Page 9 of Highlander’s Quest of Desire

Chapter Three

Edinburgh was teeming with more people than Elspeth had seen in her entire life. It was a large city, crammed with houses, buildings, and English soldiers. The would-be rescuers took the back roads and alleyways, keeping their hoods up so no errant English soldier could recognize them and raise the alarm.

After four tiring days in which she had ridden more than she had rested, Elspeth was unrecognizable. Her clothes were coated in a thin layer of dust, her hair refused to stay in a bun, and her eyes were heavy and looked tired.

Willow, on the other hand, had a new spring in her step. Elspeth would have thought the mare would be deeply annoyed by the long rides and infrequent rest periods. But the men had seen to it that the horses got enough water, food, and treats to make the journey worth their while.

They came to a stop before the King’s Inn. Elspeth dismounted with ease but not a lot of grace. She had learned more about riding these past few days, but some things were still out of her grasp.

“We rest here tonight,” Leo said, helping Elspeth retrieve her things. “There will be a man joining us for dinner so ye may take yer supper in the room.”

Elspeth was instantly suspicious. “Is he helping us with the rescue?”

“Aye.”

“Then I shall like to be a part of the discussion.”

Leo licked his lips and looked thoughtfully at Elspeth. She could see that he still did not trust her fully. “I have left my home and risked my reputation to help ye, Leo. The least ye could do is trust me.”

He looked chastised. Rubbing the back of his neck, he nodded. “But yer nae going to like it.”

“I might be a woman, but I’m nae squeamish. I can handle myself.”

“It’s nae about the gore, or the danger, lass.” Leo stopped, and looked left and right before leaning in close and whispering. “Ye might nae like the moral dilemma of hosting an English soldier.”

Elspeth had been leading Willow but was so shocked by Leo’s information she dropped the reins. “What d’ye mean? Ye’ve given us away?”

“Nae!” Leo looked affronted. “I’d lay my life for Bruce and Scotland before I betray him with my words or actions. ‘Tis a man I trust. He is English, but he hasnae stomach for their cruelty.”

“How can ye be sure we can trust him? This is very dangerous, Leo.”

“Yer welcome to leave if ye like,” Leo said, his mouth pressing into a thin, angry line. “I willnae think any less of ye if ye do. But I’m nae abandoning Bruce at the mercy of the English any longer.” Leo turned away from her and went inside the inn.

Elspeth sighed and took up Willow’s reins again. She walked the horse to the stables where Emory, one of Leo’s men, took the reins from her and assured her he would have Willow brushed down and taken care of and have her things brought to her room.

When she went inside she didn’t see Leo or any of his men. The innkeeper informed her that the men had taken themselves to the bathhouse down the road and Leo Sinclair had ordered a bath prepared for her in her rooms. Elspeth was taken aback by the thoughtful gesture, especially since it had occurred after their row.

The bath was wonderful. Elspeth rubbed the dirt and grime from her limbs, dunking her head in the water until she could run her fingers through her dark hair without meeting a tangled mess. Changing into her spare dress, she rang the chambermaid and paid her to have her travel cloak and dress laundered.

“We might have to leave right quick, so I’d appreciate it if this was done urgently.”

“Aye, Miss,” the chambermaid nodded, her plump cheeks pink from exertion. “Would ye like one of the maids to do yer hair? Seeing as ye didnae bring yer own maid. Our Sarah does a fine job with hair and such. She’ll make ye more beautiful than ye already are.”

Elspeth was surprised by her comment. Beautiful and her name had never been used in the same sentence.

“Nae, thank ye,” she smiled. “I’ll manage.”

Once the chambermaid left, she turned to her reflection. Dark hair framed a heart-shaped face, dark lashes rimmed her pale green eyes - she had always thought her eyes were too pale, her chin too pointed, and her hair too dark. But she could see how it could be perceived as beautiful. Her new confidence was beautiful, and she carried herself with the grace she had always admired in others.

Yet, in her mind’s eye, she was still the awkward, clumsy, stupid lass that Adamina had convinced her she was. It would take her miles yet, to completely be out of Adamina’s long, persistent shadow.

After finishing her toilet, she stepped outside to see if the men had returned. She found them in a private dining room, nursing drinks, and looking pink from being scrubbed head-to-toe. Emory stood up and offered her his seat. Elspeth thanked him.

“We ordered food for ye,” Leo said. “I hope doesnae offend yer sensibilities.” He was slightly cold toward her.

Elspeth couldn't believe he was acting like such a child. Her concerns were valid, and she was genuinely shocked at the moment. Surely, he could understand that and not take her reaction so personally.

“Would ye like some hot cider, Miss?” Sean, one of Leo’s men asked.