"Nay." And he would not talk about it in front of her servant.
"What then? Brodie refused to tell me."
"We'll discuss it later," Torr muttered.
"We must find a way to break your curse, too."
Torr turned away and paced to the large, cold stone hearth. Could he believe what Gavin wrote in this letter? Why hadn't Torr received his yet? And if 'twas true, how would he find someone to love him that much? Love was for bards and poets and rarely came to pass in the harsh reality of life.
Maude, his bone-thin, middle-aged housekeeper, hastened up the stairs, carrying food and drink on a wooden platter. She placed it on the large table in the center of the great hall.
"This is Lady Catriona, Brodie's wee sister, and her maid Aggie," Torr said. "This is Maude."
His housekeeper curtsied, and they exchanged greetings.
"I thank you," Cat said. "Won't you eat, sir?" she asked him, her voice echoing in the high-ceilinged room.
"Nay, I already have. Refresh yourselves. Maude will help you with whatever you need. I shall return forthwith." He closed the door on the way out and strode toward the old stone stables he'd had repaired a year ago. Inside, he greeted the stable lad brushing Torr's tall black courser, Hercules.
"Charlie, go to Castle Dubhuisge and ask Laird MacElrath if a missive arrived for me. If so, please bring it back."
"Aye, sir." The tall, gangly youth loped away.
Restless, Torr took up the soothing task of currying Hercules.
Was there hope? Was it possible Torr wouldn't have to live out his life as a kelpie?
***
USING KNOWLEDGE REVEALEDto her in the keek-stane, Wilona MacRae found a well-maintained dower house near the MacElrath border. The owner, a widow named Lady Hamilton, was away visiting family for the summer. Only two servants remained to see to the manor house's upkeep.
Alpin knew the area, for he'd visited with the MacElraths when he'd been a part of the MacTavish clan.
As Wilona approached the gate of the Hamilton manor house, she wore a short black veil to conceal part of her face. In addition, she mumbled an incantation that altered her appearance and voice to resemble that of Lady Hamilton, whom she had observed in the keek-stane.
A stocky, kilted manservant unlocked the gate to allow her and Alpin entrance. "M'lady." He bowed. "You're home early and with a new horse."
"Aye, I traded for it," she said, having already prepared answers for most any question.
"Where's the rest of your entourage?"
She glared at the servant, sick of his prying already. "They will arrive within the next fortnight. They were delayed because of the new furniture I purchased."
Alpin helped her dismount.
"And who is this gentleman?" the servant asked.
"My new guard, Sir Alpin."
"And what is your name?" Alpin inquired in a bored tone.
"Bill Braeburn. Pleased to meet you, sir." He bowed.
"Likewise."
"Joan will be surprised to see you." The servant grinned.
"See to our horses, Braeburn," she snapped.
