Page 18 of Harrowing Hall
“I do.” As it was such a small amount left, she polished off the tea, glanced from the castle to the seer, and set the cup down. “Why would I not? For it is—”
“Haunted,” the woman rasped, studying the leaves. “Possessed by unrest that might never find peace unless you find something. Realize something. Look beyond what you see.”
“Realizewhat?” Jane’s eyes widened. “Findwhat? Look beyondwhat?”
“Indeed,” Blake said, startling her.
Maude spun to find him and Hugh right behind them. She smiled at Blake and held out her hand. “Come, we are just about to find out.”
He met her smile and took her hand, but there was no missing the confusion in his eyes. Confusion that only led to more confusion still.
For that matter, downright astonishment.
Chapter Twelve
“Find out what?”Blake persisted when Maude and Jane glanced back in the direction they had just been looking, leapt up, and yelped in astonishment.
“Where did she go?” Jane exclaimed.
“I do not know.” Maude looked right, left, all around. “She was just here. How could she have possibly left so quickly?”
“Who?” Hugh shook his head. “When we came upon you two, you were sitting on this log talking to someone, yet no one was there.”
“Might I help you see your future?” a kindly younger woman said, sliding into the seat across from them. “For I can divine many things.”
Unsure what to make of the situation, Jane frowned. “No, thank you, the woman here before you already read for us.” She glanced around. “Where did she go in such a hurry?”
For surely Hugh and Blake simply did not see the older woman sitting here.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” The fortune teller looked around in confusion. “I stepped away for but a moment.” She shook her head. “No one else should have been here, for these are my belongings. My table.”
“Well, it seems someone enjoys taking your place in your absence,” Jane revealed. “Just so you are aware.”
The fortune teller nodded in thanks. “Aye, m’lady, of course.”
Rather than stay on, they bid the woman good eve and joined the men.
“Surely you saw the old woman.” Maude looked from Hugh to Blake. “Granted, the lighting is dim, but….” She narrowed her eyes and thought about it. “She looked familiar, too. As though I may have seen her around the castle.”
“Then it must have been a jest.” Yet Blake was not so sure. Be that as it may, he would not have others think Maude mad when he knew she saw things in the castle. Sensed and heard them when no one else could. So he gave Hugh a look he hoped he understood. “This lightingispoor, and shadows abound.”
Hugh did not let him down.
“Verra true, m’laird,” he replied without hesitation. “A trick of the eye, to be sure.” Instead of going on about it, he grinned at Jane. “Lord MacLauchlin saw it done, lass.” He held out his arms to her. “Your father has agreed to us marrying. We will post the banns first thing in the morning and be married within weeks.”
“Oh.” Jane placed a hand over her heart. Her eyes filled with tears. “Truly?”
“Truly.” Blake smiled. “With help from the Duke of Argyll, we were able to secure the paperwork. You are free to marry Hugh, Lady Jane.”
“Thank heavens!” Jane flew into Hugh’s arms. “Thank you.” She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her cheek against his chest. “So verra, verra much.”
“It was our pleasure.” He smiled at Maude. “For Maude is the one who brought your love to my attention and helped me see things through.”
“And we will never forget it.” Jane embraced Maude next. “Thank you, my friend.” She pulled back and grinned. “Is it not your turn for such happiness, then? Might it not be time to see you married?”
“Soon.” Blake needed a bit more time while things were being prepared, so he held out his arm to Maude. “Until then, might I continue showing you around, Miss Maude?”
“I would like that very much.”
