Page 71 of The Scottish Bride

“Master Harper?” She put a hand to her chest. “We thought you had died!”

“As did Lady Tamsin when I saw her again.”

“Have you seen her recently? We heard that more soldiers entered Dalrinnie.”

“They have, under Sir Malise Comyn. But she is safe in Holyoak Abbey now.”

“Sir William was sent here by King Robert,” her father explained. “He and his kinsmen have been ordered to fetch you.”

Though she startled at the news, Lady Kirsten listened calmly while her father and Liam explained. “These knights are here to keep you safe, my dear,” her father said as she began to protest. “I want you to go with them.”

“Papa, I cannot leave you and ride off with men I hardly know, even though I have met Sir William,” she added.

“My dear, you must go with them. Listen to your father.”

“But Papa, in September Sir William was carrying a message for Lady Tamsin—from King Edward, not King Robert.”

Sir Hugh turned. “Is it so?”

“It was necessary at the time, sir. But Lady Tamsin has been removed from Dalrinnie and is in no danger now under our watch.” He glanced at the others.

“I see. Then we want the same for my daughter.”

“Papa, you must come too. You cannot stay here if Thornhill might be taken.”

“It is my place to be here, and your duty to leave if King Robert orders it. I agree that our noblewomen must be protected after the fate of Bruce’s women. Kirsty, you must go. I will see you soon, I promise.”

“If you stay, I stay, Papa.” Despite her plea, Douglas shook his head firmly.

“If I may, sir.” Liam turned to Lady Kirsten. “We will take you to meet your cousin. It is a long day’s ride to the forest from here, but we will take you to shelter with some good loyal folk. And I will bring Lady Tamsin there as well. As for traveling with strangers, we are kin of a sort now, my lady.”

“Kin?” Sir Hugh Douglas looked puzzled.

“Lady Tamsin and I were married recently.” He smiled, shrugged.

“Married!” Sir Hugh said. “Excellent!”

“Lady Tamsin—a harper’s bride?” The girl set a hand over her mouth in surprise.

“In a way. It happened quickly. I will explain later. I know she will be very glad to see you.”

“Indeed, that does make you a cousin and kinsman!” Sir Hugh said in a hearty voice that, although a bit forced, might convince his daughter. “From what I know of you, sir, this guarantees my daughter’s safe passage in your care.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now, about that other matter, Sir William. Do you plan to transport the rent that we have been gathering here?”

Liam glanced at his brother and cousin. “Aye, though we have only three horses.”

“Lady Kirsten will ride her mare. I will lend you another horse.”

“How many sacks are there, sir?” Liam asked.

“Two will do, I think. Mostly silver long-cross pennies, some halved and quartered,” he clarified, “and a fair amount of plate that can be melted down as needed.” While he spoke, Liam saw Kirsten look from one to the other, eyes wide. Clearly, she was unaware that her father had been assisting Liam the last several months. With Sir Hugh’s help, they had collected rents fromBruce’s tenants listed on rent-rolls for Lochmaben and other properties. Sir Hugh had continued the work after Liam was taken, then finally released.

Another matter had to be mentioned without speaking too openly. Servants or sentries—one stood near the door—might overhear. One could not be too careful.

“And the rent roster? You have marked the names there?” he asked.