Page 91 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

*

“And where does that path lead, senhor?” The man’s accent was distracting, but Laird Oliver did his best to ignore it and appear welcoming. It took a great deal of effort, though, since these men had overstayed their welcome as far as he was concerned.

Oliver glanced in the direction the man was pointing and bristled. “Up there? That goes to Drulea Cottage, the Fairborn wench’s house. Why do you ask?”

The man said nothing in response. He simply smiled, but the expression only made him appear more menacing.

The laird shuffled back a few steps and cleared his throat. “I have several things to get to, you know, being the laird and all.”

Laird Oliver hurried away, his gait like a waddling penguin’s as his great stomach teetered from side to side. He only hoped the other man wouldn’t follow, for there was no way he would be able to outrun the foreigner.

But the second man didn’t turn, didn’t speak, and didn’t even notice the bumbling oaf’s departure. Now that it was clear who was responsible for the freak storm, he had far more important things to think about.

He walked back toward the ship, nearly bumping into a clumsy fisherman on his way.

“Ah, sorry there, sir! Got so carried away with my latest catch that I did na even see you! ’Twas right lucky I did na drop them all over the dock, especially since—”

“Do better next time!” He didn’t have time to deal with this, not when he had just discovered something so remarkable. He climbed aboard the waiting ship, already thinking of the new possibilities within his grasp.

Plans and Counterplans

Briony dashed through town like a squirrel, narrowly missing Vicar Peterson in her haste. She shouted apologies as she ran off to the sound of his irritated grumbling. Time was of the essence right then, and she couldn’t stop for mere courtesy.

Briony had convinced Niall to wait for her at Drulea Cottage that evening while she retrieved her sealskin. At least, that was what she’d told him. In reality, the sealskin lay hidden beneath Briony’s clothes, and she was actually on her way to the mad fisherman’s house.

“Mr. McLaren!” She banged her fist against the door over and over when she arrived at his shack.

A few seconds later, she heard footsteps, and the fisherman opened the door. Mr. McLaren’s hair was all in disarray, making it clear he’d been asleep. As soon as he recognized her, though, he seemed to come alive with energy. “Come in, lass! Quickly!”

Several fish lay in a tidy pile upon the table with knives and fishing gear laid out for cleaning. Briony shut the door and turned to the fisherman. “Mr. McLaren, you were right about everything! Niall wants to burn Everton tonight!”

“He’s back already? Where is he?” Mr. McLaren was picking up the closest knife and raising it above his head.

“That won’ do any good, Mr. McLaren. He’s far too powerful.” Briony gently pried the knife from the man’s hand and set it back down.

“Then you mean to just let him do this? I thought there was more fight in you than that, lass.”

Briony shook her head. “Nay, you misunderstand. There is a way to stop him, but na with violence—”

“Then yer going to leave with him? I won’ let that happen.” Vincent tried to grab the knife again, but Briony stepped between him and the table.

“Mr. McLaren, please just wait and let me explain! He’s at my house right now. In human form.Without his sealskin.”

Vincent’s eyes widened. “And you know where ’tis.”

She nodded. “Aye, I do. And once you get it, we can use it as leverage.”

The mad fisherman smirked, showing off the many gaps in his teeth. “’Tis about time someone had the advantage over him. Where do I need to go?”

*

Briony made her way back toward Drulea Cottage, her feet pattering against the dirt. She could see her home from here, standing alone at the crest of the hill, brilliant stars all around it. The candlelight shining within told her that Niall was still waiting for her. And with Mr. McLaren on his way to get the pelt, all Briony had to do now was stall long enough for the fisherman to reach the cottage.

If I’m right, Niall will give up this plan fer vengeance once he realizes Mr. McLaren has the skin.

Sudden footfalls nearby made her turn in surprise.Who would be out at this hour?

“Senhorita Fairborn!” All the blood left Briony’s face when she realized Captain Costa was approaching her. His body language didn’t appear threatening, but she knew he was a threat all the same. She tried not to look alarmed as he stopped a few feet from her.