Page 173 of Wicked Highland Heroes

It took every bit of willpower Talbot had to turn left down the hallway, while Ross and his wife turned right. He wanted to settle her on his horse in front of him and keep her close until they reached Castle Glenbarr. Instead, he must preserve her dignity. Seward wouldn’t settle for hearing news of his granddaughter from anyone save him.

Talbot neared the bottom of the stairs and Seward’s heated voice met his ears. “I know my granddaughter is here. Either tell me where she is or get out of my way before I knock ye on your arse.”

Talbot stepped off the bottom stair and turned left toward the modest sitting room. Seward looked past the man he threatened and met Talbot’s gaze.

The old man pushed past the man and reached Talbot as he entered the room. “Where is she, ye dog?”

“What are you doing here?” Talbot demanded.

“Dinna’ think to put me off with your highhanded ways,” he shot back. “I know Rhoslyn is here.”

“She is not.”

Seward’s eyes narrowed. “I will kill ye, St. Claire, King Edward be damned.”

Talbot motioned with his head. “Come where we can speak in private.”

Suspicion appeared in his eyes, but he preceded Talbot out the door and halted in the street. When he turned, Talbot said, “First, I will tell you, my wife is well.”

“Where is she?”

“She is safely away from here. For now, that will suffice. Who told you she was here?”

“If ye are asking how I knew your brother kidnapped her, that makes you a fool. I have known those at Castle Glenbarr as many years as ye have been alive. They wouldna’ dare keep such news from me. As to how I knew she was here, the innkeeper’s wife told me there was an Englishman whose wife was mad.” He shrugged. “I took a chance. What happened?”

“My brother hoped to wed Lady Rhoslyn in my place.”

“Craven bastard,” Seward cursed. “Where is he?”

“When I arrived, he was gone. Lady Rhoslyn believes he went to the docks to secure passage from Scotland.”

“Where is she?”

“On the way home. But we shall meet her on the way. Will you help me search for my brother?”

The old man snorted. “If I find him, I will kill him.”

“Nay,” Talbot said. “I will kill him.”

* * *

Ross took Rhoslyn to a quiet inn and they were seated in a corner of the inn’s tavern. Rhoslyn prayed she looked nothing more than a bedraggled traveler. Ross cast her another of the dozen furtive looks he’d already sent her way. Even in the dim candlelight, she couldn’t miss the worry in his eyes.

The innkeeper approached and she released a silent breath when he said the room was at last ready. They climbed the steep stairs to the third floor, Ross following the innkeeper and Rhoslyn following Ross, with one of St. Claire’s warriors bringing up the rear.

They entered a surprisingly large room, where a maid bustled about. Rhoslyn guessed this room to be one of the most expensive in Stonehaven. To the left, a small desk sat in an alcove, and on the same wall a few feet ahead, a short-postered bed filled another alcove. A small chest and table sat on the right wall. But Rhoslyn had eyes only for the tub sitting before the blazing fire. Washing and drying cloths had been laid out on a small table beside the tub and a kettle of water hung over the fire. St. Claire had spent a small fortune to ensure her comfort. She fleetingly wondered if he’d spent her money, then flushed with guilt. He had saved her, then made sure she was cared for.

“‘Tis the best room I have,” the innkeeper said. “I hope it pleases ye, my lady.”

“The room is lovely.”

The maid turned from pouring wine in a mug at the table, hurried forward and curtsied. “Maggie, here, can see to your needs,” the man said.

“I will not need her,” Rhoslyn said.

“I can help you undress, my lady,” the girl said. “Surely, ye need help washing your hair?”

Rhoslyn shook her head. “I will do well enough on my own. Thank you.”