Part 49 (1/2)

”Tonight, when they least expect it. The fog will aid us.”

”And it will hide them as well.” She led them into Rob's chambers.

Celia reappeared, bearing hot spiced ale and a bowl of barley stew.

”I apologize for the poor fare,” Caroline said, ”but we must ration our provisions until the siege is lifted.”

Alex took the meal gratefully, sitting behind Rob's large oak desk. Other than the fire, a single fat candle illuminated the room. The priest sat nearby and Caroline tossed more peat on the fire. As Alex regarded her, he thought how unlike Fayth she was. He couldn't imagine such calm serenity ever befalling the younger sister. He wondered what had made them so different.

”Have the Johnstones made any demands?” Alex asked.

Caroline turned, brus.h.i.+ng her hands off on her skirts. ”Only that we quit Annancreag.”

Alex snorted. Fools.

Caroline approached him, a pale eyebrow raised slightly, hands clasped at her waist. ”I've received word you're holding my sister.”

Alex set his spoon aside and wiped his mouth. ”Aye.” He normally would prepare himself for a tongue-las.h.i.+ng, but Caroline was not one to become shrewish, so he waited cautiously.

”And is she well?”

Alex hesitated, remembering how close she was to death at one point. ”When I left her she was in good health.”

Caroline didn't miss the significance of his words and her lips tightened. ”I hope you don't expect her to be there when you return?”

Alex averted his gaze to his ale. Wisps of steam rose from it. He drank deeply, the strong liquid warming him. He was cold from his swim in the icy loch. He could smell the loch stench on himself. Celia returned from the adjoining room with clothes belonging to Alex's brother.

”Did you accomplish what you wished?” Father Jasper asked.

”What's that?” Alex asked, turning gratefully to the priest. A nervous sweat had broken out on his forehead and upper lip under Caroline's clear gaze.

Father Jasper slumped on a bench against the wall, his robes dirty and torn. ”You had some purpose in kidnapping Fayth or was it simply vengeance?”

Father Jasper bore a disturbing resemblance to Caroline, Alex noticed. It was more than his height and eye color, for they were both exceptionally long and had unusual pale green eyes. But more than that, it was their manner. The priest now addressed him with the same placid persistence as Caroline had. Most disconcerting. Alex couldn't imagine how Rob managed with the two of them standing in constant judgment. Of course, Rob was thoroughly besotted with his bride and now viewed all the world with a rosy hue.

”She is unharmed.” He wasn't about to discuss his plans for Fayth with her sister and a priest when he wasn't even certain what those plans were. All he knew was that she was his now and he would not let her go-he would work out the details later.

The priest frowned. ”That's not what I asked.”

Alex sighed, leaning back in his chair. ”No, I did not achieve my purpose. I might have, if not for this war. But I suppose I'll never know, now.”

”And what's to be her fate?” Caroline asked. She folded Rob's garments neatly on the desk, pus.h.i.+ng them toward him.

”Well...” Alex held Caroline's gaze. Now was a good time to argue Fayth's innocence. ”That's up to you.”

Caroline straightened. ”Me?”

”Aye... when it's safe, I thought to bring her here until the war is over, but she fears you will never forgive her.”

Caroline lowered her gaze and turned partly away.