It was signed with a K.
Saints!Dare she run away with Keegan now? Right under her father’s nose? ’Twould put both their lives in danger, for her father would send his men after them.
But maybe they could hide somewhere far from here. Life on the run with Keegan would be better than any sort of life without him. ’Twas a great risk, but this might be her only opportunity.
If she remained here, her father would force her to marry Wentworth the day after tomorrow. And her father might send the MacKay men away at any time. If she left with Keegan, she had to bring her sister. How on earth would she get Talia out of her locked and guarded chamber? Mayhap if Seona took Abigail with her to visit Talia, the maid and Talia could switch clothing and Talia, with a cowl over her head, could escape, while her maid remained behind.
“Where am I to go?” Seona asked Abigail.
“I know not, m’lady. Laird Rebbinglen simply asked me to bring you to him.”
’Haps Keegan waited in the stables. Could Abigail be trusted? Why had Rebbie trusted her? Too many things were left unanswered, but one thing she knew—she had to rescue her sister.
“Would you help me do something, Abigail?”
“Aye, if you wish.”
“It might be dangerous.”
The maid’s face paled, but she gave a little nod.
“I need for you to pretend to be Talia so that I can slip her out of her chamber.”
“Her chamber is nay longer guarded or locked, m’lady.”
What?“When did this happen?”
“Just after supper. Her father had me to bring her to his solar. Her bruise had faded.”
“Oh, I thank you.” Why on earth hadn’t Talia told her? Feeling a surge of victory, Seona opened the door and stuck her head out into the corridor. No one was about. “Come with me and bring the candle,” she whispered.
The two slipped silently to Talia’s chamber. When Seona unlatched the door, it opened. She poked her head inside the dim room.
“Talia?” she said in a loud whisper.
“She’s not here, m’lady.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“What?” Talia was not in her chamber? Seona opened the door and urged Abigail into the room. Talia’s maid, Beth, stood near the fireplace, but the bed was made. “Where did she go?”
“She told me she was going to the attic. She used to hide up there sometimes, you ken?”
Blast!’Twas true. When she was younger, her sister had a habit of hiding in the unused portion of the attic to get away from their father. At times, it would take Seona hours to locate her.
“Will you two help me find her?”
“Aye, m’lady, but…” Abigail whispered into her ear so Beth couldn’t hear. “Laird Rebbinglen said you must hurry down to meet him in the kitchen, otherwise ’twill be too late.”
Seona wanted to use some of the frustrated curses she’d heard Keegan mutter. Instead, she clenched her jaw until it hurt. She couldn’t run away and leave Talia behind. She would meet with Keegan and tell him that.
“Very well. I must… go on an errand, Beth. But please look for Talia in the attic tonight. Tell her I will have important news and to wait for me here or in my chamber.”
“Aye, m’lady.” Beth’s eyes were wide as platters. The young maid was likely terrified of going into the attic alone in the dark.
“Would you help her, Abigail?” Seona asked.
“Aye.”
