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“Where did ye get tae lad?”

Maxwell managed a short laugh. “When the urge comes tae take a piss, a lad needs to obey.”

Bran chuckled. “Well mind ye stay wi’ the crew, the laird’s men dinnae take kindly tae strangers wandering about in the darkness.”

They had not gone far before Sutherland’s guardsmen emerged from the darkness and accosted them.

CHAPTER TWELVE

As Maxwell merged into the darkness, Finn slipped quietly to Aileen’s side.

“Ye ken Sutherland will kill him?”

Aileen nodded bleakly. Her heart was hurting. She was torn between her loyalty and love for her father and her concern for Maxwell’s safety. Bile rose in her throat as the grim truth of Finn’s words rolled over her. She coughed and spat.

Whatever cruel fate awaited the MacNeil, it came to rest on her shoulders. If not for her, he would be safely at his home on the Isle of Barra, well clear of Sutherland’s clutches. She rubbed her arms, suddenly reminded that she no longer wore the gloves that had been the accompaniment to her shame for so long. Now, rejecting shame, she was consumed by guilt.

She turned to Finn. “There must be some way out of this. I ken Sutherland will wreak his anger on me for capturing the brotherinstead of the laird he wants. But I cannae bear him taking Maxwell’s life in return.”

Finn reached for her hand. “Has it occurred to ye that Maxwell MacNeil may very well be the one to aid ye in escaping? Ye cannae go alone, pursued and harried as ye would be by the laird. But if ye were to run wi’ a braw lad like Maxwell beside ye for protection, ye’d have a chance.”

“’Tis an idea that’s crossed me thoughts. Yet I dinnae ken if I can trust the lad.”

Finn pshawed at this. “Sooner or later ye must learn to trust. He’s shown himself tae be a good, strong lad. He could have fled, Aileen and left ye tae deal with the consequences. If ye help him escape he’ll ken ye’re risking yer life tae free him. He’ll be honor bound tae take ye with him.”

Aileen did not dismiss Finn’s words, although she found it almost impossible to contemplate trusting her life to Maxwell. But Finn was right. If she obeyed her conscience and aided him to escape yet she, herself, remained in Dunrobin, her fate would be sealed.

“Ye’re right Finn.” There was a catch in her voice as she continued. “I need nay more than the evidence of me dear braither’s murder tae remind me of what befalls those who disobey Andrew Sutherland.” Her eyes misted with tears as she recalled the older brother she’d always looked up to and admired. She sniffed and wiped her eyes.

Séamus strode over to join them. “I couldnae help overhearing yer talk. Forgive me fer saying this Captain. I respect yer judgment most times. But on the matter of yer safety here and now, ye’re nae talking sense. Ye’d be a damned fool tae remain at Dunrobin if ye have a chance tae cut the anchor and run for it. We all ken what Sutherland will dae tae ye.” He glanced at her arms and growled. “Those scars will be naught compared tae what will become of ye next.”

The sharpness in his tone caused Aileen to draw in a harsh breath. Her first impulse was to berate him for his rudeness, yet she understood the concern lying behind his sudden outburst.

“Mayhap I’ll think of some way tae deal with this before it’s too late.”

Séamus grunted. “I cannae say more.”

Once she had reached the sanctuary of her bedchamber, Aileen had the opportunity to collect her thoughts at last. It seemed clear. Her only option was to make her move this night before the guards came for Maxwell. Once he was locked in chains in the dungeon there would be little she, or anyone, could do to save him.

First, she had to see her father and consult with him. After reassuring herself that he was well, she would face Sutherland.

The guard who had escorted her to the chamber had passed on a message.

“The laird wishes ye tae dine with him this night in his solar.”

She received the message with dread. Dining in a private setting instead of the hall, could only mean one thing. Sutherland did not wish there to be witnesses to whatever passed between them.

After splashing water on her face and hands and combing the tangles out of her hair she donned a gown she knew to be one of Sutherland’s favorites. The rich damask fabric matched the green of her eyes and the bodice was constructed in such a way as to emphasize her tiny waistline and shapely hips. She glanced in the mirror with a murmur of dissatisfaction. The neckline plunged uncomfortably low over her breasts. But, of course, this was the reason Sutherland admired it. The feature of the gown that pleasedherwere the long, tight sleeves that concealed her scars.

Will Andrew even notice I’m nae wearing gloves this night?

Her words to Mariam, the maid she’d been assigned, were curt.

“I’ll be with me faither if ye wish tae speak with me.”

Having no doubt her every move would be reported back to Sutherland, Aileen made it her business to say as little to the woman as possible. The lass gave a surly nod as Aileen stepped through the door.

Still questioning her decision, she made her way along the cold stone corridor to her father’s chamber. She knocked lightly and entered on hearing his responding: “Come.”