Page 115 of A Touch So Wicked

“What are your instructions, my lord?”

“There’s an underground tunnel leading from the keep to an outside exit concealed inside a hut in the forest. I’m going to enter the keep through the tunnel and assess the situation,” Damian explained. “You and the other three men can follow after a short interval.”

Damian led the way to a small dilapidated hut deep in the forest. Hidden by gorse and brush, it was old and looked as if it had been neglected for many years. When Damian had explored the tunnel after Elissa’s escape, he had found the exit.

Damian dismounted a short distance from the hut and approached warily, surprised to see a light shining through slits in the boarded up window. He drew his pistol and reached for the door handle. The door opened abruptly. Damian tensed, then relaxed when he recognized the bent figure standing in a pool of lamplight.

“Nan! Bloody hell, woman! What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for ye,” Nan said. “Ye must rescue our lass and rid the keep of Gordons.”

Damian gave her a strange look. “Elissa is at the convent, not inside the keep.”

“Believe me, me lord, Elissa is inside the keep,” Nan maintained. “She dinna know Tavis had control of Misterly until she was inside.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I was turned out of the keep with naught but the clothes on me back. Tavis fears me, as well he should, and I’ve been living here ever since. ’Tisn’t so bad. The villagers provide me with everything I need. But ye must hurry,” she warned, “while darkness is yer ally.”

Damian entered the hut, went straightaway to the cot sitting in a corner, and moved it so he could get to the trap door concealed in the floor beneath. He brushed away the coating of dirt and lifted the door by its metal ring.

“Ye’ll need a light,” Nan said, handing him the lantern.

Damian accepted the lantern, nodded his thanks, and lowered himself through the opening. His feet found the ladder and he descended to the tunnel floor, cautiously making his way along the narrow passage. He had reached a sharp curve at the halfway mark when he heard the sound of voices echoing through the tunnel. Someone was ahead of him, coming his way! More than one, he guessed from the hushed whispers. He doused the lantern and flattened himself against the wall, tense, waiting. Had Gordon found the tunnel?

A circle of light advanced toward him, widening as it drew closer. He heard disembodied voices speaking in hushed tones and squinted through the murky darkness, trying to identify the approaching figures. Sweat popped up on his forehead as he tried to decide whether or not to retreat before he was discovered. Then a face suddenly appeared in the glow of light and Damian nearly collapsed with relief. Dermot was slowly advancing down the passageway, followed closely by Lady Marianne, Lora, and Elissa. A smile stretched his lips. He should have known his resourceful Elissa would find a way out of a dangerous situation on her own.

Damian stepped into the circle of light. “Good evening. ’Tis a perfect night for a stroll.”

“Damian!” Elissa stumbled forward, one hand clutching her throat, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Is that you?”

“Aye, love, who else would crawl beneath the earth to save his beloved and discover she has rescued herself?”

“How did you know I was at Misterly? Where is Kimbra?”

“Kimbra is out of our lives for good. I’ll explain everything later. Nan was at the hut when I arrived. She told me you were inside the keep.”

“I left the convent with the Reverend Mother’s help and returned to Misterly for Mama and Lora,” Elissa said, “but I had no idea Tavis had gained control of the keep. He wanted me to stay and share his bed but I dinna want that. I knew I couldna hold him off for long, so I enlisted Dermot’s help and made plans to leave through the tunnel. We chose tonight because the bitter cold weather made everyone eager to seek the warmth of their beds instead of lingering in the hall.”

Damian’s heart swelled with pride. No one but Elissa could manage such a brave feat. “You are a wonder, love. Thank God for your courage. Are my men still alive?”

“Aye, they’re alive.”

“Where are they?”

“I know where they are, yer lordship,” Dermot spoke up. “Send the womenfolk on their way and I’ll show ye. Are ye alone?”

“Nay. The men who accompanied me to London will follow shortly.”

“Let me come with you,” Elissa pleaded. “I can help.”

“Take your mother and sister to safety, love,” Damian said. “Wait inside the hut with Nan until I send for you.”

“Who will protect your back?” Elissa asked. “You are outnumbered. You need me.”

“Surprise is on our side. Gordon doesn’t know about the tunnel and won’t be looking for an attack on a night such as this.”

“Damian, let me…”