Briana

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  several chaises to form a barricade along one side of the room.

  "Maida," the butler called. "Lady Cranmer has sent these ladies to

  have a visit with the child."

  The nursemaid didn't bother to get up. "Have your visit then. But

  don't be long. It'll soon be time for her rest."

  Briana managed her most charming smile as she turned to th£ butler.

  "Thank you, Farley. I'm sure the two of you would be more

  comfortable waiting in the hall. I noticed a bench that looked most

  inviting."

  The soldier and butler glanced at each other, then nodded.

  "We would indeed, my lady," Farley muttered.

  As the door was closing, Briana could see the two men walking

  toward the bench, which was only steps away from the nursery.

  She crossed to the little girl and reached out herhands. "Oh, look at

  you. Aren't you the prettiest little thing in the whole world."

  And she was indeed. With eyes that would rival the bluest summer

  sky, and glossy dark curls framing the face of a cherub.

  At the sound of Briana's lilting voice, the child smiled and lifted her

  arms.

  Briana picked her up, cradling her against her chest. "Would you like

  to see what I've brought you?"

  When she held out the ball, the little girl did exactly what baby Daniel

  had done, tasting it, chewing it and cooing with delight.

  Briana sat her down in the middle of the room and began rolling the

  ball toward her. Excited at the prospect of playing, Alana clapped her

  hands and snatched up the ball, chewing and drooling.

  "Look what else we have, luv." Mistress Malloy, getting into the

  spirit of the game, reached into her satchel and brought out one of the

  little animal cakes. Breaking off a small piece, she handed it to Alana,

  who stuffed it into her mouth and waited for more.

  "Here now." The nurse came out of her chair with a vengeance and

  advanced on them. "The child isn't allowed to eat sweets."

  "I don't think a little taste will hurt her." Briana winked at the

  housekeeper. "What do you say, Mistress Malloy?"

  "I quite agree." The older woman sniffed. "Why, when Lord Alcott

  was a lad, Cook always used to sneak him bits of sweets. She thought

  it helped make up for his loneliness."

  "Well, such frivolous things aren't permitted here at Greyhall. I'll take

  that." The nursemaid reached down and took the cake from the

  housekeeper's hand.

  Then, to assure that it wouldn't be given to the child, she stuffed it into

  her own mouth before returning to her chair by the fire.

  "Oh, that wasn't very nice of you." Mistress Malloy showed a flash of

  temper, quickly unwrapping a second cake and feeding a small piece

  to Alana.

  But Briana surprised the housekeeper by shaking her head.

  "You're quite right, Maida. Maybe you'd care for another cake."

  The nursemaid nodded. "I would indeed. I've a taste for sweets."

  "Mistress Malloy, see if you can find more cakes in that satchel,"

  Briana said.

  The old woman rummaged through her bag and came up with a third,

  and even a fourth cake, which she dutifully handed over to the nurse.

  "And perhaps, while you're eating it, Maida, you'd be willing to show

  us the rest of the nursery." Briana scooped up the infant, eager to take

  her as far away from the men outside the door as possible.

  "There's not much." Almost sluggishly the nurse heaved herself out

  of the chair and led the way to the sleeping chamber. Inside was a bed

  for the baby, and another for the nurse. Beside the bed was a night

  table. Positioned in front of the fire was a chaise. On the far wall was

  a wardrobe.

  Briana's gaze moved to the wardrobe, assessing its size, before

  motioning to the housekeeper. "Oh, look at the lovely view from that

  balcony."

  "The view?" Mistress Malloy looked slightly confused. But when

  Briana arched a brow, she turned. "Ah. Yes. The view. It's

  lovely.""Wouldn't you like to enjoy it? Just for a few moments?"

  Briana urged.

  "Aye. I suppose I would."

  "Here, Mistress Malloy." Briana thrust the baby into her arms.

  "Perhaps Alana would like a bit of fresh air as well."

  As the housekeeper carried the baby to the balcony, the nursemaid sat

  down on the edge of the bed and yawned.

  "You might want to keep an eye on your little charge," Briana

  admonished her.

  "Aye. Of course. I'm not supposed to let her out of my sight."

  Struggling to stifle another yawn, the nursemaid walked slowly to the

  balcony.

  Alone in the room, Briana snatched up a shawl and a blanket, then

  made her way to the two women.

  "Here now. What've you got there?" The nursemaid's tone was

  challenging.

  "Just something to ward off the breeze." Briana casually handed the

  shawl to Mistress Malloy, saying, "You might want to cover Alana so

  she doesn't take a chill."

  She then opened the blanket and smiled. The nursemaid arched a

  brow. "Is that for me?"

  "Aye. Since you've been in these stuffy chambers, you might want to

  wrap it around you." Briana draped it around the woman's shoulders,

  leaving the rest dangling to the floor.

  While Mistress Malloy watched in amazement, the nursemaid's eyes

  began to close. For a moment she clung tp the edge of the balcony for

  support. Then she fell backward as though in a faint. The blanket

  cushioned her fall and she landed with a soft thud.

  "What...whatever has happened to her? Here now, lass, what are you

  doing?" Mistress Malloy demanded as Briana began to haul the

  blanket and its burden toward the wardrobe.

  "Just seeing to it that she's made comfortable for a while."

  "I don't under—"

  "Hush, Mistress Malloy. There's no time for explanations." Briana

  rolled and shoved until the nursemaid was safely tucked into the

  wardrobe, with the blanket wrapped so firmly around her, she

  couldn't move her arms or legs. Then she forced the door closed and

  motioned for the housekeeper to follow her to the other room.

  "Oh, what have you done?" Mistress Malloy moaned. "What in the

  world is going on here?"

  "I've disposed of one problem." Briana pointed to the child," sleeping

  peacefully in Mistress Malloy's arms. The housekeeper seemed

  amazed that the child had fallen asleep so quickly.

  Briana draped the shawl around the housekeeper's shoulders, then

  allowed the ends to dangle loosely in front, completely hiding the fact

  that the child was in her arms. ' 'Now, in order to see this to its

  conclusion, you must do exactly as I tell you. And, for heaven's sake,

  act as though nothing is amiss."

  "Act as though..." The housekeeper's face had turned the color of raw

  dough. Her voice was edging toward hysteria. "Act as though..."

  "Hush now. Not a word." Briana touched a finger to her lips.

  At that precise moment the door was thrown open. Farley stepped

  inside and glanced around, the swordsman behind him. "Where is

  Maida?"

  Thinking quickly, Briana kept her fingers on her lips. "Shh. She's

  putting
Alana down for her rest. She asked that we not disturb her."

  The soldier drew his sword and stepped around the butler. "I was told

  to see that no harm should come to the nursemaid and the babe. I'll

  just have a look for myself."

  Terrified, Mistress Malloy opened her mouth to speak. But all that

  came out was a squeak.

  "Aye, I suppose that's best." Briana gave a shaky laugh. "Though I do

  hope you don't place too much value on your life. Maida threatened

  us with mayhem if we disturbed the child's sleep."

  "Aye." The butler, aware of the nursemaid's temper, nodded in

  agreement. "I've tasted the back of her hand a time or two. As has the

  child."

  Briana sucked in a breath of anger.

  The soldier, prodded by the butler's words, seemed to think better of it

  and turned away. "I'll just keep my vigil out in the hall, until the child

  awakes."

  Farley nodded and held the door. When they exited, he said stiffly,

  "You will follow me back to the parlor."

  Briana held back, placing a hand beneath the housekeeper's elbow.

  The old woman was trembling so violently, even her hair was

  shaking.

  "I believe this journey has been too much for you, Mistress Malloy."

  Briana didn't need to pretend concern for the old woman. She feared

  at any moment the poor old thing might just keel over.

  When they reached the foot of the stairs Briana said, "I think you

  should wait in the carriage with Vinson."

  "Aye." The housekeeper's voice was a croak of alarm.

  ""I'll help her," the butler said as he opened the front door.

  "Nay. Lord Alcott's manservant is just outside." Briana stepped out

  the door and motioned for Vinson, who hurried over. "See that

  Mistress Malloy is made comfortable in the carriage. Lord Alcott and

  I will be joining you shortly." Under her breath she whispered, "Hold

  tightly to her, Vinson. She may yet faint."

  "Aye, my lady."

  Briana took a deep breath, then followed Farley to the parlor, where

  Keane and the Cranmers sat glowering at one another.

  "Here you are." Feeling slightly breathless, Briana crossed the room

  and caught Keane's hand. "I think it's time we left."

  "Not until I am permitted to see my daughter."

  Briana's head snapped up. "What? When did you decide this?"

  "Now. I've not come all the way to England just to be turned away at

  her door. I have no intention of leaving here until I'm allowed a visit."

  "But..." Briana hadn't counted on this. She chewed her lip. She had to

  get him out of here. And quickly. Before the nursemaid awoke and

  managed to free herself and shout a warning to the soldier outside her

  door. The opiates she'd put in the cakes were the smallest dose

  possible, because she'd expected to use them only on the baby. Even

  now, Maida could be coming round. It was only a matter of minutes

  before this whole scheme would begin to unravel, and they would be

  facing a score of armed soldiers.

  "Alana is sleeping, Keane. If you should wake her. you'll only make

  her cry."

  He turned on her with a look of pain and disbelief. "I never expected

  this of you, Briana. Of all people, I thought you would stand with me

  in this."

  "I do, Keane. Truly I do. But you must believe me. It is best for

  everyone if we go. Now." She tugged on his hand, desperate to flee.

  Lady Cranmer narrowed a look on her husband, and he shot to his

  feet. "Farley, ask the captain of my guard to accompany Lord Alcott

  and his party from Greyhall. Immediately."

  "Aye, my lord." The butler left, returning minutes later to announce,

  "The captain of the guard and his men have taken up their positions

  alongside Lord Alcott's carriage, my lord."

  "Come, Lord Alcott." Lord Cranmer offered his arm to his wife. The

  two led the way to the front door, with Keane and Briana trailing

  slowly behind.

  Briana saw Keane glance toward the stairway. Under his breath he

  muttered, "I'm a fool to go without seeing her. To have come so far,

  and to be denied my only chance."

  "There will be other chances, Keane. Many other chances to see your

  daughter. You must believe me."

  But his eyes were bleak as he paused at the foot of the stairs. "I'd fight

  a hundred men. A thousand, for one chance to free her from this

  hellish prison."

  Briana closed her eyes. She had to get him out the door and into that

  carriage. It was their only hope.

  "Come, Keane. Please, I beg of you."

  When he merely stared at her she whispered frantically, ' 'Trust me,

  love. And trust that I would never ask this of you unless 1 had a very

  good reason."

  His eyes narrowed. He seemed about to offer resistance, but in the

  end he stepped out the door.

  There were no civil handshakes as he took his leave.

  He merely helped Briana into the carriage, then climbed in behind

  her. Without so much as a glance at the Cranmers he said stiffly,

  "Drive, Vinson."

  "Aye, my lord."

  The carriage jolted forward, with a line of soldiers on either side. As

  they followed the curving ribbon of road toward the high gate in the

  distance, Keane looked at the housekeeper.

  "Mistress Malloy. You look as though you're feeling sick. Was

  Alana's treatment so bad then?"

  The housekeeper couldn't manage a response. Her lower lip quivered,

  and she had to struggle to keep from crying.

  The slow procession seemed to go on forever. And when at last they

  passed through the gate, and started back toward London, Keane

  leaned back and pressed a hand 'to his eyes. "What a fool I've been.

  All this," he muttered. "For nothing."

  "Nothing?" At the sound of Briana's lilting laughter, he opened his

  eyes.

  "Go ahead, Mistress Malloy," Briana said. "Give Keane his surprise."

  "It was as much a surprise to me as it will be to you, my lord. Our lass

  confided her plans to no one."

  "Only because I knew you'd have spoiled everything by fainting,

  Mistress Malloy. As it is, I feared you wouldn't make it out the door

  with our secret."

  "What secret?" Keane demanded. "What is this all about?"

  With trembling fingers, Mistress Malloy handed him her bulky

  shawl.

  He arched a brow at Briana, then opened the shawl and stared at the

  baby, sleeping as peacefully as an angel."But how can this be? How

  did you...?" She shook her head. "All in good time, my lord. For now,

  I think you'd better order Vinson to get us to the docks as quickly as

  possible. For any minute now, the Cranmers will discover what we've

  done. And I hardly think our two swords will be enough to stop their

  private army."

  Chapter Twenty

  "Praise heaven we're finally back on Irish soil." Mistress Malloy

  would have kissed the ground, if she hadn't felt so weak.

  The journey across the Channel had been a nightmare of fears. All

  night, as they'd battled storms and wind and waves, they could see far

  behind them the lights of a ship following in their wake. They had no

  doubt the second ship w
as one commissioned by the Cranmers. The

  only thing that kept them from being overtaken was the forces of

  nature.

  "We must get to Carrick quickly," Keane muttered as they climbed

  into a waiting carriage.

  "Nay." Briana put a hand on his arm. "Think, Keane. Carrick House is

  the first place they'll look for us. I know a better place. A place where

  we'll be safe for as long as we choose to remain."

  Keane arched a brow. "Your home?"

  She nodded. "Aye." Her voice softened as she spoke the word.

  "Ballinarin."

  Briana glanced at Mistress Malloy, lulled into sleep by the swaying

  motion of the carriage. Seated across from her was Vinson, also

  sleeping, now that they had employed a driver for the last half of their

  journey so that the elderly butler could take a much-needed rest.

  Beside Vinson was Keane with his little daughter asleep in his arms.

  He had rarely let her out of his sight since they'd been reunited. He

  reached across to catch Briana's hand in his. "We need to talk."

  "Aye. We will. Soon. I promise." She smiled at him, then turned to

  watch as familiar landmarks came into view.

  They had spent the night in a small cozy tavern, tucked up under the

  eaves, with the sound of rain falling softly on the roof, and the

  laughter of strangers coming from the public room below. There had

  been no time to say the things that were in their hearts. Briana and

  Mistress Malloy had shared one room with Alana, who slept in a

  small wooden trundle beside their bed. Keane had shared the room

  next door with Vinson.

  In the morning, while they'd shared a simple meal of gruel and meat

  and biscuits, their gazes had locked for one brief moment. They'd felt

  the curl of heat, the tug of familiar feelings deep inside, and knew

  that, when at last they reached their destination, they would be able to

  put the past behind them and look to the future. A future that suddenly

  looked considerably brighter with each mile.

  "Look." Briana pointed, and Keane leaned forward to stare out the

  window. "Croagh Patrick. Our people have lwed in its shadow for

  hundreds of years."

  As the carriage veered through a pass carved out of stone, she pointed

  to the sides of the hills, cloaked with stunted, twisted shrubs and

  trees. "When I was a little girl, I thought a giant had come through

  here, slashing with his sword."