by B. J. Scott
“M’lady,” a man said.
Startled, her breath caught and her heart began to pound. Blocking the doorway was a servant, carrying a tray of food. A tall, handsome man, with raven hair, finely chiseled features, a strong chin, and smoldering, dark eyes. When he smiled, revealing a perfect set of white teeth, her stomach did a quick flip. She’d never seen him before today, but he’d certainly caught her attention and she realized her world was about to be turned inside out.
Chapter 4
Ian stared at the woman standing before him, the same breathtaking lady he’d seen in the great hall. He coughed, clearing his throat. “I was told to bring the tray to this chamber, but I wasna expecting it to be for you, m’lady.”
She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, then spoke. “It isna for me.” She stepped aside and gestured toward the lad sitting on the bed.
Quinn bounded to his feet and started toward the door, but before he could say a word, Ian held up his hand, stopping the lad in his tracks.
“Ah, this must be for your son, m’lady.” Ian entered the room. “Hello, laddie, I’m Ian Forbes, a servant of Laird Morgan’s.” He hoped Quinn would hold his tongue and not give his identity away in the excitement of seeing a familiar face. To his relief, the lad remained silent, a puzzled expression crossing his face.
Ian placed the tray on a table beside the bed and cast Quinn a stern look intended to relay the need to go along with the ruse. “I dinna recall seeing you around the keep, what might your name be?”
“Quinn Fraser,” he said. “But you know who I—”
“He’s a fine lad. You must be very proud of him.” Ian cut Quinn off before he could finish, then spun around to face the woman in the doorway. “I’m surprised your son wasna in the great hall for the evening meal? Is he ill?”
“Quinn isna my son. He’s . . . visiting,” the woman said softly, but she didn’t say why he was absent from the laird’s table.
“You’ll have to excuse my ignorance, m’lady. I arrived only a fortnight ago from Aberdeenshire and am still getting to know my way around.”
The woman’s brow furrowed as she studied him. “You’re far from your home.”
“Aye. You might say I have a wandering spirit,” Ian replied. “I like to move around and dinna stay in one place for very long.”
“Does your wife na mind you traveling? She must get very lonely.”
“I’m na married,” Ian replied. “A man canna travel about when he has a wife and bairns depending on him. I prefer the single life.”
The woman released a sigh. “It must be very exciting to journey about so freely. I have seldom ventured beyond the castle walls, and never farther than the home of my mother’s clan, the MacKays.”
Ian recalled seeing a small yellow bird in a gilded cage when on one of his many missions for Clan Fraser. While it sang beautifully, it could scarcely spread its wings, and he couldn’t help thinking it must long to be free. He saw that same sadness and yearning in this lass’s emerald eyes, and it touched his heart. “A pity. Perhaps you will travel someday.”
“I doubt that very much,” she said, then changed the subject. “Thank you for bringing the tray. I’m sure Quinn must be famished. I was actually about to go to the kitchen and see what was taking so long when you arrived. Now that it is here, I will take my leave.” She turned to depart.
“Wait. Won’t you stay and eat with me, Lady Roslyn?” Quinn asked. “Please.”
She shook her head. “I really must go. My brother will be wondering what happened to me. But I’ll try and check in on you later. I’m sure you understand why I canna stay, Quinn.”
Quinn nodded, then looked to Ian. “Her brother, Laird Morgan, doesna like it when she comes to visit me. So we must keep it a secret.”
“Is this true, m’lady?” Ian asked.
“I’m afraid so.” Roslyn wrung her hands and studied the floor. “And I’d appreciate it if you dinna mention you saw me here, Ian.”
“Your secret is safe, m’lady.”
Roslyn clearly feared her brother’s wrath, and after meeting the arrogant bugger, Ian could understand why. There was no doubt in his mind that he treated his kin with as little kindness and respect as he did his servants. All the more reason to get Quinn out of here and home where he belonged.
“Thank you. I see no point in upsetting my brother over something as harmless as a visit. Now that I know the lad is settled and has had something to eat, I can rest easy.”
“Best you na dally then. We wouldna want to anger the laird.” While he was quite intrigued by Roslyn and would like to get to know more about her, this was neither the time nor the place. He was here to locate Quinn, not to meet women.
“Thank you for coming back.” Quinn smiled up at her.
Roslyn stroked his cheek, then patted the lad’s shoulder. “You’re very welcome. And dinna fash, I will return when I can. Until then, promise me you’ll eat everything on that tray and then get some sleep. The hour grows late.”
Quinn curled his arms around Roslyn’s waist and hugged her. “Sleep well, m’lady.”
Tears welled in her eyes as she eased out of his embrace. “I’ll try.” She spun around and left the room.
“Are we finished playing the game now, Ian?” Quinn asked when Roslyn closed the door behind her.
“The game?”
“Aye. When we lived on our own, Sheena and I played it all the time. She would pretend to be someone else and I was supposed to agree with anything she said,” Quinn answered. “I once played it with Lazarus.”
“Did you now?”
“We were in Berwick and a French guard who wanted to hurt Lazarus approached us,” Quinn explained. “When he started to question Lazarus about who he was and where he came from, he told the guard his name was Brother Thomas and he let us go. I kept his secret and Lazarus told me I played the game very well.”
Ian dropped to one knee and opened his arms to the lad. “You’re indeed very good at it.”
Quinn raced toward Ian and hurled himself into his embrace. “Can we go home now? I miss Sheena and Lazarus.”
After giving the lad a tight hug, Ian held him at arm’s length. “I’m afraid we have to play the game a little longer. I want nothing more than to reunite you with your sister and Lazarus, but I dinna think Laird Morgan is going to allow that to happen. Not without a fight.”
“But I dinna like it here, and I want to go home to Fraser Castle. Why won’t you take me?” Quinn’s brow creased as he looked Ian in the eyes. “Why did you come for me and not Lazarus?”
“Lazarus wanted to be the one to find you. But we all agreed it was better if someone Laird Morgan dinna know located you first and then we could decide the best way to get you out.”
“Is that why you pretended to be a servant, Ian?”
“Aye, Quinn. Someone who could move about the keep and not appear out of place,” Ian said. “Lazarus is here, but he’s just not in the castle yet. And so are your Uncles Connor, Bryce, and Alasdair. They’re all waiting in the woods for me to return with news of your whereabouts.”
“Now you know, will Lazarus come for me?”
“First, I’ll go back and inform the others that you’re well,” Ian said. “Once we’ve figured out a way to get you out safely, we will rescue you. But until then, you must remain brave and promise you willna tell anyone who I really am.”
“I dinna want to be left alone.” Quinn sniffled, then scrubbed his fist across his cheek.
“You’re the bravest lad I know. Braver than any knight,” Ian said. “Besides, you willna be alone. You have Lady Roslyn. She promised to come back and see you when she could. You like her, do you na?”
“Aye, she is very nice.” Quinn lowered his gaze. “But like she told you, her brother has forbidden her to visit me. She made me promise na to tell Laird Morgan that she snuck into my room.” Quinn grasped Ian’s arm, tears running down his cheek. “She might never come back. Please take me with you.”
Ian’s heart clenched. “I wish I could, but I promised Lazarus I wouldna do anything that might put you in jeopardy. So unfortunately, you’ll have to remain here a little longer.”
“I dinna want to wait. I’m afraid of Laird Morgan,” Quinn admitted. “What if he never lets me out of here?” The lad’s lower lip quivered as he spoke, making it ever harder for Ian to leave him behind.
“As long as you mind him and dinna say anything about me being here, and keep Lady Roslyn’s secret as well, I’m sure you’ll be safe. Laird Morgan has no reason to harm you.”
“But he already has hurt me.” Quinn rubbed the bruise on his cheek. “He hit me and knocked me down when I told him I wanted to go home to Fraser Castle. He said this was my home so I’d best get used to it. Then when Lady Roslyn tried to protect me, he struck her too. And even threatened to throw her in the dungeon.”
Anger welled up from the pit of Ian’s stomach. There was no excuse for hitting a bairn or a woman. Once Quinn was safe, he vowed to himself that he’d teach Roderick a lesson he’d not soon forget.
“I’m sorry he struck you.” Ian hauled the lad against his chest and hugged him again, the bairn’s tears dampening his tunic. “But there is no way I can take you with me. Na yet. You must wait here until I return. Swear you willna do anything to anger Roderick. Agree with whatever he says, even if you dinna want to.”
Quinn nodded. “I’ll try my best.”
“Good lad.” Ian tousled Quinn’s hair. “Now, do as Lady Roslyn said and eat your meal, then hop into bed. I’ll go back to Lazarus and the others and report what I have found out so we can plan how best to get you out of here.” Ian moved to the door and opened it a crack, and peered into the hallway. “There is no one about so it is safe for me to go.” He glanced at Quinn and smiled. “On my word of honor, I promise that I’ll return soon.” He thumped his closed fist against his chest and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Chapter 5
Roslyn raced down the tower step, then scurried along the hallway leading to her chamber, all the while praying that Ian Forbes was a man of his word and could be trusted to keep her secret. If he betrayed her to her brother, she’d need to brace herself for the worst. She shuddered at the thought of Roderick’s wrath. And couldn’t help wondering who would help Quinn if she were flogged and thrown into the dungeon.
After entering her chamber and barring the door, Roslyn turned around and clutched at her throat, shocked to find her lady’s maid standing by the hearth.
“Och, there you are. I was beginning to worry something might have happened to you.” The maid moved to the center of the room, then bobbed a curtsy.
“What are you doing here, Fiona?” Roslyn asked. “You startled me.”
“The steward told me you were ill and decided to retire early. He ordered me to check in on you, and to see if you needed some help undressing,” Fiona replied. “So you can imagine my surprise when I arrived and found you missing. I was worried something might have happened to you and was about to call out the guard and have them search the castle.”
“I’m glad you dinna do that. As you can see I’m well.” Roslyn moved across the chamber, then sat on the edge of her bed. “I found it very stuffy in the great hall tonight and was in need of some fresh air, so I went for a short walk. I wish Marcus hadna troubled you. I am quite capable of getting ready for bed on my own.”
“Och, it is never a bother to help you.” Fiona smiled. “And even if Marcus hadna sent me, I would have come anyway. I was all but bursting at the seams with curiosity. I couldna wait to learn how your first meeting went with Lord Sinclair.” She clasped Roslyn’s hand and sat on the bed beside her. “Tell me all.”
“There isna much to tell. We met, then he spent the rest of the evening talking and drinking with my brother. I’ve no doubt they are both well in their cups by now.” Roslyn released a heavy sigh, then glanced at Fiona. “Now that you’re here, I suppose you can help me undress if you’d like.”
“Aye.” Fiona stood and pointed to a garment on the bed. “I took the liberty of laying out your favorite night rail and prepared a basin of lavender-scented water so you can wash. Unless you prefer a tub. In that case, I can call for one at once.”
Roslyn shook her head. “That willna be necessary. The basin will suffice, and the sleeping attire you selected is perfect, as always.” She removed her gown and undergarments, then slid the night rail over her head. Once changed, she dipped a linen rag into the basin of water and washed her face and hands. The sooner she finished getting ready for bed, the sooner she would be alone. She usually looked forward to visits with Fiona, but so much had happened today, and she needed time to think. But one question weighing heavier on her mind than her other concerns.
“Can I ask you something, Fiona?”
“Of course. Come sit here and I’ll comb your hair.” Fiona held the back of a chair, waiting for Roslyn to comply. “What is it you wish to know?”
Once Roslyn took her seat, Fiona removed the jewel-encrusted combs holding her upswept hairstyle in place, her tresses tumbling free of their matronly confines. While Roslyn preferred to wear her hair loose about her shoulders, Roderick insisted she pile it high on her head before meeting her betrothed. Just one more thing her brother dictated and she resented.
“Are you certain everything is well?” Fiona inquired.
“I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
“You are very quiet and dinna seem yourself tonight. Almost like your thoughts are somewhere else.” Fiona lay the comb on the table and rested her hand on Roslyn’s shoulder. “However, I suppose if I had just met my betrothed for the first time, I might have a lot on my mind too.” She giggled. “I caught a glimpse of Lord Sinclair when he arrived. A braw man he is. Was he pleasant?” Fiona badgered.
The last thing Roslyn wanted to think about or discuss was Gordon Sinclair. “I suppose he was nice enough. But that is not who I wish to talk about.”
Fiona frowned and cocked her head to one side. “If na your betrothed, then who?”
Roslyn nibbled on her bottom lip before answering. “I met a new servant tonight. He claims to have arrived a fortnight ago. But I never noticed him afore. Have—”
“Was he rude or inappropriate? If so, I’m sure your brother will see him reprimanded,” Fiona said before Roslyn could finish.
“He’s done naught to offend me,” Roslyn quickly clarified. “I was just curious about him. Have you met Ian Forbes?”
Fiona tapped a finger against her brow, then shrugged. “Nay. I’ve na made his acquaintance. However, Jenna mentioned him. She told me he’s from Aberdeenshire and that he is extremely handsome. She also said that the rogue flirted with her in the great hall.”
Aside from his shameless behavior with Jenna, Fiona was unable to tell Roslyn anything she didn’t already know about Ian. She gave her head a rough shake. He was a servant and she was the daughter of a laird, not to mention, betrothed. Soon, she’d be heading north to live with her new husband and his clan. Too soon. She fisted her hands in her night rail, the idea of marrying Sinclair souring her stomach.
“Forgive me for asking, m’lady, but if he has done nothing wrong, why are you so interested in this particular servant?”
Roslyn remained silent. She should be asking herself the same question. Fiona had been her maid and companion since she was twelve summers old and she knew her better than anyone. Over the years, they’d become friends, and after the death of her mother, the only person in the castle Roslyn felt she could confide in. Her father and brother didn’t approve of her befriending a servant, but she never let that stop her. She actually preferred the company of the crofters to the stuffy, arrogant people who were supposed to be her equals or betters.
They shared everything and Roslyn felt guilty keeping secrets from Fiona. But this was different. She found her attraction to Ian Forbes most disturbing, and she was not ready to discuss it with anyone. Nor was she ready to tel
l her friend about the flutter in her stomach when he smiled at her, the race of her heart, or her inability to draw a breath when he was near.
“I sense there is more to this than you are telling me.” After the words left her lips, Fiona quickly lowered her gaze. “Perhaps I am overstepping my bounds and it is none of my affair.”
Roslyn clasped Fiona’s hand. “Dinna be silly. You are my dearest friend and you can ask me anything.”
Fiona peered up at Roslyn, grinning. “Then tell me why you blush and canna look me in the eye whenever you mention his name.”
“That isna so.” Roslyn released Fiona’s hand and turned to face the window. Her friend knew her too well. “I dinna have any idea what you are talking about.”
“Aye, you do.” Fiona scampered in front of Roslyn. “Could it be you fancy the man?”
“Dinna be ridiculous. I only met him briefly,” Roslyn replied. “How could I fancy a man I dinna even know?”
“I’ve heard if two people are meant to be together, they sometimes know it the moment they meet,” Fiona said. “I’ve also heard bedding a man you love is far better than one you do na care for.”
“You shouldna speak of such things,” Roslyn snapped, a little more harshly than she intended. What Fiona said about her attraction to Ian could not possibly be true. Or could it? “I have no interest in Ian Forbes, other than to make sure he isna a scoundrel or thief.”
“I’m na so sure about that,” Fiona replied, her grin widening. “If there was no connection between you, you wouldna have paid him any mind.”
“You’re making more of this than necessary, Fiona. I merely asked if you were acquainted with the man,” Roslyn said. “I’m always curious about new people working in the castle. Besides which, I am betrothed.” The words left a bitter taste in her mouth.
