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Donella came to her feet as well. “Obedience, Mother. First to God, and then to you.”
“Correct, and I am requiring this final act of obedience from you. Accept my decision with good grace and take this time to search your heart for what you truly desire. If you do this in good faith, you will find the answers you need.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Mother.The word echoed through her memory. Her real mother had also demanded obedience, until she’d made it utterly impossible for Donella to comply. They’d almost lost everything then, and only by the grace of God—and her great-uncle—had disaster been averted.
“I’ll have to go into the village and arrange for a carriage,” Donella said. “I could do that tomorrow, if you like.”
Now that the departure had been forced on her, she had no wish to linger. Knowing how thoroughly she’d failed made her hot with shame.
“That won’t be necessary,” the prioress said. “I wrote to Lord Riddick this morning and informed him of my decision. I’m sure he will want to make his own arrangements for your return to Blairgal Castle.”
Donella had to struggle to hold back a most irreverent curse. She’d hoped to at least be able to explain this wretched state of affairs to her family in person. Now, even that small measure of control and dignity had been taken away from her.
“We likely won’t hear back from my uncle for several days if he has to make all the arrangements. He’s very busy, you know.”
“I’m sure he can spare a carriage and escort,” Mother said dryly. “We’ll wait to hear back from him. For as long as it takes.”
Hanging about would simply prolong the agony. “I’m sure I could easily hire a post-chaise down at the inn. I could pack in a trice and be on my way.”
Sister Bernard looked scandalized. “Your uncle would not wish you to travel alone, my dear girl. It would appear exceedingly slipshod and indecorous.”
“It’s only a two-day journey. I’m sure I’d be perfectly fine.” At this point, she scarcely cared if she ended up murdered by bandits.
“You will stay in the convent’s guesthouse until we hear from your uncle,” Mother said firmly. “You can spend that time getting used to the world again and thinking about your future.”
What future? As far as Donella could tell, she had none.
“Of course, Mother,” she replied, trying to sound like she meant it.
The prioress rewarded her acquiescence with a smile. “You might even enjoy it after your years of enclosure. You can walk about the village, do a little shopping, and have a good chat with Father Thomas at the church. I have every confidence he can help you make peace with this decision.”
“If only it had been my decision to make, Mother.”
The elderly nun let out a gentle sigh. “My dear, I know this is a blow to your spirit—and to your pride. But you do have a choice as to how you will respond to this challenge. You can either see it as a failure or as an opportunity. I hope you will choose the latter.”
Since there was no response to that eminently practical if irritating advice, Donella simply crossed herself when Mother blessed her.
Sister Bernard went to open the door to the main hallway. “Go to your cell and begin packing. I’ll join you shortly.”
“Yes, Sister.”
Donella walked out with as much dignity as she could muster, resisting the urge to slam the door. She never slammed doors or stormed off. In fact, she rarely made a fuss aboutanything.
The reward for all that good behavior had usually been a big, fat, kick in the backside. And now it had happened again.
Maybe it was time to start kicking up a fuss.
Chapter Two
Logan Kendrick eyed the tiny but implacable force blocking him like Cerberus at the gates of the underworld. Carmelite nuns weren’t exactly his forte, but he’d give it a try.
“Sister Margaret,” he said, smiling, “you understand that Miss Haddon should depart as soon as possible. We must reach Perth by nightfall.”
The nun tucked her hands into the wide sleeves of her brown habit. She seemed to be returning his smile, but it was hard to tell given how wrinkly she was. The old gal, at least eighty, carried herself with ramrod dignity and looked capable of hauling him out back and paddling him for bad behavior.
“As I explained, Miss Haddon is at chapel with our sisters, who are praying for her safe travels. When the service is concluded, she will join you.”
