Page 35 of The Scottish Bride

The hound ran past them, then turned to wait for the riders. Gilchrist surged ahead, Roc chasing alongside, while Finley dropped back to speak with William.

“Gilchrist is going ahead to make sure the way is clear,” Finley said. “Where will you go after Selkirk, my lady? It is hardly safe for you to travel on your own.”

“Kincraig, my family’s castle. Though I ought to go to Thornhill to fetch my cousin. She could travel with me.” She glanced at William Seton. The harper would remember Lady Kirsten Douglas, but he gave no sign.

Finley shook his head. “There is danger in traveling, especially for a woman, especially to those areas. The English are planning to take castles like Thornhill and Kincraig, if they can. Surely you heard of it at Dalrinnie.”

She felt a frisson of alarm. “I heard nothing. Will my cousin be safe there?”

“Baron Thornhill sympathizes with Edward, which may count in their favor. Taking a castle down is not an easy thing to manage and may not happen quickly.”

“They may have more news of English movements at Holyoak,” William said.

Sir Gilchrist rode back. “All clear. Mist all about, and sleet beginning. Sheep on the hillsides, and the road empty north and south. This poor weather will keep others off the roads, but we should hasten for shelter. I do not like the look of those clouds, Liam.”

“Holyoak is a fair distance yet. Those clouds threaten rain, perhaps even snow in this damp cold,” his brother replied. “We can stop at the inn ahead for the lady’s sake and rest the horses before we go to the abbey. This weather is unusual for October and should not last.”

As they spoke, rain began to fall in tiny, icy pellets. Tamsin shivered in the bitter wind. “Are we safe on the high road?”

“For now,” Gilchrist said. “English troops come up by road and water. But we will keep careful watch. Edward may send more men to Dalrinnie.”

Sir William glanced at her. “Did you hear aught of plans at Dalrinnie?”

“They were looking at maps and talking of Bruce. But I do not know their plans, other than they intend to find Robert Bruce however they can. Could Sir Malise find us out here, do you think?”

“All too possible. I imagine there is quite a stir at Dalrinnie over your absence.”

“Should I ask sanctuary at Holyoak? You are a worthy escort, but he could—”

“Bad as that, to need sanctuary?” He glanced back.

“He will be in a temper over this,” she admitted.

“A monastery cannot house a woman alone for long except in the hospital there. They would send you to a convent, likely Lincluden Priory. For now, know that Dalrinnie’s Scottish bride is safe with us, aye?”

That was what Sir John had called her. “Scottish widow.”

“Just so. Why is Comyn so determined to find you? Did you steal plate or goods? Done murder or harm?” His lips quirked.

“Much of the plate and goods are mine. He wants me back for other reasons.”

“There are easier exits than the tower. I wonder you did not take the tunnel that leads outside the walls.”

Tamsin stared. “Tunnel?”

“From the tower to the postern gate. Surely you knew.”

She shook her head. “I did not. How do you know of it?”

“A guess. Many older castles of that type have just such an escape in case of attack. How long have you been at Dalrinnie?”

“Over two years. But I never heard of a tunnel. My husband never mentioned it.”

“Perhaps he never knew. He was not the original owner.”

“I heard little of that one. Only that he was away from Dalrinnie when it was taken.” He went silent and she felt a strange tension rolling from him that began to build in her. He guided the horse, then spoke over his shoulder.

“That makes the taking of a castle easier when the owner is gone.”