Page 54 of The Forest Bride

“And can I trust you not to run again?” He tilted his head.

“Set a guard on me if you do not believe me.” She watched Greta. “Now I know why you do not want to bring attention to Brechlinn. You need to protect these birds.”

“I do.”

“Would you take me out when you go hawking next? I have flown hawks at Kincraig for years. We had a busy mews when Papa was alive—peregrines and goshawks, merlins, kestrels. But never a gyrfalcon.”

“We could go this afternoon. I have not had a good outing with the birds for a while.”

“So you would trust me to leave the castle?” She smiled a little.

“With me, aye. I will talk to Bran, and Lennox may want to go with us too.” He walked to the door. “So now you know one of my secrets.”

“And I will keep it. Could I fly Greta?”

“Not yet. You should have one easier to handle at first.”

“I like her name.”

“Greta,” he said, opening the door, “is a short form of Margaret.”

She gave him a startled look as she stepped outside.

“Ah, Bran!” He strode out into the yard as if his words had not struck her, though she stood staring after him. He had named the bird for her?

Bran approached, an astonished look on his face, his gaze fixed on Margaret. One of the big gray hounds was with him; Mungo, she remembered. The hound, tall enough to tip his head on her shoulder, bumped against her hoping for a pat. She obliged. Bran continued to stare at her.

“Good morning, Bran,” she said brightly.

“Good morning—er—”

“This is Lady Margaret Keith,” Duncan said smoothly.

“Uh, greetings. She, uh—” Bran frowned, looked toward the gate, puzzled.

Duncan laughed. “You will remember her dressed as a lad, Bran.”

He widened his eyes. “The archer lad?”

“The lady needed to hide from some who were looking for her.”

“Sorry, my lady. I truly did not see it.”

“It would be a useless disguise if everyone guessed easily.” She smiled.

“I suppose! Duncan, what can I do for you and the lady this fine morning?”

“You are cheerful today.”

“A lady is present, sir.”

“Of course. Well. We will take some birds out later today. Have the horses ready, with one for yourself and Lennox too. We will go north a bit.”

“We will need the ponies up there. The walking is tough. Can the lady ride or walk that far?”

“I will be fine,” she said.

“Aye then. Sir, if you are looking for Lennox, he is in the kitchen eating the last of my oatcakes. I burned them badly this time, but he says he likes them. The dogs were needing me and I forgot they were on the griddle. The cakes, I mean. Not the dogs. My lady,” Bran said with a clumsy bow, and walked away.