She jumped, turning to see Betsy frowning at her.
“Are you going somewhere?” Betsy asked in an accusatory tone.
Lilliana sighed. “Betsy, I have an idea of where to look for this mysterious woman. She might have hurt one of the guards. I cannot continue to stand by and do nothing.”
Betsy frowned. “But will the Laird not take care of it?”
“Yes, of course, but I want to help! I need to.” Lilliana pushed down the skirt and light stockings she was wearing, and tried to pull on the warmer pair.
Betsy made an impatient sound before coming to help her.
“What do you think you can do? You don’t even know the Highlands that well, My Lady,” she cautioned even as she straightened Lilliana’s stockings and helped her into her riding habit.
“I know where I’m going.”
“My Lady, I do not think that is a good idea,” she said anxiously.
“Ihave to,Betsy.” Lilliana grasped her hands, looking intently into her eyes. “I have to. I will lose my mind if I sit here for another minute, wringing my hands.”
Betsy huffed. “You realize this is why your father sent you so far away from London? Because you were always running off, trying to help someone. Usually someone unsuitable.”
Lilliana snorted. “Well, the joke is on him because I can run off just as well from here.”
Betsy sighed in defeat as she fastened the plaid to Lilliana’s shoulders. “You’ll be careful, alright, My Lady?”
“Of course. If anyone asks for me, tell them I am resting and do not wish to be disturbed.”
Betsy nodded in agreement but still looked troubled.
Kayden spent a restless night and was up with the crows as he waited for word from the scouts he had sent out. He stepped out into the courtyard, nodding in greeting as various castle residents walked past him, on their way to attend to their tasks.
He saw Moira rushing towards him from the direction of the stables, and his stomach sank with dread. He just knew that she was bearing bad news.
“What’s to do?” he asked before she even came to a stop before him.
“I’ve just been to the stables, and one of the grooms told me there’s a horse missing. He said he thought he saw someone riding off late last night, that it looked like Her Ladyship, but he dismissed it as him being fanciful.”
Kayden frowned. “But ye daenae think he was?”
Moira shook her head. “Nae when Betsy made it a point to tell me that Her Ladyship didnae wish to be disturbed, as she isresting.”
“But ye daenae think she is?” Kayden asked, his heart rate quickening.
Moira shook her head, her eyes bleak. “I daenae ken where she’s gone, Me Laird, but she isnae here.”
Kayden expelled a loud breath, trying to calm his racing heart. “Daenae worry, Moira. I’ll bring her back.”
He went back to the castle to gather his things and speak with Betsy.
I cannae lose another person. I cannae lose her.
As he called for Betsy, Jacob came up to him. “What’s the matter?”
“It’s Lilliana. She’s gone.”
Jacob frowned. “Gone?”
“Aye. I’m going after her.”
