“We will leave as soon as we break our fast.”
Angus strolled over to the trencher of food and tankard. He poured a goblet of amber liquid and downed it, then filled the goblet again. Annabella was not quite sure of his mood, so when he went to the window to stare out, she took advantage and filled her trencher full of food and took a seat by the hearth.
“I do not wish to put you in danger,” he said.
“That is for me to worry about,” she said.
“You do not know how dangerous he is, do you?”
“I do not believe I will be in any danger from him or anyone within his court, as long as I am by my cousin’s side.”
“I sincerely hope that is true. I could not bear it—”
“Your horses are ready,” Graham said from the doorway.
Annabella turned to look at the older man, and was surprised to see concern marking his expression, as well. Did they both truly believe she was in such danger? What a turn of events from just days ago. Then they had considered her a prisoner, and now they were concerned for her safety. Graham had never shown her any particular favour, but neither had he ever been cruel to her.
“I assure you both I will be safe, and I will send word of your father’s whereabouts as soon as I can determine the location.”
Angus turned around, his brow furrowed and his mouth pulled into a grimace. “Do not leave your cousin’s side until this business is resolved. Do you understand?”
“That may not be possible, but I will do my best.”
“Angus, I believe we should rethink this,” Graham said.
“It is far too late for that,” Angus said. “We must have faith in the power her cousin has over the Stewart.” He then looked directly at Annabella. “What sort of security did your father offer for your travel to Scotland?”
“I travelled with two footmen in a carriage with two horses.” Angus’s eyes widened and he shook his head.
“Is he daft?”
“My father takes very good care with my well-being and security. I’ll thank you to not insult him.”
“I will do more than insult him if he is not more careful with your security, lass. Lady Annabella, do you not realize how dangerous the highways are at this time? There are any number of ways you can be harmed whilst travelling between London and Edinburgh. Has your father never travelled outside of London?”
It was amazing how quickly he could trample any sentimental feelings she had thought she had begun to feel for him and this place. She was not concerned about travelling home on her own with only two footmen. She did, after all, carry a very fine dagger at such times.
“I will have you know that I am well skilled with a dagger, sir. And had you not caught us off-guard that day, you would have found out how well skilled I am.”
Annabella watched as the sides of his mouth turned up. He looked as though he would burst out laughing at any moment. Somehow the sight incensed her even more. She placed her hands on her hips and lifted her chin. How dare he mock her?
“Well, there you have it, Angus,” Graham said, smiling. “Perhaps we should have had her run drills with the men in the bailey whilst she was here, instead of sitting up in the chamber all alone.”
“I am happy to be a source of amusement for you both,” she said.
“Do you not see that we are concerned for your welfare?” Angus asked.
“Yes, you two were so concerned for my welfare that you abducted me and have held me captive in a tower chamber. How have I ever survived without you?”
Without warning, both men tilted their heads back and laughed as hard as she had ever seen any man laugh. Perhaps they had both gone mad.
* * *
Angus sobered at the lack of care with which her father had taken. Even more concerning was how protective he felt over her. How could he possibly allow her to travel from Edinburgh to London with so little security? Was he ready to admit that perhaps he would not be comfortable allowing her to travel from Edinburgh to London at all? No, perhaps not. That decision was not within his control.
Angus looked at her bewildered face and wanted to kiss her senseless. The passion she had shared with him the night before was more than he had ever experienced with any woman. Oh, he had lifted enough skirts in his day. But no woman had ever shared passion with him like Annabella. She was a rare and precious gift. Unease settled over him with the realization that she could never be his.
But how could he let her go?
