Part 54 (1/2)
Meredith felt a wave of compa.s.sion for this woman. If only there were some way to erase her pain.
”When Catherine de' Medici ordered me returned to Scotland, it was Brice Campbell who gallantly offered to accompany me. And when I first returned to the Highlands, Holden Mackay promised Brice Campbell that I would be taken care of as befits a royal seamstress.”
Rowena's voice hardened.
”But when Brice Campbell returned to his own castle, I was told that the only thing I would be given was the humble cottage where I was born. I have been forced to accept whatever sc.r.a.ps my lord Mackay tosses to me. I am no better than a beaten dog. It is the way Holden Mackay keeps all of his people obedient to his every wish.”
Meredith's earlier resolve returned. She must escape this madman. At any cost.
”Here, my lady,” Rowena said, lifting the white gown in her hands. '
”You must hurry and prepare for your laird. He will be coming for you soon.”
When the woman crossed the room, her eyes widened in surprise. In Meredith's hand was the small, deadly dirk.
”My lady...”
”Be still.” Meredith moved closer, lifting the knife in a menacing manner.
”Put down the gown and remove your clothes.”
”My...”
”Quickly.”
When Rowena had removed her clothes, Meredith pointed to the white gown.
”Now put it on.”
”But my lady, it will never fit.”
”Do it.”
Meredith watched as the woman, with trembling hands, pulled the gown over her head.
”You will sit there,” Meredith ordered, pointing to a bench in front of the fire.
When Rowena was seated, Meredith hurriedly pulled on her s.h.i.+rt, tunic and breeches, then stepped into her boots. ”With your cloak to hide beneath, the guards will not stop me.”
”Perhaps. But they will know that I am not you,” Rowena protested.
”Aye.” Meredith paused, then lifted a lacy shawl from the bed and placed it over the woman's head. With her hair covered, and the folds hiding the slight hump on her back, the guards would be fooled if they were given only a glimpse.
”Hold out your hands,” Meredith commanded.
”My lady, there is no reason to tie me,” Rowena said softly as Meredith tore the ribbons from her chemise to use as cord.
”I would gladly take your place in order to help you escape this prison.”
Her words came as a surprise.