Page 58 of Tempting the Highland Captive

“Nae all o’ it.” Amelia sighed.

“We will,” Ron reassured her, then stepped out into the corridor to face the clan.

* * *

Ron carried Ysenda’s body down the stairs, through the great hall, and into the adjoining chapel. It was early enough that the only people present were the warriors on guard. “Summon the priest,” Ron commanded the one nearest him. “Bring him here tae me. Say nothing o’ what ye have seen tae anyone. What remains o’ her family, disowned or nae, deserve tae ken the truth o’ it afore others.”

“Aye, laird.” The warrior bowed his head, then turned to do as instructed.

Hearing voices, a kitchen maid poked her head out of the kitchen. It was the lass that kept the fires burning. The body safely ticked into the chapel, the girl was no wiser for her searching eyes. “My Laird, may I be o’ service,” she asked, stepping out into the great hall to curtsey. Seeing the blood, her eyes widened. “My Laird, are ye harmed?”

“Nae, ‘tis nae my blood,” Ron answered her, taking the steps between them to grab her arm before she could go anywhere. “Ye are tae tell nae one until I give ye leave tae do so. Do ye understand?”

“Aye, my laird,” the girl stammered in fear.

“Maggie is upstairs in Her Ladyship’s bedchamber. Please go and help her clean the floor.”

Her eyes wandered to the blood droplets on the floor leading down the stairs. “Shall I begin here, My Laird?”

Ron nodded and released her arm. “Aye. I thank ye, lass.”

“It is my honor tae serve, my laird.” The girl curtsied and disappeared into the kitchen to retrieve rags and water.

Ron returned to the chapel. He would ask the priest about the woman’s disowned family and how to proceed from there. He knelt beside Ysenda’s body and smoothed the hair from her face. “Why did ye have tae do it, lass?” He sighed, his heart heavy. He did not regret his actions as they saved his wife’s life, but he was not a man who harmed women and having done so weighed on his soul. Ron crossed himself and prayed for forgiveness, not only for himself but for the woman who lay at his feet.

“What has happened?” Father Jacob’s voice interrupted his prayers.

“Ysenda is dead. She attempted tae kill Amelia. I killed her instead,” Ron explained, not bothering to turn around.

Father Jacob moved to kneel across from him. “Why would she do such a thing?”

“I dinnae ken for certain, but I will find the truth o’ the matter. I will nae rest until I do.” It had been decided to keep the truth between himself, Amelia, and Maggie. He did not know if that included Father Jacob or nae, but he would not tell the priest anything until he had spoken with Amelia first. “We will need tae speak with her family.”

The priest shook his head, stunned. “She was disowned. I will go and speak tae them, but I am nae certain how they will respond.”

“I killed her. I will go with ye.”

“I am nae certain that such a choice is wise, but I will take ye if that is what ye wish.”

“It is.”

“And if they demand recompense?”

“The guilt lays with Ysenda. Regardless of the actions of others that may have led her tae this day, she has brought her death upon herself.”

“As ye wish.”

“I will have Amelia placed under constant guard as there is nae certainty that Ysenda was working alone. We need Lucas as he is the only certainty that we have for her safety, but he is on Rossell lands keeping my faither’s men under control.”

“There is my brother Angus. He would give his life tae protect her.”

Ron nodded, grateful for the priest’s suggestion. “I dinnae ken why I did nae think o’ him myself.”

“He may nae be a warrior by trade, but he is trained.”

“Aye, a good choice.”

“I will tell him o’ yer desires once I have finished here.” The priest began his ritual in laying the dead to rest.

Amelia appeared at the door to the chapel, cleaned and dressed. “Maggie is coming with preparations for Ysenda’s burial.”

Ron nodded and came to stand before her. He wanted to take her into his arms, but he was still covered in blood. “I will need tae bathe, then the priest and I will go and inform Ysenda’s family. Angus the blacksmith will be here tae guard ye while we are gone. Verra few would attempt tae get past him. We dinnae ken if Ysenda was working alone or if she had assistance from others within the clan.”

Amelia nodded. “The thought occurred tae me. Ye will speak with her family about the delicate matter?” She glanced around him at Father Jacob to make certain that he was not listening, showing Ron that he had been right to withhold information.

“I will. And ye will speak with the wise woman?” Ron asked, trying to avoid using the term midwife.

“Aye.” Amelia nodded. “I will have her sent for the moment that we have done what we can for Ysenda’s burial. A quiet burial would be best.”

“I agree. I will bring back any o’ her family that wishes tae attend.” He surveyed the great hall to see who might be there and whether he could slip out unnoticed.

“I will bring ye some water and fresh clothes. Ye can bathe and dress in my maither’s garden. Nae one will see ye there as it is for the pleasure o’ the laird and lady alone.”

“Aye.” Ron nodded and turned back into the chapel. “The least number o’ people who ken what has happened, the better.”