Page 36 of Highland Spirit

“Nay. We’d never be able to sneak away without Diarmad noticin’,” said Alana. “Besides, I dinna want Ethan and the MacKeefes involved in any of this. Those smugglers would try to slit their throats if they came anywhere near here.”

“We’ve got to do somethin’ about Isobel,” said Kirstine.

“True. If Diarmad and the others ken she is with the MacKeefes, it’ll mean trouble for all of us. Thankfully, the castle is filled with smugglers now and that will take Diarmad’s attention.”

“What do ye mean?” asked Finn.

“What she means is that Isobel kens too much about the smugglin’ ring,” said Kirstine.

“She’s young. I’m sure she doesna even understand what goes on here,” protested Finn.

“Mayhap no’, but Diarmad willna care,” said Alana, watching the man from across the room. “He willna want to take the chance that he will be discovered.”

“Then we canna let him ken that she is gone,” said Kirstine.

“Nay. If so, he’ll do somethin’ horrible to us or mayhap to Faither.”

“I’m frightened,” said Finn, looking like he was about to cry.

“Things will be better soon, I promise,” said Alana, pulling the two of them to her in a hug. “Now, make up a story that I went to sleep early because I am ill and that Isobel is in bed, too. Kirstine and Finn, ye both can speak French, so help Faither communicate with thee smugglers. Whatever ye do, just keep Diarmad away from my chamber.”

“I think I can keep Diarmad occupied,” said Kirstine. “But what are ye goin’ to do?”

“I’m goin’ to use the small boat Finn has constructed and hid in the reeds on the bank. I’m goin’ to sail tonight to the MacKeefe camp.”

“In the storm?” Kirstine was horrified. “Nay, Sister, it is too dangerous. Please dinna go.”

“My daughter is missin’. Nothin’ is too dangerous as far as I’m concerned. I need to get her back.”

“I understand,” said Kirstine, putting both hands on her belly. “If I ever have a bairn that survives, I am sure I’ll feel the same way, too.”

“Ye will have a healthy bairn and it will be soon,” said Alana, putting her hand on her sister’s belly and feeling the baby kick. They both laughed.

“Are ye goin’ to ask the MacKeefes to help us?” Finn asked, looking ever so hopeful.

“Nay,” she said, wishing it were the case. “I’m goin’ there to get Isobel and bring her back and that is all. I dinna want their clan involved.”

“I hope ye can make it across the water to the mainland,” said Kirstine. “There is a nasty squall brewin’ out there.”

“It’s the chance I’ll have to take,” said Alana, heading for the door. She was afraid of Diarmad and the smugglers, but that’s not what worried her the most. The part that made her terrified was the fact she was going to see Ethan again. And this time, she was going before the entire MacKeefe Clan. She didn’t think for one minute she’d be welcome there after leaving Ethan stranded on their wedding day. To them, she would be considered naught but a strumpet or a traitor. And the worst part was that she was starting to feel like that was exactly who she was.

Chapter 9

“Hold me,” said little Isobel to Ethan as he sat around the fire inside one of the MacKeefe buildings, wondering what the hell he was going to do with the girl.

“What?” he mumbled, taking a drink of his Mountain Magic, not really listening to her since his worried thoughts filled his head.

“I miss my mathair,” she said. “Can I sit on yer lap?”

Ethan looked up to see his friends, Hawke, Caleb and Logan, all staring at him. They sat or stood far from him, looking like they were afraid to come closer.

“Well? Ye heard the girl.” Hawke looked up and chuckled. That is, until little Sophie crawled atop his lap, clinging to her doll.

“I want to sit on yer lap, Hawke,” said the little girl.

Logan and Caleb burst out laughing at Hawke’s expression.

“Och, why no’?” he said, putting one arm around Sophie.