Fraoch said, “Och, Og Maggy, ye promised me a fine walk in the woods, a pleasant surprise for yer wife and a merry party celebratin’ the love of m’friends, and instead I am involved in a family scandal and it winna stop raining.”
Magnus said, “The rain has stopped.”
“Och, has it?”
Fraoch went tae the window. “Finally, maybe now we can forget this messy business and go hae our pleasant day in the woods.”
Magnus said, “That would be nice…” He chuckled. “I am tryin’ tae be romantic.”
Hayley asked, “Lizbeth, how are you?”
She raised her chin. “I am well, Madame Hayley, and grateful for your concern.”
“I’m glad you are well, is Liam coming?”
“I was… with the body when John arrived tae pay respects. I left tae come here and give him some solitude. Liam remained there tae escort him down.”
Lady Mairead looked at her watch. “There is plenty of time tae pay his respects, there inna a reason in the world tae keep us waiting. Wilfrey is neglected in the dungeon; we need a hearing.”
Magnus said, “Mother, ye need tae take a deep breath, ye canna go intae this irritated, ye are goin’ tae need tae watch yer tone with him.”
“Aye, I ken, but still, he will take his time tae make us uncomfortable, tis his way. And tis cold in here, we ought tae build the fire higher, the damp is chilling us through. John is slow and?—”
The door creaked open, interrupting her mid-tirade, a page stepped in and bowed, deeply, followed by John and Henrietta. Their faces were stern, haughty and irritated.
Behind them was the big man we had seen in the courtyard, a little dark, a lot like a shadow, he entered without meeting anyone’s eyes.
I glanced at Magnus, his eyes leveled on the stranger.
I heard Fraoch ask, “Ye recognize him?”
“Nae.”
John and Henrietta were dressed in the style of Edinburgh court, he was wearing a wig, his coat and breeches were fine, a puff of lace at his throat, her dress was elegant, with a high thick lace collar.
The man with them was dressed like a Highlander, old fashioned, my skin crawled.
Hayley whispered, “Time traveler?”
I shrugged. “Hard to tell. But why would John be with a time traveler?”
The man looked trained in battle and was well-armed with a sword and gun, both historic. No watch. Old shoes. He didn’t have anything on him that indicated time travel, but somehow my mind suspected it might be true.
Magnus had his eyes set on him. Watching, shifting, edging closer.
Liam entered behind them, he came to stand beside Sean, shaking his head.
I took it to mean,this is not good.
All the men shifted, and straightened, hands on their weapons.
None of this was good.
Lizbeth, Lady Mairead, John, and Henrietta all took seats.
Hayley and I remained standing, which I was regretting, but also didn’t want to bring any attention to myself by taking a chair. Magnus and Fraoch, Sean, and Liam were standing. The dude who came with John planted his feet and glowered.
John said, “While we discuss this business I want everyone tae place their swords near the door.”
