Rory

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Rory Page 10

by Ruth Ryan Langan


  washing in the river.

  "Remove yourselves at once," one of the men shouted. "You're

  sullying our fine river with your filth.':.

  The others laughed and pointed, while the mother and her children

  cringed in shame.

  "Lord Ramsey." AnnaClaire hurried forward and said in a soft tone,

  "You're causing the young woman embarrassment."

  "I want her out of there at once. The sight of her offends me. Besides,

  my wife desires a drink of water."

  His wife held a handkerchief to her mouth and nose. "How could I

  possibly drink the water now, Thomas, after seeing that peasant and

  her brats? And look." She pointed to the basket of wet clothes lying

  on the shore. "They actually washed their filthy rags in the river as

  well."

  A second woman pointed to a tiny thatched hut in the distance. "No

  wonder these people bare their bodies for all to see. Look how they

  live. Like animals in hovels. Have they no shame?"

  Temper made AnnaClaire careless. "Perhaps it is you who have no

  shame. And no decency. This poor woman had no way of knowing

  you'd come upon her like this. The least you could do is give her a

  moment to cover herself and her wee ones and allow her to take her

  leave with dignity."

  "Dignity?" Lord Ramsey's wife was outraged. "How can you suggest

  that these barbarians have any concept of dignity? Look at them.

  Filthy beggars."

  The laughter of the others caused an ache around AnnaClaire's heart.

  Striding across the space that separated them, she whisked off her

  cloak and held it out to the frightened young woman. "Here. Cover

  yourself with this."

  The woman waded toward her through the water, clutching the infant

  to her heart. The boy and girl clung to her wet petticoat, their eyes

  wide and terrified.

  When she reached the shallows, the young mother shook her head. "I

  couldn't possibly accept your kind offer, my lady. Your cloak is far

  too fine. I'd only soil it."

  "I insist." AnnaClaire took a step into the water and draped it around

  the woman's trembling shoulders.

  "I'm grateful, my lady. If you'll wait here, I'll return with it as quickly

  as I can."

  "There's no need. I have another. This one is yours to keep."

  AnnaClaire glanced at the shivering children. "See that you get them

  home to a fire quickly."

  "Aye, my lady. God bless you."

  The young woman wrapped the infant in a ragged shawl and lay him

  atop the basket, then hurried away without a backward glance,

  struggling under the heavy load. Beside her the two children had to

  run to keep up.

  When AnnaClaire turned, the others, including Lord Davis and Lady

  Thornly, were watching her in silence.

  "Well." It was Dunstan who finally spoke. "You realize, my dear

  AnnaClaire, that your fine cloak will fetch a pretty price at market.

  That little strumpet will no doubt sell it to buy whiskey for her man."

  "Perhaps. Or perhaps she'll use it to keep her wee ones warm in their

  beds."

  Dunstan threw back his head and laughed. "I can see that you need

  someone to save you from your romantic notions, my lady. These

  people don't give a care ahout their spawn. From what I can see, they

  procreate like animals."

  "Is that what you intend to tell the queen?" Temper caused

  AnnaClaire to throw all caution to the wind. "Perhaps you would like

  England to issue a decree prohibiting them from having children,

  Lord Dunstan."

  "It isn't such a bad idea. And I do think Elizabeth should see that these

  people can no longer inherit, since they have neither the means nor

  the will to improve upon their inheritance. Look around you,

  AnnaClaire. Left in the hands of such as these, this country will soon

  be fit for nothing more than savages and pigs."

  AnnaClaire's voice rang with righteous indignation. "You would

  know something about that, wouldn't you, my lord?"

  Before she could say more, Lord Davis draped his own cloak around

  her shoulders and forcibly turned her away. "Enough, my dear. There

  is a chill breeze off the water. I think it's time we got you home."

  "I haven't finished."

  "Oh, but you have."

  Before she could protest further, he hauled her along beside him,

  leaving the others to follow.

  As they made their way back to the waiting carriages,' Lord Davis

  muttered, "You would be well advised not to anger Lord Dunstan, my

  dear. He can be a powerful friend, or a dangerous enemy."

  "I care not about Lord Dunstan. Or the others."

  "AnnaClaire. AnnaClaire." He gave a sigh of disapproval as he

  watched his friends approach. "If you do not care about the others,

  give a care for me."

  She touched a hand to his cheek. "You know I love you, Lord Davis."

  He caught her hand and said sternly, "Then hold your tongue. We will

  speak no more of this. And if Lord Dunstan is willing to forget, you

  will do the same. Agreed?"

  She took a deep breath, then nodded. "Very well."

  "Good. Good." He patted her hand before helping her into the

  carriage. And when, a moment later, Lord Dunstan climbed up beside

  her, the old man breathed a sigh of relief.Still, as their parade of

  carriages made its way back to Dublin, Lord Davis couldn't seem to

  shake off the unsettling feeling that AnnaClaire might have gone too

  far. He had heard rumors of Lord Dunstan's vicious temper. Those

  who dared to cross him often found themselves not only out of favor

  with the queen, but also found their fortunes dwindling and their

  estates confiscated.

  Lord Davis could only hope that AnnaClaire's beauty held enough

  allure for the powerful Dunstan to keep her in the queen's good

  graces.

  When the carriage came to a halt at the door of Clay Court, Dunstan

  graciously stepped down and offered his hand.

  "Thank you, my lord."

  "You are most welcome, my lady." He walked with AnnaClaire to the

  door. "I would like to call on you tonight."

  She forced a smile to her lips. "I'm afraid all this fresh air has

  conspired to make me weary." She glanced to where old Lord Davis

  was watching them intently, and carefully added, "Perhaps another

  time."

  "Of course. I'll pay a call on the morrow if I may."

  "Thank you. Lord Dunstan. Until the morrow then."

  He brushed his lips over her hand. "Good night, my lady."

  AnnaClaire stepped inside and leaned wearily against the closed

  door. The effort to be polite and charming in Dunstan's company had

  left her exhausted. The feel of his lips on her hand made her skin

  crawl. Still, she couldn't ignore her old friend's warning. Dunstan was

  dangerous. She would do well to keep that in mind and behave

  accordingly.

  Moments later as she hurried up the stairs, she felt the weariness

  lifting from her shoulders. Could it be because she was about to see

  Rory O'Neil?

  With a smile of anticipation she flung open the door to her room.

  "Oh, my lady." Glinna spun around and clapped her hand to her
/>   mouth. "You startled me."

  "What are you doing here, Glinna?"

  "I was hanging your clean gowns, my lady." The little maid darted a

  look around the room, then started backing toward the door. "Shall I

  stay and help you undress?'

  "That won't be necessary, Glinna. Good night."

  "Aye. Good night, my lady." Relieved, the little maid fairly danced

  out of the room.

  From the hurried footsteps on the stairs, AnnaClaire guessed that

  Glinna must be eagerly on her way to meet one of the stable lads. She

  couldn't blame her in the least. Wasn't she just as eager to make her

  way to the one who awaited her in the little attic room above?

  She studied her reflection in the looking glass, taking a moment to

  tuck up a stray strand of hair. A day in the fresh air had put a bloom on

  her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes. Smoothing down her skirts, she

  crossed the room, then came to a sudden halt in mid- stride.

  The door leading to the attic staircase was ajar.

  She distinctly remembered closing it that morning.

  She lifted both hands to her cheeks at the sudden realization. If Glinna

  had stumbled upon their secret, all their lives were in danger.

  Everyone knew the maid could never be trusted to keep such a thing

  to herself. If even one of her friends found out, it would soon be

  known all over Dublin.

  And then AnnaClaire thought about Dunstan's boast.

  Though these people were patriots, many of them were also

  desperately poor. The promise of gold could be too great a temptation

  for even the most loyal of citizens.

  AnnaClaire ran down the stairs in search of her maid.

  "Glinna. Glinna." Her voice grew more frantic as she raced from

  room to room.

  In the kitchen she came upon Bridget and Tavis enjoying tea and

  biscuits.

  "Have you seen Glinna?" she asked.

  "Aye, my lady. Just moments ago she ran out of here as though the

  devil himself were after her."

  "Sweet Savior." AnnaClaire whirled and left the old couple staring

  after her as she made a mad dash up the stairs.

  Rory O'Neil must leave at once. Else, if what she suspected were true,

  he would surely face certain death.

  Chapter Eight

  'Rory. Rory O'Neil."

  AnnaClaire was breathless by the time she entered the little attic

  room. Her gaze swept the empty bed. Rory was standing in the

  shadows. He was barefoot and shirtless, clad only in the black pants

  she had provided.

  He turned and she was jolted by the force of his presence. It wasn't

  only the width of his shoulders, or the ripple of muscle, or the

  carelessly handsome pose. It was an aura of strength, of purpose, that

  held her transfixed.

  "You must take your leave at once."

  He strode toward her, catching her roughly by the shoulders. "What's

  wrong, AnnaClaire? What has happened?"

  "My maid, Glinna." She paused a moment to catch her breath. "She

  was in my room when I arrived home. The door to this room was ajar.

  Did anyone come up the stairs while I was gone?"

  His eyes narrowed. "I slept on and off most of the day. But I

  thought..."

  "You thought what?"

  "That I'd heard a footfall. When I investigated, there was no one

  there. But I was agitated enough that I couldn't get back to sleep."

  "I knew it." She turned away and began to pace. ' 'Our secret is no

  longer safe, Rory. If she knows about you, others soon will. You must

  leave now. I'll have Tavis prepare a horse and cart."

  "Nay." He caught her arm to still her movements. "When I leave here,

  I mustn't do anything that would lead the English back to you." His

  tone lowered. "I've tarried here long enough. It's time to resume my

  search for Tilden."

  "You aren't strong enough yet to engage in battle."

  "That's what I've told myself for days." He stared down into her eyes.

  "But we both know I've been lying to myself. My wounds are healed.

  The truth is, I didn't want to leave here. To leave you." He touched a

  hand to her cheek. "But I must. Every day that I allowed myself to

  stay here has put you and everyone in this house in danger."

  "I've told you before. My father is a trusted friend to the queen.

  English soldiers wouldn't harm me."

  He touched a finger to her lips to silence her. "This isn't a game,

  AnnaClaire. It's war. Even your father's friendship with the queen

  wouldn't save you if they found out you'd been harboring their

  enemy. Do you understand?"

  She studied him a moment, warmed by his touch. Then, as another

  thought struck, she was suddenly chilled. She would never be able to

  feel his touch again. Hear his voice. See his face.

  She took a deep breath and slowly nodded. "What do you want me to

  do?"

  "Have Tavis send word to my men that the time has come. They'll

  know the plan." With his knife he forced the small window open.

  Then, slicing his hand, he very deliberately stained the sill with his

  blood.

  "What are you doing?" She was horrified at the sight of fresh blood.

  "Making it look as though I forced my way into your home. Go now,

  AnnaClaire."

  She started to turn away. "I'll have Bridget prepare some food."

  "No food, AnnaClaire."

  "But—"

  He held up a hand to silence her protest. "When I leave here, I will be

  the most hunted man in Ireland. There will be many, including my

  own countrymen, who would capture me for the reward. Remember

  what I said earlier. There must be nothing that would lead my captors

  back to you."

  She could see the wisdom of his words, even though her heart cried

  out at the cruel thought of his capture.

  "I'll be back, Rory."

  "Nay, my lady. When Tavis is gone, join Bridget in the kitchen."

  "I want to say a proper goodbye."

  He crossed the room and crushed her against him while his mouth

  moved over hers. "This is all the goodbye we can manage,

  AnnaClaire." He kissed her one last time, lingering over her lips,

  wishing he could do more, say more. "It will have to do. Now go.

  Hurry."

  She felt a sob catch in her throat as she turned away. She swallowed it

  down. Not here. Not now. There would be time later for tears. For

  now, there was so much to be done.

  In the attic room Rory hurriedly dressed, tucking a knife at his waist

  and another in his boot. Then he prowled the room, overturning a

  small table, snagging the curtains on the edge of a basin, to make it

  look as though an intruder had come through in a hurry.

  With sword in hand he made his way down the stairs. Seeing no one

  about, he descended to the main floor. Before he could seek out the

  others in the kitchen, he heard the thundering hoofbeats of

  approaching horses.

  He cursed the timing. He'd known the English would move quickly

  once they'd heard of his whereabouts. There was nothing to be done

  now but to bluff his way through, and hope he could at least save the

  reputations of those to whom he owed his life.

  He stepped into a da
rkened parlor and listened to shouted commands

  moments before the tramp of feet sounded on the walkway. From his

  place of concealment, he watched as Bridget hurried to fling open the

  door.

  Lord Dunstan's imperious voice broke the silence. "Where is your

  mistress?"

  "In the kitchen, my lord."

  "Out of the way, old fool." Dunstan brushed past the housekeeper and

  strode to the kitchen, followed by at least a dozen armed men.

  "Lord Dunstan." AnnaClaire set down her cup of tea with a clatter,

  alarmed at the tremor in her voice. "What brings you back at such an

  hour?"

  "You employ a maid named Glinna Farley?"

  "I do."

  "She has claimed a reward for finding the Blackhearted O'Neil."

  "Our Glinna?" Bridget paused in the doorway, making a valiant

  attempt to draw attention from her frightened mistress. She clapped

  her hands together. "How grand. Where did she find him?"

  Ignoring her, Dunstan continued to study AnnaClaire as he said, "She

  claims he is secreted in a room below the eaves."

  AnnaClaire's hand flew to her throat. "Here? In my father's house?"

  "That is what she says. Are you saying you know nothing about this?"

  "My lord." AnnaClaire got to her feet and grasped the back of her

  chair for support. "I couldn't say for certain, since I haven't been in

  that room for many months. But I find it hard to believe such a thing

  could happen in my own home without my knowledge."

  "Then you don't mind if my men search the room in question?"

  AnnaClaire glanced at the soldiers, then returned her gaze to

  Dunstan. "Not only do I not mind, my lord, I insist." She lifted her

  skirts and swept past him. "Come. I'll lead the way."

  "Nay, my lady." Dunstan caught her arm and held her back, saying to

  the soldiers, "Let the old woman show you the way."

  As she listened to the sound of their footsteps, AnnaClaire prayed that

  her trembling legs wouldn't fail her. She was no good at this

  playacting. Could Dunstan sense her terror?

  Had there been time for Rory to escape? Sweet heaven, what would

  she do if he was still there? She would be forced to stand here and do

  nothing as he was taken away in chains.

  Several soldiers stood at attention near the door while she and

  Dunstan listened to the sounds of muted voices and footsteps above.

  Soon the voices drewnearer and one of the soldiers held up a hand

  bearing unmistakable stains. "There's fresh blood on the sill, my lord.

 

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