Alex had been an arrogant arse and blamed himself for her disappearance. While riding, he’d realized how cruel he’d been to Keely by isolating her, continually reminding her of how she’d betrayed him, denying his feelings, and keeping her under constant watch. What marriage could blossom under such conditions? Yet, she’d never faltered since they’d taken vows. Alex’s insides knotted. He slapped the tabletop out of frustration.
“What is it?” Jamie asked, looking concerned.
“I’ve made a terrible mistake.”
“Aye, ye have,” Jamie said. “But it can be made right.”
“Milord, ye asked to see me?”
Alex looked up and found Leah standing in front of the dais. She curtsied, looking as haggard as he felt.
“Aye, Leah. Is there anything ye can remember that might help us find yer mistress? A place she’s mentioned, someone she’s been spending time with?”
Tears filled the maid’s eyes. “Nay, milord. She dinna feel well the night of the feast and went abovestairs. She asked me not to disturb her.”
Alex turned a questioning look on Broc. “Did she speak with ye?”
“Briefly. Told me she couldna take listening to ye and my da arguing anymore.”
“Laird Alex!” Neil rushed forward.
Alex shot up from his chair expecting bad news. His heart plummeted. “What has happened?”
“We searched the scholar’s chamber and found this.” He held up a missive.
Alex rounded the table. “From who?’
“Yer scholar.”
Alex snatched it from the soldier’s hand and read it quickly.
Alex,
First, I ask for your forgiveness. If I did not think this a worthy cause, I would have never offered to take Lady Keely to Dunrobin Castle. A missive arrived days ago from the earl, accusing Keely of failing to honor her betrothal to Struan Sutherland. Upon speaking with your wife, I am convinced she never accepted such a proposal. The only way to settle this is to speak with the earl and his son in person. I take full responsibility for everything.
Your loyal servant,
Petro de’ Medici
He read it a second and third time to make sure he hadna missed anything. “Fook!” He crumpled the parchment.
“Alex? Where is my sister?” Broc asked.
“Call back the men,” Alex commanded. “Lady Keely has ridden for Dunrobin Castle.”
“I doona understand.” Broc followed Alex outside.
“Read it for yerself.” He shoved the letter into his hand.
“I doona want to read it. I want ye to tell me why.”
“Broc,” Alex said while climbing onto his horse. “There will be time for questions later. Gather our men and ride southward. I willna wait on anyone.”
He rode through the gates like the devil was on his heels.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Keely tried tospit the bit of cloth out of her mouth that the Sutherland guard had gagged her with. Her hands were tied behind her back and she was draped over Struan’s lap. They dinna ride very far, for Struan stopped and she was handed down to a man while Struan dismounted.
