Page 63 of Highland Crown
Cinaed went on to tell her about everything he’d heard from the Highlanders. About how they had found the three of them and come to their rescue on the coach road. And about John Gordon’s situation now. He didn’t bother to mention that questions about Lachlan Mackintosh’s motivation still troubled him. Or the fact that he was puzzled and yet honored by his clan members’ seeming dedication to him.
“Can I go there and bring them back?”
Cinaed had guessed at this response on her part. It was understandable she would immediately want to be reunited with them.
“I wouldn’t advise it. Not yet. Lachlan has demanded, or at least has hinted, thatImust travel to Dalmigavie Castle before he lets your family go.”
He didn’t want to imagine how complicated it would be if Isabella insisted on going into the mountains on her own. Her safety would be at risk every step of the way, and he had no idea about the reception she’d receive onceshe arrived. Cinaed didn’t know what Lachlan wanted. But he guessed Isabella had no role in it.
“I’ll take you there myself in a week.”
“What happens in a week?” she asked.
Public conversations and private ones had taken place tonight amongst the guests. One that Cinaed made sure he was privy to had been between the weavers and Searc about the impending strike. The Highlanders outside had been correct. One of the weavers mentioned that Fort George would have fewer soldiers next Monday because of a prisoner transfer. They’d decided on the day.
“The weavers have called for all work to stop in Inverness a week from today. They plan to hold a rally.”
Sadness darkened Isabella’s features, and lines formed on her forehead. Cinaed recalled Hudson taunting her about the death of her husband on a day of strikes in Edinburgh.
“That’s the day that I’ll go after John Gordon.”
Her cheeks grew ashen. Whatever joy the news of her family had given her, it was gone now.
“Are you planning to sneak into Fort George?”
“I don’t need to. Gordon and others accused of crimes against the Crown are being moved south. We’ll take them on the coach road.”
“Do you have help?”
“I have plenty. Between the riders outside and the men Searc will loan me, we’ll outnumber the escort soldiers two to one.”
She picked up a bottle of ointment from the table and immediately put it back down. She rubbed her arm andbegan to pace the room. Table to window, window to door, steering wide of where Cinaed stood near the bed.
“You’re not well enough,” she said, darting a quick look at him. “You still have two bullet holes in your body that have not healed.”
He reached out to take her arm and stop her, but she shook off his touch.
“I’ll not sew you up again.” She put up two hands like a wall. “I refuse.”
“You won’t need to sew me up. I promise to come back to you unharmed.”
“That’s an empty promise. It’s not your choice.” She let out a frustrated breath and glared at Cinaed, her eyes blazing. “There is only so much damage a body can withstand. This time you’ll die.”
They’d talked about this. She knew he would eventually go after John Gordon. She was present when he’d promised Jean. She hadn’t objected then. But now, he studied the passionately irate woman before him and realized what had changed. She cared. She cared for him. Whatever sentiment she’d had for him before, it was all different now.
“Don’t worry yourself, Isabella. I’ll come back in one piece.” He took a step toward her, but she walked away.
“You can send someone else.”
“I can’t.” Aboard ship, he would never put a man in harm’s way unless he was willing to do the job himself. Every man’s life mattered as much as his own. She was too worked up at the moment, however, for him to explain his position on honor or leadership.
She waved a hand toward the window. “Those Highlanders already know who John Gordon is. They don’t need you there.”
“Searc’s men won’t take orders from some riders down from the hills.”
“The one group should be enough.”
Cinaed shook his head at his bonnie strategist. This time he was quicker. He reached out and caught Isabella’s hand, pulling her to him. She didn’t have a chance to get away.
