Page 80 of The Highlander's Auctioned Bride
“Ye ken, Harris? I think ye might be right.”
Harris raised his eyebrows.
“I didnae think I would persuade ye so easily.”
James nodded, already making for the place, pretty sure he knew exactly who was visiting Marcus.
Lillian’s figure was just visible at the base of the steps as she looked warily about herself. James hid behind the curve of the stairwell, keeping out of sight until she descended.
He followed, a dank smell permeating his nostrils as he walked down the long winding pathways of the dungeons. The moss and stagnant water meant the place reeked of damp.
He had felt guilty that he had subjected Marcus to this hideous place just to see whether it would flush Lillian out. But he was satisfied now that his decision had been justified.
He padded steadily behind her, keeping her just ahead of him, making sure he had enough space to step back if she turned to look behind her. The girl was out of her depth and seemed to have forgotten how much danger she was in.
Eventually, she arrived at Marcus’s cell, and James saw her pass him some bread through the bars.
As if I havenae fed the manhe thought angrily.Does she think I am starvin’ him down here?
“Lillian, what are ye doin’ here?” Marcus’s voice echoed out from the cell as he moved forward into the light.
James could hear the rats in the walls. He wanted Marcus to confirm she was to blame so he could get him out of this place.
“I came to see ye, Uncle, I am worried for ye. Aunt Jenny sends her love. She has been weeping since breakfast.”
“Ye shouldnae be here child, get out of this place. If the guards see ye, they’ll suspect I have been workin’ against the laird. Yer presence will only confirm it.”
“Has he mistreated ye?” she asked worriedly. “I cannae bear to see ye like this.”
“In fact, it has been quite the opposite. I cannae understand it. Laird MacLennan has almost been…respectful.” Marcus sounded truly baffled. “It is all right, child. Go back to yer aunt. This will all be cleared up soon. I am sure of it.”
James stiffened as he heard footfalls approaching from the other end of the tunnel. Ducking sideways behind some large barrelsof mead, James lowered himself to the floor, hoping that neither Marcus nor Lillian had heard him.
He watched, intrigued, as Bram Wallace appeared at the end of the tunnel, his eyebrows raised in surprise as he saw Lillian.
“Miss Lillian,” he bowed briefly. “Ye shouldnae be here.”
“That was what I was tellin’ her.” Marcus said. “Please take her back to her aunt, Bram, before she is caught here.”
Bram stepped forward. “Are ye well?”
“I am alive. I am surprised the laird has been so civil given his suspicions, but he hasnae harmed me. Yet.”
“That is good. Ye ken I will tell ye if there are any developments. No one has found any proof yet.”
James’s hand moved automatically to the vial of poison in his pocket.
Maisie found proof. She is the only one who has even tried worth a damn.
Bram put a gentle hand on Lillian’s shoulder. James watched as Lillian leaned into his touch. He frowned as she took a step toward him. Closer than was appropriate.
“We should get ye back to yer aunt, me girl.” Lillian’s tear-stained face turned to his and she nodded her head, giving Marcus’s hand one final squeeze before they departed.
James kept his eyes on Lillian, convinced something was amiss. As he watched Bram walk her toward the rear exit of the dungeons, he felt compelled to follow them. Keeping his big body behind the barrels, he crept after them, staying out of sight.
Maisie’s leg was aching painfully as the carriage traveled the final half mile to the castle.
After her talk with her father, she realized that he was right. She had been running away at James’s behest. They could not work together, or find a way forward if they were separated.
