They turned left into another passageway, and ended up at a doorway that opened to the outside. The gardens were on this side of the keep, where the most sunlight reached. Once they were away from any people, Petro stopped and pulled a missive from inside his tunic.
“The earl has answered my missive.”
“What does he have to say?”
“We are welcome at Dunrobin Castle.”
Of all the things she’d done in the past, sneaking away to meet with the earl would be the most dangerous. Not that she feared for her safety. What she feared was Alex’s wrath. If he found out that Struan claimed they were betrothed, he’d likely kill the earl’s son and send her away to a convent. Nay, she must handle the situation on her own. And with Petro’s help, she felt confident that everything would work in her favor.
“When do ye want to leave?”
“Tonight,” he said.
She’d not expected that. “So soon?”
“Aye. Your father and brothers are distracted. Attend the feast as planned, and after we’ve eaten, I will challenge Alex to a drinking game. My cup will contain watered down wine. Once he is drunk, we will meet behind the stables. The horses will be waiting.”
“May I see the letter?”
“Of course.” Petro handed it to her.
Keely recognized the earl’s dramatic script. He extended an open invitation, mentioned how much his daughter missed her, and offered blessings on the news of her marriage to Alex.
“These are not the words of the man I know.” Keely looked up from the parchment.
“What do you mean?”
“The earl is a powerful man,” she said. “He stops at nothing to get his way. I canna believe he’d offer his blessing, especially if his son wants to marry me.”
“I will protect you with my life, Keely.”
“I know.” She squeezed his hand. “Perhaps my concern is misplaced. There is no reason for the earl to hurt me.”
“If I thought for a moment we were in danger, I wouldn’t follow through with our plan.”
“And Struan must be silenced. I doona want Alex to hear from a stranger that I am engaged to another man, especially the earl’s son!”
“I agree. The reward is worth the risk.”
With the plan finalized, Petro escorted Keely back to her chamber.
*
“These are themen who cursed my daughter?” Laird Oliphant gave the offenders a black look.
Alex had never intended for his father-in-law to find out what happened at the wedding. Unfortunately, one of Keely’s brothers had been drinking with his soldiers. Too much ale brought out the worst in a man, made them gossip like an old woman.
“Aye. Their leader hasna recovered from my beating. He is dying.”
“I want to see the bastard.”
Frankly, Alex still wanted to kill him. But he’d not hurt a man who couldna stand and fight. Laird Oliphant might not be so honorable if he was given access to Levi. Nay, he must dissuade the laird. “Help me decide the fate of these men first.”
Laird Oliphant studied each one. “That one isna strong enough to lift a sword. How old are ye, lad?” he asked the youngest.
“Fourteen.”
Laird Oliphant grunted and looked at Alex. “A long stay in the kitchens working under yer head of household should chase the devil out of him.”
