by Aileen Adams
“Phillip,” he said, stepping through the doorway. “Hugh told me earlier today that you were looking for me.”
“Where have you been off to so late in the evening?”
Jake pondered, then decided that for now, he would keep Heather's secret. He shrugged. “Just roaming.”
Phillip eyed him doubtfully.
“Your leg hurts, doesn't it?” Without waiting for an answer, he continued. “Why don't you swallow your pride and allow Sarah to make you a tincture to help ease the pain? It won’t affect your ability to do your job, you know.”
Jake frowned. “Not necessary.”
He would not have his brother, nor anyone else in the Duncan clan believing that he was less of a man than he used to be since he returned from battle. And for that, he blamed Ceana and her wicked attempt to poison him.
She had allowed the infection to seep into his wound. Allowed him to lay in his own filth. To languish.
Someday, he would have his revenge.
“Fine, have it your way.” He glanced pointedly at Jake's leg and then up again. “I want her found.”
At first, Jake thought he was referring to Heather, but then he realized he was speaking of Ceana. “That makes two of us, brother.”
“It's not just what she did to you. I will have my revenge for that, mark my words. But it's more than that. She stirred up trouble with the Orkney clan, and now I hear rumors that she's been seen with the McGregors—”
“Blackguards!” Jake grumbled. “Who told you this? I haven't heard anything about it.”
Phillip shrugged. “One of the outlying sentries reported it to Maccay this afternoon.”
Jake mumbled again. “I’ll be taking a patrol out in the morning and see what I can find out.”
The thought of coming across Ceana and didn’t sit well with him. Despite what she had done to him, he felt torn. She was a childhood friend. He and his brother had grown up playing with Ceana. He thought he might even have loved her once.
Not anymore.
He had begun to have doubts before he went off to battle and was wounded. When she wasn’t aware that he was watching and listening, he had seen her cruelty to the house staff.
Snide comments to those less fortunate than her. He didn’t like that. If the rumors were true that she had been seen in the presence of yet another clan on Duncan lands, she would pay for what she had done. Not just to him, but to Phillip and Sarah.
She would not be able to hide away from them too long. Sooner or later the other clans would also know where she was and what she was up to. If she continued to seek her revenge against any member of his family, household, or soldiers, she would have to deal with him.
And at the moment, recalling her treachery, he was not feeling very charitable.
* * *
Jake rode through the next day, searching the lands with a few of his men. They ventured through the forests surrounding the manor, and up into the rugged foothills and then down the slopes toward flatter ground. They searched for tracks around the hidden ravines and gullies, to no avail.
It would take days to search the land, but so far, he had not seen tracks nor indication of riders venturing onto Duncan lands.
By the time dusk fell and he rode back to the manor house, he was tired, and his leg ached. He longed for nothing more than to fill his belly and to warm himself in front of the fire in the hall, then make his way to his bedchamber for a good night’s sleep.
Before that though, he wanted to speak to Heather.
With rumors of Ceana about, certainly up to no good, he needed to tell Heather that it wasn’t safe to roam about at night anymore.
He knew she was up to something. The sooner she told him, the better. He was in no mood for games. As the ache in his leg increased by the moment, his mood soured.
The more his leg bothered him, the more his anger boiled against Ceana.
He was not usually so dour, and he certainly didn’t want to turn into a bitter, grumpy old man, but he had enough to deal with as it was. It was his duty to protect Heather, and with her flitting about, sneaking off, even going so far as to venture into the woods alone in the middle of the night, she made his job more difficult.
By the time he got back to the manor house and stabled his horse and brushed him down, darkness had fallen. He made his way to the house, realized that supper had long passed. He limped toward the fireplace and threw himself into a chair with a tired sigh, relishing the warmth sinking into his bones.
He stared at the flickering flames until Agnes came downstairs and saw him.
“Jake! I didn’t hear you return. Let me bring you some food and a mug of ale.”
He nodded as Agnes bustled past him and into the kitchen. She returned several moments later bearing a platter filled with cold chicken, bread, and cheese.
He nodded his thanks and while he ate, she lingered nearby.
She normally didn’t do that and knew that she had something to say.
“What is it, Agnes? Why are you hovering? If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”
She smiled. “I could never fool you or your brother, could I?” She shook out the rag she held her hand, surreptitiously dusting the large dining table that didn’t need to be dusted.
“If I tell you something, can you keep between us, at least for now?”
“That depends on what it is,” he said.
“I’m worried about Heather.”
That got Jake’s attention and he frowned, a piece of cheese halfway to his mouth.
“What do you mean? What’s wrong with her?”
“Nothing’s wrong with her, Jake,” the older woman said. “It’s just that… well, sometimes, maybe once a twice, I’ve seen her sneaking out of the manor house late at night. I’m worried.”
Jake said nothing, not wanting to let the woman know that he too had noticed the odd behavior from Sarah’s sister. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”
“Thank you, Jake. And… let’s just keep this between us for now, shall we? I don’t want to worry Sarah nor Phillip about it.”
Jake agreed.
But enough was enough.
If other people in the house were growing aware of Heather’s activities, they would not hesitate to tell Sarah or Phillip about it. They liked her. They would worry.
If something was going on, it was time to bring it out in the open.
With a tired sigh, he rose and moved to the stairs. Maybe he could talk to her now, find out what it was that prompted her to sneak off so often during the day and late at night.
She obviously harbored some secret.
He paused halfway up the stairs.
Was she sneaking out at night to be with a man? He didn’t want to think so, but it wasn’t as if he knew her all that well. He could not imagine Heather doing such a thing, but nothing much surprised him anymore.
He tried to walk softly down the upstairs hallway toward Heather’s bedchamber, but his limp was noticeable, and his boot landed with a bit more force against the floorboards than he intended.
He had just passed Sarah and Phillip’s bedchamber and was moving toward the end of the hallway for his own when Sarah’s door opened.
“Jake, you’re out late.”
He nodded. “Patrolling.”
She gave him a look, pointedly glanced at his leg. “It pains you, does it not?”
He said nothing.
“I wish you would allow me to make you a drink that will help ease your pain. I can promise you that it will not affect your abilities, physically or otherwise.”
“It’s fine,” he mumbled, then glanced at Heather’s door. “Have you seen your sister this evening?”
“Of course,” she said, surprised by the question. “We had supper together. Why?”
“Will you tell her I need to speak with her tomorrow?”
“I’m sure she’s still awake. Do you want me to knock at her door?”
He shook his head. “No, it can wait until morn
ing. Good night.”
“Good night, Jake.”
He waited until Sarah stepped back into her room and closed the door before he made his way to his room. He closed his door softly and sat down on his bed, resisting the urge to massage his thigh.
He had decided that his questions for Heather could wait until the morning. He longed for nothing more than a good night’s sleep. Rest was the best thing for his leg anyway.
He leaned over to pull off his boots when he heard a noise out in the hallway.
Curious, he stood and walked very quietly to his door. Opened it a crack, just enough to see Heather emerging from her bedchamber.
She glanced around, and Jake quickly ducked his head back away from his slightly opened door.
The second he heard her leave her room and patter down the hallway, he opened the door a little more and watched as she disappeared down the hallway, lightly stepping onto different boards.
The little scamp knew which floorboards squeaked.
He waited until she had made her way halfway down the stairs to the main room before he followed, stepping as quietly as he could, grimacing at the pain that shot through his thigh with every step.
But he too knew the boards and traversed the length of the hall without making one board squeak. He paused at the head of the stairs and watched as she disappeared out the front door.
This was ridiculous.
What in the blazes was Heather up to?
Despite his weariness and the throbbing in his thigh, he was determined to find out. By the time he left the house and closed the door behind him, lingering in the shadows against the stone walls, she had disappeared.
He cursed low under his breath.
Foolish woman!
He should be in bed now, warm and comfortable. Instead, he was following—or trying—to follow her. He rounded the manor house, thinking that she had returned to the meadow, apparently one of her favorite places, but she wasn’t there. He began to grow more annoyed than worried. Where was she?
With every passing minute, his concern grew. Was she carrying on with someone in the village?
Scowling, his limp even more pronounced, he made his way down the road toward the village.
On the outskirts, he paused in the shadows to watch. No sign of her anywhere. No lights on either. Everyone it seemed, except him, was warm and snuggled in their beds.
He turned around to head back to the manor house. Nearly an hour had passed. If he didn’t find her on his way back to the house, he might have to alert Maccay, Hugh, and some of the others to send out a search party.
He would not allow this behavior continue. Not with Ceana apparently collaborating with the McGregors. An evil bunch, and not a clan that the Duncans had to deal with very often, thank goodness. They were nothing but trouble, even worse than the Orkneys.
Damned Ceana.
Jake decided to check the clearing one more time, his mood growing darker by the second. Every step he took sent a shaft of sharp pain racing up his thigh and into his hip, then traversed up his spine.
He was still contemplating whether to say anything to Phillip and Sarah if he didn’t find Heather soon when he heard the sound of rustling brush.
He froze, then pulled his dirk from the sheath at his waist. He hoped it wasn’t a boar or a wolf. A knife was small defense against such a large animal. He cursed himself for his stupidity. He should’ve grabbed a sword before he left the manor house, but he had wanted to catch up with Heather.
The rustling grew louder.
He stepped deeper into the shadows, his heart racing, braced for anything.
Seconds later a figure emerged from the woods.
Alone.
Heather.
He stared in dismay at the sight.
Just enough moonlight to note her dirt-smudged face, her hair a mess, long strands of it having escaped her braid. Her dress, wrinkled and torn. He glanced at her face again, noticed that she seemed pleased, a smile turning up the corners of her mouth.
She seemed almost… serene.
Was her face flushed?
Or was he merely seeing shadows?
And why was she breathing so heavily, as if she had just been running?
He wanted to confront her, but even more curious as to what she was up to, he resisted the urge. She didn’t appear hurt. Actually, she walked with ease, the grin turning up the corners of her mouth expressing self-satisfaction.
What was the lass up to?
He followed at a discreet distance as she returned to the manor house and disappeared inside. By the time he entered and took the stairs and reached the landing, she had already disappeared into her room.
He made his way down the hallway as quietly as possible.
He paused in front of her door.
While he didn’t hear anything, he scowled darkly at the wood.
She may be pulling the wool over everyone else’s eyes, but he wouldn’t allow her to do the same to him.
He would find out what she was up to, and he would find out soon.
5
Heather paced inside her bedchamber, trying to calm her racing heart.
Jake was suspicious.
She had been around him enough to tell when he was brooding over something.
He had been brooding when he found her on the path in the forest. Eyes riveted to her as if trying to see inside her mind. She had triggered his curiosity, something that she had sought to avoid with everyone.
The words kept revolving through her mind.
Jake was suspicious.
He would be watching her more closely. He would spoil her plans!
He probably thought she was meeting someone in the woods. In a way, she was, although Kevin was certainly not a romantic interest.
She wondered if it would be better to let Jake believe that.
Better than the truth?
No, not better, but perhaps more convenient.
Would he say something to her sister?
If Jake told her sister, she was sure she would hear about it soon. She didn't think she could lie to Sarah, but she also knew that if her secret was discovered, Sarah would put a stop to it.
She stomped her foot against the floorboards.
It just wasn't fair!
Still, her secret was safe–for now.
Although Jake had caught her sneaking around in the woods, he hadn't caught her wearing boy’s clothes. Hadn't found where she stashed them either.
She wondered if she could—
A soft knock on her door startled her. She turned, back to the fireplace, eyes riveted to the door.
“Who is it?”
“Jake. I need to talk to you.”
She closed her eyes and counted to three to calm her nerves.
What did he want? What did he need to talk to her about?
Stiffening her spine, she stepped to the door, pulled the leather thong and lifted the latch, opened the door to find Jake standing in front of it with his arms crossed over his chest, mouth turned down in a frown.
What was he glowering about?
She was the one—
“Tell me what you were doing out there in the woods,” he said quietly.
She noticed his soft tone of voice immediately. Would he keep her nighttime roaming a secret?
Perhaps.
She offered a slight shrug. “I already told you. I like to go and look at the stars.”
“You can't see the stars from the front of the manor? Or, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could walk the fifty yards to the pond or the meadow beside it.”
“I like my meadow… I mean the meadow in the woods,” she replied, striving to keep her voice even.
He could not intimidate her.
He could not.
What kind of soldier would she be if she allowed a man—any man—to intimidate her?
“Besides, I'm not bothering anybody. I just want to be alone sometimes. Is that so hard to understand?”
&nb
sp; He shook his head. “No, it isn't, but you certainly realize that traipsing around the woods, in the dark, alone, and without a weapon, is dangerous. You do know that, don't you Heather?”
She got an idea and almost smiled. “What if I had a weapon? Would you care so much then?”
He frowned.
She could tell what he was thinking. What was she up to?
“Yes, I would care,” he grunted. “I'm responsible for your safety and the safety of everyone else in the manor and the village. And what are you talking about? Women don't go around carrying weapons so that they can traipse out into the woods in the middle of the night.”
“Why not?”
He shook his head and made a noise that originated deep in his chest. Striving for patience? One eyebrow raised, lips pursed, tight jaw. He glanced down the hallway toward the stairs. “Enough of this foolishness, Heather. If I catch you out there at night again alone, your sister's going to find out about it.”
He meant what he said.
She placed her hands behind her back, crossed her fingers, and quietly promised him that she wouldn't go off by herself. She didn't say anything about not meeting Kevin for her impromptu training sessions.
After all, she would be with somebody, so she wasn’t really lying.
Jake gazed down at her, his gaze disconcerting, lingering longer than necessary.
She felt a warm flush creep into her cheeks. She barely stifled her groan of frustration. Why did she always flush when she was around him?
It was so annoying!
She couldn't pull her gaze away from Jake's, especially when, quite unexpectedly, he grinned down at her.
What was the matter with him?
How could someone’s mood change so quickly? One minute frowning at her, the next second grinning. Had his injury or the infection or the long recovery he had endured touched his mind?
“You sure have a lot of secrets.”
“Not really,” she disagreed. “Well, just a couple. Besides, until I came here to the Highlands, my life was nothing but dull. So, excuse me if I want to experience a wee bit of freedom,” she said, unable to hide some sarcasm.” For once, I want to do as I please, when I please, and how I please.”
