Page 62 of Highland Vows of Betrayal

“What happened?” Scarlett asked, leaning forward.

“He fed me, offered me shelter for the night, and gave me a path away from the thieving group that controlled me—highwaymen.” She shuddered, then shifted on the settle bench, folding her arms over her chest. “It was something of a battle. My cross tae bear is that the boy lost his life helping me escape.”

Scarlett was stunned by the revelation.

“His last words urged me tae make something of my life, nae tae stay where I was born into a life of thieving.” She smiled sadly. “That is why I am more than happy tae help ye, me lady. What dae I call ye now?”

“Scarlett,” she answered. “There’s nae need for Lady either. I worked as a tavern girl.”

“Ah, that explains why ye so easily serve yer own drinks at the feasting table.”

“I suppose it does.” Scarlett smiled at Callie as they sat in companionable peace for a few minutes. “I am so sorry for yer story,” Scarlett said, amazed that so many people had their own tales to tell.

“I am sorry yer struggling with yer own deception, too,” Callie offered a sad smile. “Yet I can help if ye like?”

“Ye can?”

“Ye said ye had tae return tae switch places with Lady Eloise. If ye need a letter sent, I can send it for ye, and when the night comes for yer return, I’ll help ye leave. Even though I will be sorry when ye go,” Callie promised. “It’s been lovely having a friend in the castle. What do ye say? Would ye like some help?” She offered her hand to Scarlett, who reached forward and shook it without hesitation.

“Thank ye. I would dearly love that.” Scarlett stood and looked at the letter in her hand.

Soon I must leave Noah for good, even though it will break my heart.

“Lady Eloise? Are ye here?” A knock sounded at the door, and Scarlett released Callie’s hand.

“Aye?” she opened the door to a guard.

“Laird Chattan would like tae see ye.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Noah turned the necklace over in his hand, both pleased and nervous about gifting it to Scarlett. He had never before thought he would offer such a gift to a lady, but he was certain it would make Scarlett smile. The pendant attached to the chain was a Celtic knot. He’d heard his father say that such pendants protected the bearer from trouble of any kind.

Aye, I wish tae give it tae her.

When a knock sounded at the door, Noah bid the caller to enter. He sighed with disappointment when Marie came in carrying a silver tray bearing a pewter jug of mead and two cups. She smiled sweetly, placing it on the table in front of him, pushing her dark hair back in a way he used to find alluring.

How strange I am numb tae her now.

“Thank ye, Marie.” He hoped it was enough of a dismissal, but she didn’t leave, and came toward him.

“I was so worried for ye, my laird, when ye didnae return from hunting those men.” She moved forward, ready to clamber into his lap. Noah shifted and readjusted the seat, making it doubly difficult to accomplish such a task.

“Thank ye. I am safely returned, so ye may depart.”

“I thought I should welcome ye properly,” she leaned toward him suggestively.

“Nae need lass, thank ye.” Noah stood, ready to flee if it came to that. She leaned in and took hold of his waistcoat, pulling him down so sharply that their lips were mere inches apart. “I said nae.” His voice darkened as he held his hands behind him.

“One kiss, my laird, just one.”

Scarlett gasped in surprise as the door opened, and Noah's head jerked around. The betrayal and pain on her face were palpable.

“Scarlett!” Noah called, pushing Marie away. “’Tisnae what ye think!”

Scarlett backed up, her hand over her mouth. She turned silently and fled, gathering her skirts as she ran.

“Scarlett!” Noah jumped past Marie, racing for the door.