The Highland Guardian

by Jarecki, Amy

  “Bloody hell, I ken my lot,” Reid grumbled under his breath, his hair mussed like a wild man. While he finished dressing, Audrey hastily stuffed the salve and a cloth from the washstand inside her satchel.

  “Come.” Dunn raced down the passageway, the pair struggling to keep pace. Audrey because her legs were far shorter and Reid because he was at death’s door.

  “I’m in your debt, MacRae.”

  “’Tisn’t the first time.”

  Reid’s pace became more assured while they hurried down a narrow stairway. “I’ll take the lass to Blair Atholl. The Marquis of Tullibardine owes me a favor.”

  “Good thinking. The men and I will create a diversion out the back. Then we’ll head for the wharf at Leith and arrange a transport to the Cromarty Firth.”

  “Stay out of trouble.”

  Dunn sniggered over his shoulder, the shadows of his face made eerie by the dancing torchlight. “That would be no fun at all.” He handed Reid the torch and shoved a bookcase out from the wall, revealing a small door. “I’ll meet you at Brahan Castle in a fortnight. Two at most. There’s a gathering to attend and you’re the master of ceremonies.”

  Reid opened the hatch and grasped Audrey’s hand. “I’ll be there. Mark me.”

  “What should we do with the butler?” asked Dunn.

  “Give him coin for his return fare to Coxhoe,” said Reid. “He can cover our backs there if need be. Bloody oath, the man’s acting impressed me at the gaol.”

  Peering through the darkness and trying to be courageous, Audrey followed Reid inside the dank tunnel. “You didn’t tell me you had a secret escape route.” The tremor in her voice betrayed her fear as they proceeded further into the darkness, lit only by the torch’s flicker. It was drafty with damp walls, a dirt floor, and a ceiling so low, Reid had to stoop.

  “It never came up. I had my men tunnel to Greyfriars Kirk after Tullibardine was nearly caught when he tried to help Lady Magdalen when she was locked in the pillory in Grassmarket Square.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Long story,” he growled. “Remind me to tell you about it when we’re not running for our lives.”

  Thank heavens it wasn’t long before they reached the tunnel’s end. Reid found a key hidden in a crevice on the wall, and unfastened the heavy black padlock. Before opening the door, he doused the torch in a heap of dirt.

  “It appears you planned well.”

  “A man never kens when he’ll need to make a fast exit.”

  Audrey squinted when they stepped out into the sunlight, right behind a crypt. “A graveyard?”

  “No place better to hide a secret passageway.” Reid turned full circle. “No one about. Come, we’ll hire a coach to take us to Queensferry.”

  Having never been to Edinburgh, Audrey had no choice but to follow. Reid needed a physician, not a coach. Lord only knew what kind of toll fleeing was taking on the man’s body. It certainly was making her nervous. She was hungry and soreheaded and tired, and Seaforth must be feeling ten times worse.

  But onward they continued. Now out in the open, Audrey’s spine prickled with dread as she glanced over her shoulder every few steps, positive the redcoats would be chasing them at any moment.

  But the earl knew right where to go. There were two black coaches waiting for fares at the end of the church’s drive.

  Reid hailed the first. “To Queensferry Wharf.”

  “Queensferry?” the driver asked incredulously. “That will be two guineas.”

  He motioned for Audrey to step inside. “Carry on then.”

  Realizing she was still dressed in men’s clothing, she pursed her lips and climbed aboard without assistance.

  The coach bumped and jerked over the cobblestones while she clutched her satchel with both hands, her gaze fixated out the window, scanning every nook and cranny for any sign of a redcoat. “You said we’re going to a wharf?” she asked in a whisper.

  “Aye, we’ll take a skiff across the Forth and we’ll ride from there.”

  “Will they have stables on the other side?”

  “Scotland’s a vast country, lass. We’ll alight in the Kingdom of Fife, and aye, we ought to find a pair of garron ponies.”

  “Garron?”

  “Stout Scottish-bred horses made for the Highlands. I’d take a garron any day before riding one of those English mounts. They might be faster but they cannot climb like Highland ponies.”

  “Then how far is it—?”

  Reid sliced his hand through the air. “Keep mum. The journey will take an entire day at a healthy trot.”

  She craned her neck, the water coming into view. The Forth was grand indeed—the other side barely discernable. “A day? That’s so far.”

  “I’ve ridden the distance many times.” He leaned forward and rested his head on his hand. He was as white as bed linen, though Audrey knew better than to ask how he was feeling. What choice did they have? If they didn’t escape from Edinburgh this instant, Reid would be captured and quite possibly tortured to death. She prayed the marquis could offer them protection. Then she resumed her lookout until they reached the wharf and alighted from the coach.

  As soon as her feet touched ground, her heart nearly jumped right out of her chest. “Redcoats,” she whispered while Reid dug in his sporran for two guineas.

  Two dragoons stepped out of a large skiff with four oarsmen. They proceeded down the wharf straight toward them, sauntering like they were seeking out trouble. One frowned and eyed her as if he could tell she was a woman.

  Reid stepped between them and pointed to the skiff. “Is that ferry returning to Fife soon?”

  One of the oarsmen stood, making the boat bob. He held out his palm. “If you have the coin, we can head back straightaway.”

  Reid gave Audrey’s elbow a tug and skirted past the soldiers.

  Keeping her gaze downcast, she affected a swagger and stared at the deck timbers until they reached the skiff.

  “What is your business up north?” asked one of the dragoons, following, blast him.

  She pretended she didn’t hear, nearly tripping into the bobbing boat. One of the oarsmen looked at her as if she were daft, but Audrey ignored him and acted as if she was in a hurry to gain a seat, quickly planting her bum on the first empty bench.

  Reid shrugged at the redcoat like he hadn’t a care. “Same as always. Visiting my brother in Dunfermline.”

  “Family business, aye?” The dragoon looked around His Lordship and eyed Audrey head to toe. “I advise you to put on some muscle, lad. Grow into those breeches, else you’ll not be cut out for any vocation but the clergy.”

  Reid shot the man a scowl before climbing in and taking the seat beside her.

  She held her breath when the meddler sauntered up to the boat and shoved his fists into his hips. “Why do you look familiar, sir?”

  “Do you make this crossing often?” Reid asked.

  Audrey wanted to scream at the dragoon and tell him to leave them alone, but the man just scratched his chin. “No. But not to worry, it will come to me.”

  Reid held out a guinea to the oarsmen. “Cast off.”

  Audrey watched the oarsmen row the boat away from the wharf, praying they would make the crossing before the miserable dragoon’s memory returned.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Fortunately, the dragoon went on his way and they made the crossing without being identified. Once Reid had secured a pair of horses, they rode hard at a fast trot, but still, it was dusk before the white turrets of Blair Castle came into view, peeking above the trees.

  During the entire journey, Reid had clenched his teeth and borne his misery, all the while worrying about meeting outlaws along the way. He might be about as useful as a bairn, but he’d die to save Audrey from the hands of a plunderer. A weight lifted from his shoulders when the vast Atholl estate opened from the forest of Scots pine and sycamore. Reid pulled himself together as they were ushered into the castle’s dark-paneled hall, complete
with rows of stag antlers.

  “My God, Seaforth, what have you been up to this past year?” Aiden Murray, the Marquis of Tullibardine and son of the Duke of Atholl, received them with open arms.

  “Bugger all,” Reid said, forgetting present company. But he wasn’t so crass to completely forget his manners. He bowed and gestured to Audrey. “Please allow me to introduce Miss Kennet, daughter of the late Nicholas Kennet.”

  “Och, when word came of his death, I wept. Such a loss for the kingdom.” Tullibardine took her hand between his palms. “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, my dear. Your father was a good man.”

  Audrey smiled. “He was.”

  “Tell me, Seaforth, why are you both looking so bedraggled?”

  Reid let out a long sigh, his back stinging like a dragon was breathing fire behind him. “’Tis a long story.”

  “Then let us retire to the drawing room and join Lady Magdalen for refreshment. She will enjoy this tale as well.”

  At once they were whisked above stairs where Tullibardine introduced his lovely wife to Audrey. Reid gave a brief explanation of their plight, mentioning a “bit of trouble” with the government troops while the couple listened intently.

  He half expected Tullibardine to throw him out—or offer a bed for the night and then tell him to be on his way, but Lady Magdalen stood, crossed the floor, and grasped Audrey by the hands. “My dear lass, you must be exhausted from your ordeal. Please, allow me to offer you a bath and a fresh change of clothes.”

  Twisting her mouth, Audrey glanced to Reid. “But my Lord Seaforth needs respite far more than I.”

  “Go on, lass,” Reid urged. “Allow Lady Magdalen to pamper you. I’ll wager you’re so weary, your knees are about to give out at any moment.”

  “You’ll be all right, then?” she asked.

  Reid gave her the most convincing smile he could muster. “Go on. I need to sample Tullibardine’s latest batch of whisky.”

  “That he does,” agreed the marquis.

  Once the women took their leave, Aiden poured a dram of amber gold for them both. Leaning forward and resting his elbow on the armrest, Reid sipped gratefully. “No better cure for pain than a tot of aged Atholl whisky.”

  Aiden held up his cup in toast. “Sláinte.” After taking a swig, the marquis rapped his fingers on the side table. “Good God, mate, you look like you’ve been through the wars and lost. Tell me, it doesn’t take a seer to realize there’s more afoot than the quick report you just delivered to my wife.”

  Reid could barely sit straight while he relayed the details of his incarceration and subsequent rescue. What worried him now was the damned nosey dragoon at the wharf in Queensferry. Once the man learned that Reid was on the run, he’d remember his face, no doubt.

  “Did you tell anyone where you were heading?” asked Aiden.

  “Nay.”

  “Good. I reckon that purchased you a day at least.”

  Reid arched his back against the stinging pain. “Unfortunately, I need a fortnight of respite.”

  Aiden stood and moved behind him. “Let me have a look at the damage.”

  “’Tisn’t pretty.” Reid pulled off his shirt.

  Peeling away the bandage, a glimpse was all the marquis needed. “Jesus Christ. An officer did this?”

  “Aye, Captain Bainbridge Fry.”

  “’Tis an outrage. A disgrace to the uniform.” Aiden had been an officer in the Royal Navy before he’d met with a bit of trouble of his own and opted to resign his post. “Good God, you weren’t wrong. But I reckon you need a month of rest at least. And I’ll be lodging a formal complaint against Fry and the Durham Gaol.”

  “Not yet.” Reid pulled his shirt back over his head. Allow me time to clear my name first.”

  “I’d prefer to act swiftly, but if you need time, I’ll wait.” Aiden resumed his seat. “In the interim, go to my hunting cottage for your convalescence. ’Tis hidden deep in Atholl lands. So remote, few ken it exists. You’ll be safe there.”

  Reid considered. “But I have Miss Audrey to care for.”

  “Do not worry about the lass. Lady Maddie will enjoy having another woman about for a change. Besides, I owe you a favor, mate.”

  True, Reid had helped Tullibardine escape the redcoats when Lady Magdalen had been wrongfully accused in a plot to assassinate the queen.

  He nodded, but then the room began to swim. Overcome with the sensation of falling forward, everything slipped into oblivion.

  * * *

  Feeling fresh for the first time in days, Audrey regarded the borrowed plaid kirtle in the looking glass. “It is ever so kind of you to lend me a gown.”

  “Consider it a gift.” Lady Magdalen came up behind her, smiling. “Any friend of Seaforth is a friend of mine.”

  “He told me you had an unfortunate altercation with the queen.”

  “Och, do not remind me. Those were frightening days I’d rather forget.”

  “I’m happy your name was cleared. I couldn’t imag—”

  “Maddie, may I enter?” The marquis’s voice rumbled through the timbers.

  The marchioness looked toward the door. “Aye.”

  But the grim look on Tullibardine’s face made Audrey’s hackles stand on end. He stepped inside, his frown growing deeper. “Seaforth is out cold.”

  Audrey clapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh no, I shouldn’t have left him. He’s not well. I must tend him straightaway.”

  The marquis blocked the doorway and held up his hand. “My healer is tending him, but he cannot stay. If what he says is true, my guess is we’ll have dragoons at Blair within two days.”

  “No,” said the marchioness.

  Tullibardine’s gaze shifted between the two women. “I’m taking him to the hunting cottage at dawn.”

  Maddie collected her satchel from the table and clutched it to her midriff. “Then I’m going as well.”

  “Nay, lass.” He shook his finger. “You’d best stay at Blair. The cottage isn’t for young ladies. It’s rough, and remote—removed from civilization it is.”

  “Heavens, Aiden.” Lady Magdalen moved beside Audrey. “I stayed there with you.”

  “That was different.”

  “If I’m not there, who will watch over His Lordship whilst he’s healing?”

  “Ah…” The marquis’s eyes shifted.

  Audrey’s spine straightened. “I’m going. And you’ll not keep me from it. Reid MacKenzie is my guardian. I broke the law for him. As a matter of fact, the men who are looking for him are looking for me as well. If I remain here, I’m putting you and your family in as much danger as if the earl were here himself.”

  “But—”

  “Good heavens, Aiden. Can you not see the lass is determined? Send ample supplies and she’ll be able to tend Seaforth and see to it he doesn’t die up there.”

  Audrey fixed her gaze on the marquis and raised her chin indignantly. “’Tis settled then.”

  “Bloody hell, a man hasn’t a chance when faced with two women.” Tullibardine beckoned her with his fingers. “Come on then. I’ll take you to his chamber.”

  “Thank you,” she said, following him down the passageway.

  He arched an eyebrow at her. “Tell me, do ye ken out to cook?”

  “I’m shamed to admit, no.”

  “Then you’d best have a word with Cook as well.”

  * * *

  If only my damned head would stop pounding.

  At the sound of rustling, Reid opened his eyes. He was lying on a bed in a small chamber with crude stone walls. Above, the rafter beams were exposed, supporting a thatched roof. Across the chamber, a maidservant had her back to him, bent over a hearth, stirring the contents of a blackened-iron kettle. The smell of broth wafted to his nose and he salivated, his stomach growling like he hadn’t eaten in a sennight.

  The lass hung her spoon on a nail and turned.

  Dear Lord, Audrey was clad like a Scottish lass, complete with arisaid and kirtle.
>
  She smiled. “You’re awake.”

  Reid swiped a hand across his eyes. “Where are we?”

  “At the marquis’s hunting cottage. Do you not remember?”

  “The cottage?” Through the fog, he recalled Tullibardine’s offer. “How in God’s name did we end up here?”

  “His Lordship’s men tossed you over a horse and hauled you up the mountain.”

  “They didn’t.” Good God, not a becoming sight for an earl.

  “They did, else you might be returned to the hands of the redcoats. Word came the day after we arrived at Blair Castle that dragoons were in Dunkeld asking questions.”

  “Bloody hell, will they not give it a rest?” Reid squinted his eyes and regarded her, his head clearing a bit. “And why are you here? You’re supposed to be staying at the castle with Lady Magdalen.”

  “I wasn’t about to leave you in the care of some stranger, and I told the marquis so. Besides, I’m most likely as wanted as you are.”

  Wanted by Wagner Tupps was what she was.

  “Are you thirsty?” she asked, picking up a cup of something awful, no doubt.

  Reid tried to roll to his back and winced, quickly shifting again to his side. Damn, his wounds could have healed while he was abed. “I can eat an entire stag all by myself.”

  “That’s a good sign.” She sat on a wooden chair beside the bed. Something told Reid the lass had spent a great deal of time there.

  Still, he wasn’t happy. “What the devil was Tullibardine thinking to bring you all the way up to the Highlands and leave you alone?”

  “It was my choice. And I’m not alone—you’re here. Besides, he left us with enough supplies to last a winter, and a musket.”

  “We’re not staying here long.” He tried to sit up, but only managed to get as far as his elbow. “We must be on our way soon.”

  She shook her damned finger at his nose. “We’re not leaving for a fortnight. I heard what Mr. MacRae said. We have time.”

  Reid licked his lips. “At least give me a healthy portion of meat. Your stew smells delicious.”