they neared the door, Linnae’s heart began to thud. How could she lie to the old man, to Richard….to Jacob? If she told them the truth, would they force her to leave? Would they be angry that she had lived instead of Lady Alison? Maybe Jacob would be kind enough to allow her to stay on as a serving girl.
She slowed. “He is old. He may no’ even recognize me.”
Jacob gave her a gentle smile. “Lyel is old, but he is as sound of mind as I am. He will recognize ye.”
She stopped, unable to command her legs to take another step.
Jacob frowned. “What is it, my lady? He is old, but I promise you, it isn’t so terrible.”
She should comply, but guilt stabbed hard.
Jacob’s gaze shifted to Richard. “Leave us.”
The warrior nodded and continued to the old man’s door.
Jacob directed her back several paces to a small alcove they’d passed, gently urged her onto the stone bench located there, then sat beside her.
Chapter Three
Lady Alison wasn’t at all what Jacob had expected. A decade had passed since he last laid eyes on her. She’d been but a babe of five. He’d heard stories of her beauty—and spoiled nature. But the dark-eyed woman who sat beside him was as gentle as a butterfly and as calm as a mid-morning breeze.
Her grandfather, Lyel, had fought alongside Jacob’s father many times and had saved not only Jacob’s father’s life, but Jacob’s, as well, when an enemy once tried to kidnap him. Jacob had agreed to marry the man’s granddaughter, despite reservations.
He covered her hand with his. “There is no shame in being afraid.” She jerked her head up and met his gaze. The pain in her eyes twisted his heart. “ ‘Tis a blow, I know,” he said, “losing friends in the accident, then arriving here to find your grandfather so near his end.”
“I am no’ his granddaughter,” she blurted.
Jacob stared. “I dinnae understand.”
“I am—was—Lady Alison’s maid. I didnae realize ye had mistaken me for her until we reached the courtyard.”
Jacob could scarce believe what he’d heard. “She died in the accident?”
She shifted uncomfortably and nodded. “I am sorry.”
He glanced at the door, then stood. “Ye heard Richard, Lyel has little time left. I willnae tell him that his only granddaughter is dead. Until he dies, ye will be Lady Alison.”
Her eyes widened. She cast an anxious glance at the door, then shook her head. “It must be a grievous sin to tell such a lie.”
“The truth will kill him.” Jacob extended a hand toward her.
“Others will know,” she insisted.
He took a deep breath. “Perhaps. But Lady Alison was but five when last she was here. Lyel isnae long for this world. We can fool everyone long enough to see him peacefully into death.”
He hoped.
The lass hesitated, then laid her small hand in his. He pulled her to her feet, wrapped an arm around her waist and escorted her to the door. Richard opened the door and stood aside as they entered. Jacob gave thanks for the darkened room.
“Who’s there?” Lyel demanded.
They reached the bed and Jacob said, “‘Tis your granddaughter, Lyel.”
“What? Alison?” He squinted at her. “Come closer, child.”
To Jacob’s relief, she knelt beside the bed. He glimpsed her biting down on her lip as the old man lifted a gnarled hand toward her
His eyes glistened with moisture. “Alison? My sweet Alison.” She grasped the trembling fingers. “Oh, my wee lass. It has been too long. Look at ye now, a grown woman. I am pleased ye are here.”
To Jacob’s surprise, she blushed.
“Thank ye,” she whispered. “We do no’ wish to stay long, Grandfather.”
Hearing her speak the word his old friend had longed to hear caused a lump to form in Jacob’s throat.
She gave Lyel a tremulous smile. “You must rest.” The words were gentle but firm.
“Och, I will rest when I’m dead,” Lyel grumbled.
Jacob resisted a smile. “She is right, Lyel.” Jacob laid a hand on her shoulder. “Too much excitement is no’ good for ye.”
“Ye are worse than a nursemaid,” Lyel muttered, but Jacob heard the fatigue in his voice. “Return after you have rested. I want to hear all about your tutoring and everything you learned while at the convent.”
She smiled and Lyel looked like a man who had tasted his first sweet roll. He could never know that his precious granddaughter was dead. Lyel pulled her close and hugged her. When he released her, his eyes closed. She looked sharply at Jacob and he was surprised at the concern in her eyes.
“He is only resting,” Jacob whispered. “Come.”
She glanced at the old laird, then rose and followed Jacob from the room. He cupped her elbow and guided her down the hallway, his mind numb. He hadn’t loved Lady Alison. In fact, despite his promise to marry her, he hadn’t relished the prospect. Still, it was strange knowing she was dead. If Lyel discovered the truth, he would die in sorrow. Jacob simply couldn’t allow that to happen.
He stopped in front of the bedchambers set aside for Lyel’s granddaughter and opened the door. The lass entered and came to such a sudden halt, he nearly bumped into her.
She whirled to face him. “This is too much.”
He closed the door. “Not for Lady Alison.”
Her head snapped up. “Ye are angry.”
“Nae. I am simply sorry for Lyel and the women who died.”
Moisture glistened in her eyes. “They were so young.”
Not much younger than her, he imagined, but she spoke as if she was their mother.
She hung her head. “Must ye send me away?”
“Send you away? Where?”
“Nowhere.” She shook her head. “I will work hard for ye, I swear. Please, I have nowhere to go.” She swiped at a tear.
“Easy, lass,” he said. “You have nothing to fear. For now, ye are Lady Alison—to everyone. Do you understand?”
She hesitated, then nodded.
“What is your name?”
“Linnae Donald.”
“Donald?” he blurted. “What do ye know about the attack on the carriage?”
Linnae gasped. “I wouldnae hur
t Lady Alison—I loved her. Nor would I hurt the other maids.” Her expression darkened. “Just because I am a Donald, doesnae mean I hold with murder.”
Jacob lifted a brow. “Nae?”
“Nae.”
Jacob studied her. The lass had grit. In truth, he could see no reason for her to lie. She had been in the carriage when it went off the road. Not to mention, she could have let him believe she was Lady Alison.
“Everyone will expect ye to take the evening meal with me,” he said.
Her eyes widened. “It isnae proper.”
“It is not only proper, but expected of Lady Alison. Rest. I will send up a maid in a bit.” She said nothing, and he added, “Aye?”
“Aye,” she replied, and he strode from the room.
Jacob pulled the door shut behind him and released a slow breath before he started down the hallway. God help him, could he fool everyone long enough for Lyel to die in peace? He slowed. Everyone died, but the old chief was more like a father than a friend. Lyel had been present for every important decision of his life. Soon, however, he would be gone.
Jacob reached the great hall, where men had begun to gather in anticipation of the evening meal. He scanned the room, caught sight of his captain, Reams, and nodded for Reams to follow him. Jacob reached a seat at the table farthest from the hearth where they could talk without easily being overheard. With a sigh, he sat down and filled two empty mugs with ale. He drained half his mug by the time Reams settled beside him. Jacob pushed the other mug in front of him and took another swig out of his mug.
“Any news on the attack of Lady Alison’s carriage?” Jacob asked.
Reams shook his head. “Nae. We brought the bodies of the three maids. I noticed something interesting about the fair-headed lass.”
Jacob kept his expression neutral. “Aye?”
“She wore fine clothes for a serving girl.”
Jacob met his gaze squarely. “Did anyone else notice?”
Reams shrugged. “No one said anything.
Jacob gave a cut nod. “Say nothing to anyone.”
Surprise flicked in Reams’s eyes, but he said, “Bury them in the cemetery?”
Jacob hesitated. He should send Lady Alison home, but to do so would bring her brother to their doorstep before Jacob was ready for anyone to know that the woman in Lady Alison’s chambers wasn’t Lady Alison. He needed answers before others asked their questions. God’s Teeth, once the truth was known, her father would be furious.
Jacob sighed. “Their families will want them buried at home. Have their bodies prepared for burial. I’ll ask Lady Alison for their names and where the bodies should be sent.”
Reams nodded. “Do ye want me to send more men to assist in the search for their attackers?”
Jacob finished his ale. “Not yet. If the men havenae returned after the evening meal, I will go myself. Have Richard send men to scout the area around the castle. If Dòmhnall is behind the attack, he might have more of his warriors prowling the area.”
“Of course, he was behind the attack,” Reams said with heat. “Twenty years of feuding with the bastard is enough. It’s time we pay him a visit.”
Richard stepped from the stairwell to the left and headed toward them.
“We will be seeing the Donald soon enough,” Jacob said.
Richard reached them and said, “Laird MacKenzie has a message for ye.”
Jacob straightened. “What is amiss?”
Richard’s expression clouded. “Nothing new. He is the same, but he wishes for ye to wed Lady Alison immediately. He wants to see his granddaughter wed before he dies.”
Jacob silently cursed. Originally, they were to wed in a week. He should have known Lyel would remain his usual demanding self.
“When?” he asked.
“Tomorrow.”
* * *
When Linnae stepped from the stairs into the great hall, all eyes turned toward her and the room abruptly quieted. She caught sight of Jacob standing near the hearth. He broke off conversation with Richard and looked over his shoulder at her. Surprise flashed across his face. Warmth crept up her cheeks. Was he angry that she was wearing Lady Alison’s clothes? The vibrant, red velvet gown she wore was finer than the day dress Lady Alison had given her—finer than anything she’d ever thought to wear. Grace had insisted on pulling her honey blonde hair into a soft bun atop her head, with curls framing her face. She looked as fine as Lady Alison would have. Tears pricked, but she drew herself up and started toward Jacob. Her embarrassment grew when the men parted and allowed her to pass.
Jacob met her halfway across the room. “My lady.” He bowed slightly.
“You are no’ angry I wore—” She broke off before saying Lady Alison’s clothes.
“Beautiful clothes for a beautiful woman,” he said in a voice loud enough that she realized he intended for others to hear.
She started to drop her gaze, but the warning look in his eyes stopped her. She lifted her chin as she’d seen Lady Alison do, and said, “You are too kind, Laird.” A corner of his mouth twitched in amusement and she added in a whisper, “Ye are laughing at me.”
He slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and smiled down at her. Her stomach did a somersault. Her legs felt like pudding as he led her across the room. When she realized he was headed to the dais, she thought her legs would give way altogether. He covered the hand grasping his arm and gently squeezed as they climbed the three steps. The murmur of voices returned to a low din and she was glad, at least, that it seemed they’d forgotten her, if only for a little while. Who amongst those in the great hall would be the first to realize she wasn’t Lady Alison? Jacob stopped beside the chair to the right of the central chair and waited until she was seated before sitting beside her.
Jacob leaned toward her and said, “It must give ye great comfort to be here again.”
She frowned. “I have never been here before.”
“Aye, lass, you have.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip. His eyes dropped to her mouth and she blurted, “Have ye heard from your men?”
His eyes snapped up to meet hers. “Nae. But dinnae fear, they will find the cowards who attacked your carriage.”
A maid carrying a goblet and jug arrived at their table. “My lady, ‘tis so good to have ye home. Would you like wine?”
“I dinnae care for wine. I prefer sage water, if you have it.”
The girl beamed. “We always have sage water—even in winter. Cook grows the sage herself and keeps plenty of the dried herb all year round. I will fetch you some right away, my lady.” The maid hurried down the steps, then Reams climbed the stairs and continued around the table.
He stopped beside Linnae and bowed slightly. “My lady,” he said, then took the chair to Jacob’s left.
Jacob filled Reams’ goblet with wine, then said, “Nothing?”
Reams shook his head. “Richard sent the scouts.”
Scouts?
Linnae cast a sideways glance at Jacob. He nodded at Reams, who took a drink of wine. Jacob shifted and she turned her attention to the maid who had returned to the table.
She set sage water and a large trencher of food on the table in front of Linnae. “Cook has prepared something special just for you, my lady, your favorite, fresh fileted fish. Breaded just the way ye like it.”
Fish? She hated fish. She smiled. “Thank Cook for me.”
Linnae dished fish onto her plate as the men filled theirs with the juicy, mouth-watering roasted pig and pheasant. She took some potatoes and carrots and glimpsed the maid’s wide smile as she passed the table, headed for the stairs. Linnae slowed in chewing when she heard Reams say in low tones, “It wouldnae surprise me to discover Michael had a hand in the attack.”
“I considered the same,” Jacob replied in a murmur that told Linnae he thought she could hear him over the noise in the room. “He’s openly chastised Lyel for not banning together with Dòmhnall against the MacLeods.”
“If we disco
ver he colluded with the Donalds, the MacKenzies will hang him,” Reams said.
“He will deserve nothing less,” Jacob replied in a whisper that sent a chill down Linnae’s spine.
“I dinnae like it,” Reams said. “If Michael was involved, once he learns he didnae succeed there’s no telling what he might do. Lyel is a fool for naming him chief.”
“The council had a hand in the decision,” Jacob said. “Lyel holds sway with some on the council.”
Linnae’s mind raced as she chewed a piece of fish. Lyel’s heir might have been involved in the carriage accident? Did that mean Malcolm wasn’t involved?
From the corner of her eye, Linnae glimpsed a blur of deep blue and looked up. A young woman had entered and was weaving through the crowded room toward them. Linnae’s heart began to pound. Surely, the woman wasn’t headed for the dais?
“Easy, lass,” Jacob whispered.
She looked sharply at him.
He leaned closer. “That is Lady Innis. Ye havenae seen her since you were six.”
Her heart jumped. “Ye didnae tell me I would see any of Lady Alison’s old friends tonight.”
He blinked and she clapped a hand over her mouth. Heaven help her, she’d just been disrespectful to the laird in front of one of his men. He abruptly laughed. Linnae stared. Was he daft? Her attention returned to the woman, who neared the dais steps.
“God help me,” she muttered.
“Have courage,” Jacob said.
“Why is she here?” Linnae demanded.
He chuckled. “Innis likes to be noticed. She will want to tell the other women that she was the first to welcome ye home.”
Lady Innis reached the steps and hurried up to the dais. She continued around the table to Linnae and Linnae was caught off guard when the young woman pulled her up and into a hug.
Lady Innis drew back and held her at arm’s length. “Oh, it is so good to ye, Alison. Look how beautiful you are. But you were a beautiful child.” She released Linnae and looked at Jacob. “Jacob.”
He stood and gave a slight bow. “My lady. Thank you for coming to welcome Lady Alison home.”
“Of course, I had to come. I am so pleased.” She returned her attention to Linnae.