“Patrik,” Seathan said. “Let not your feelings for the lass blind you to the risks.”
A muscle worked in Patrik’s jaw. “They do not.”
“Aye, they do,” Seathan replied. “If you love someone, regardless of what you wish, the heart interferes.”
Patrik wanted to argue, but found wisdom in his brother’s words. “So, what do we do?”
“Allow her to find the writ,” Seathan replied, “and see if indeed she takes it.”
Nausea swept Patrik. “Set her up?”
“The stakes are too high to take any risks,” Griffin stated, somber.
“I will post extra guards at the castle exits in the event she takes it,” Seathan said, “to ensure she does not escape.”
“And if she does?” Patrik asked, hating the question.
“Without a horse she will be easy to track down,” Seathan replied. “Regardless of your belief about the lass, we must know.”
Patrik despised what they proposed. They didn’t know Cristina, or understand the horrors she’d overcome. That against the odds, she’d grown into an amazing, caring woman, one whom he’d grown to love. To even consider agreeing to their plot reeked of betrayal. Still, he understood their concern, respected their caution. He blew out a harsh breath. Nodded. Let them set up a ploy to test her, but he well knew the result—she would leave the writ untouched.
Seated at the dais within the great hall, Emma sipped the last of her wine. The rumble of people filling the room as they ate was far from calming, and she found their curious stares disturbing. She damned her failed attempt to see Patrik before she left, but at his door this morn she’d heard male voices from within. One, she’d recognized as Alexander, the others those of his brothers. No, she was not foolish enough to enter the lion’s den.
“You are full?” Lady Linet asked from her side.
“Yes.” Guilt edged through Emma that Lady Linet had honored her with such status as to sit upon the dais while she broke her fast. If they knew Sir Cressingham had hired her, they’d offer her little but the coldness of the dungeon, if not death.
Lady Linet set her goblet upon the table and smiled. “You are free to move about the keep.”
Stunned by her offer, Emma hesitated. “Including seeing Patrik?”
“If you wish.”
Unease crept through Emma. “Why am I now allowed to see Patrik?”
A touch of color rose in the other woman’s cheeks. “My husband but wanted Patrik to have a night’s rest.”
It was the same reason given before, yet she had her doubts. Had Lord Grey’s decision to do with his meeting this morning in Patrik’s chamber? Mayhap she was imagining danger where none lurked. Regardless of the earl’s reason, she could see Patrik one last time.
A whirl of blond curls rushed toward her.
Delight infused Emma. “Joneta.”
“My mum told me to leave you be as you are busy eating, but I stole away when she was not looking,” Joneta whooshed out, her eyes shining with excitement, “You are not upset, are you?”
“Of course not.” Emotion swamped Emma as she smiled at Marie, who stood a few paces away. After giving the child a warm hug, she leaned back and caught Lady Linet watching her with interest. After a brief introduction, she turned to the girl. “And what have you been doing since your arrival?”
“Yesterday afternoon, a woman took my mum and I around. And my father has been given a task. We will live here!” Joneta’s voice squealed with excitement. “Is not this castle wondrous?”
“It is,” Emma agreed. Lord Grey was truly a kind man. She smiled at Marie. “And ’twould seem you have found a new home.”
“We have.” Marie nodded to the countess. “Our thanks, my lady, to you and your husband.”
Lady Linet smiled. “I hope you will enjoy living at Lochshire Castle.” She stood, motioned to Emma. “If you are ready, I will show you to Patrik’s chamber.”
Excitement filled Emma as she rose. “I must go.” She gave Joneta one last hug. “And, your mother is waiting.”
Blond locks bounced as the child hurried back to her mother. Once there, she turned and waved.
