Page 5 of The Highlander's Alluring Spy
Lord Winterbourne’s face was grave. “Yes. I will not lie to you, Daughter; this is dangerous. You are to have no contact with your family or the organization for at least the first month. You will be entirely on your own. Nobody can help you.”
“But,” the Duke added, “if you do this for us, the Crown will personally owe you its gratitude. As will I, My Lady, and all members of the Order of the Red Blossom.”
She paused again, mulling it all over in her mind. Such a task. Such an honor. Such an overwhelming responsibility!
Am I truly ready for this? Am I prepared to leave my friends, my family, everything I know behind and travel into the great unknown?
“Two days?” Magnolia asked.
“And no more,” the Marquess confirmed. “It’s a long journey up north, and we need to start soon. You will use an alias. As long as you are in Scotland, you will hold no title but that of the nanny Magnolia Leighmoore. Your history will mean nothing.”
She swallowed, feeling her nerves rise as her eyes met his.
She could feel them all looking at her. The Duke, the Marquess, Lord Kole…and her father. All focus was on the girl as the Duke said, “So, dear Magnolia. What do you say?”
2
The Journey
“Icannot believe you’re going all the way to Scotland to seek employment, Magnolia!” Lizzy said, for what must have been the thirtieth time during this visit. “To be a nanny, no less! Aren’t there children enough in England to keep you entertained? Look, there’s one on your knee now.”
Magnolia bounced the baby on her lap, a soft smile on her face as she did so. Little John had been named at his baptism today, and Magnolia was eternally honored to have been chosen as godmother. It did, however, make leaving all the harder.
“Lizzy, I simply must,” she told her friend. “I have barely seen anything of the world. If I am not to inherit Elfinstone after all, then why should I not see some of the world?”
“ButScotland,Magnolia! They are barbarians up in those parts!” Lizzy leaned forward and lowered their voice. “I hear they don’t even bother with real marriages. They steal women from their beds and get them with child so that the poor woman is bound to them!”
“That’s nonsense,” Magnolia said sharply, though secretly she was unsure. She knew a little about Scottish customs, but the further north, the less in-depth her knowledge. Lizzy was a gossip, but she always had a way of making Magnolia think twice about things.
What do I really know about the Scottish Highlanders? We are in a time of peace, but we have fought wars a-plenty. My father and the Order dedicate much of their time defending our borders from their spies. What am I getting myself into?
But it did not matter, not really. Magnolia looked down at the baby in her arms, her little godson, and brushed his wispy dark hair gently.
I will go regardless. To protect you, John, and to please my Father, and to serve our Crown. I will ensure you and all like you grow up in a country of safety and peace.
She could not speak of any of this to Lizzy, of course. Instead, she continued with her disapproving correction, as though she really knew of what she spoke. “The Scots are human, just like you or I. They may be less civilized in some respects, but I will be perfectly safe at the home of a respected Laird.”
Unless he has me hanged as a spy, of course.
“You will write, though?” Lizzy asked, as Magnolia reluctantly handed John back to her. “You will keep in touch?”
“I shall endeavor to do so,” she promised, even though she knew her opportunities would be minimal. “Do not worry. Focus on your husband and your son. I will write as soon as I am able.”
She buttoned her coat. “I must go now; I have many preparations to see to and very little time in which to make them. Take care of yourself, Lizzy.”
The two women embraced carefully so as not to squash the infant, and then Magnolia headed for the door. She paused in the doorway as Lizzy called her name once more, turning her head.
Lizzy looked hesitant as she said, “Why do I feel like I shall never see you home again?”
Magnolia shook her head and forced a smile, though it felt like Lizzy had dropped a stone into her gut. “You worry too much,” she told her. “Be safe.” And then she walked out, leaving her friend and the baby behind.
* * *
Two days was too short a time for a father to have to say goodbye to his daughter, but the day of her leaving arrived regardless. He journeyed north with her, as far as Edinburgh, where he would meet with one of his liaisons after he passed her onto the coach to the Highlands.
They sat together in a small teashop, sipping at their cups, and Daniel found himself at a complete loss of words. His daughter sat there in her traveling clothes, looking calmer than he ever remembered.
Is this an act? Is she trying so hard to make sure she does not leave me upset? Would that I could read her mind and see her worries for myself. Would that I could take on this burden for her.
