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“Ye ken, when ye lost yer wife and child, I lost a daughter and grandson, Duncan,” she continued sadly. “Their loss pained us all. I’m nae taking away from yer sorrow. I cannae imagine what it has been like for ye. I’ve only ever wanted ye and yer brother tae be happy.”
Duncan sighed. Taking his mother’s hands in his own, he smiled warmly toward her. “I ken that, Mother. I’m also grateful for all ye have done for me. In time, things will settle again, I’m sure of it.”
Of course, he wasn't sure, but what else could he say? In that moment, it was Lady MacDougall who needed the comfort, not himself. As Laird and protector of the people he served, he had to set aside his emotions to ensure those around him, including his mother, felt safe and secure. Duncan was satisfied that he had done just that, albeit speakingan untruth.
* * *
Elaine had been careful not to ready herself to meet the masked man too early. She was afraid that if Duncan happened to appear, he would question her about why she was dressed for the outdoors, as her heavy cloak would undoubtedly give it away. However, night had fallen, and the raucous sounds emanating from the Great Hall indicated that the feast was well underway. It was, as her sister's captor had predicted, the ideal cover for her to leave unnoticed.
About to grab her cloak and wrap it around her, Elaine was suddenly halted by a knock on her chamber door.
Who on earth could this be now?
Elaine dashed across the stone floor, away from the cloak she'd hung across the back of the chair near the desk, and sat near the fireplace. Even though she was out of breath, she tried to sound as calm and casual as she could. “Come in.”
Duncan would be far too busy entertaining the many guests downstairs, she knew. However, shewas surprisedwhen a maid entered, carrying a wrapped parcel. The maids who had come to her chamber had been few and far between, and none at this late hour. She handed the parcel to Elaine without even looking at her, as this maid was one of many who had ignored her since her arrival, “From the laird, mistress.”
“Thank ye.”
The maid said nothing more and turning, left the room as silently as she had entered it, leaving Elaine to pull at the strings of the tied parcel that now sat on her lap. Removing the outer paper and letting it drop to the floor, her eyes suddenly widened to great pools as she looked upon large pieces of light brown paper. On top of it were red, white, and black chalk. Both the paper and the chalk were of far higher quality than she could ever have imagined possessing. Touching the gifts lightly, she could not help but feel a great sense of elation and joy.
While Duncan's lack of words had saddened her, the kindness and thoughtfulness of the items she now held—the most expensive thing she had ever possessed—onlyadded to her feelings for him. He could have given her anything he wanted, including gold, silver, or expensive clothes. Nonetheless, the fact that he had made such an effort to give her something he knew she would appreciate told her something that his silence did not.
She had been certain he felt something for her on that first night together. It had been so intense, so magical, and both of them had given so much more than their bodies.
However, with his recent quieter state, Elaine had begun to wonder if she had done something wrong, or worse, if her feelings were unrequited. The thoughts that raced through her mind were a jumble of contradictions and conflicts, and they were more than exhausting. She had come to the castle for one reason only, and it had not been to fall in love with Duncan MacDougall. Yetit had happened so subtly. The more time she spent with him, the less she felt the anger that had been aimed at him before, and in the end, her heart had opened with sympathy for the sorrow and pain he had endured. She was sure things were not as it seemed—with her father, and her brother at least.
The manshe had grown to know and love, was not the ogre she had imagined him to be. And now, she struggled to believe that he could have killed Angus. Though she couldn't explain why, the idea of him doing such a thing didn't seem to fit. She could see him punishing Angus for breaking into the castle but not killing him, no.
Though Duncan had not been aware, Elaine had discovered, by talking casually to one of the guards, that her father had actually died from his own doing, choking on his own vomit while drunk. She had been careful in her inquiry, for she did not wish to raise suspicion. What she learned only bolstered her belief that Duncan was not capable of killing Angus. And yet, her brother had been killed in the castle.
Eventually, pulling her attention from the thoughts that never seemed to bring her a solid conclusion, Elaine brought herself back to her present circumstances. She needed to leave. The mystery man was not someone to keep waiting. He was going to be angry enough when he discovered she did not have the ring in her possession.
Leaving the beautiful new papers and chalk on her desk, she swiftly wrapped her heavy cloak around her, and pulling up the hood, quietly left her bedchamber.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Traveling swiftly through the corridors, her cloak flowing out behind her, Elaine kept to the shadows with her head low. Having been in the castle for some time now, she had discovered the less used tunnels. In what might appear mindless meanderings to others, she had mapped out a way to leave the castle while at the same time, avoiding the watchful eye of any guards or servants that may be about.
The tunnel came out under a large archway, which facilitated carriages and carts to reach the rear of the castle courtyard. Keeping close to the walls, Elaine only showed herself again when she was a good distance away from the looming castle. Walking the pathway, she came into the line of sight of the guard at the small gate of the outer walls, and placing a bright smile upon her face, she gazed up at him.
“I am meeting my friend for a small time,” she said sweetly.
The guard frowned. “Is it nae a little late tae be leaving the castle grounds, mistress? It is dangerous out there with the forest so close by.”
“I promise, I will nae be long. Besides,” she smiled knowingly once more. “We are nae called ladies o’ the night for nae reason.”
The corner of his mouth lifted for a small second and eventually nodded. “All right. But if there’s any trouble, ye only have tae scream and I will come running.”
‘Thank ye. I’m certain all will be well.”
Standing to the side, the guard let her pass, and with her heart pounding, Elaine scuttled out the gate before he changed his mind. The idea of what might happen to Rhona if she did not meet the masked man worried her intensely. She could understand why the guards had been on edge and on high alert since the invasion. However, given her circumstances, she had little choice. She had to make this meeting.
A small light at the edge of the trees caught her attention. And though she had not brought a lantern with her, the mystery man evidently had. Following the swaying light, she traipsed through the long grass, her cloak being pulled a little by it until she finally reached the edge of the trees. He stepped out to meet her. In the darkness, his mask looked even more horrific, and a dreadful chill ran up her spine.
“Well, did ye get it?” he demanded in that strange voice he used.
Elaine looked worried but shook her head. “I couldnae get it…” she began.
