Page 2 of Wedded to the Devilish Highlander
“It was a few days after Reid left,” she said, her voice quieter now, thoughtful. “Every hour passed with nay word, and I just… I couldnae sit idle any longer.”
Piper clutched her cloak tighter around her but remained silent.
“Thomas may nae see it, but Reid needs protection just as much as the rest of us. He may be grown, but he’s still young.”
“Ye think I dinnae ken that? But what I dinnae ken is how ridin’ after him—dressed as a lad, nay less—will help him.”
“Because if heisin trouble out here, then nay one else is watchin’ his back,” Eileen replied, steel rising in her tone. “Thomas should have sent a man behind him. Or a scout at the very least. But he didnae. Said Reid could handle himself.”
Piper scoffed. “Master Reid can handle the whole bloody world if he has to, Me Lady.”
“But that doesnae mean he should have to. Nae alone.”
“Aye, I reckon’ ye are right.”
“That’s why I’m here, Piper. If Thomas willnae act, then I will.”
“And did ye think about tellin’ me before ye just up and vanished from the keep like a wisp in the wind?” the maid asked, giving her a look. “I had to trail ye like a bloodhound.”
Eileen gave a small smile. “And how exactly did ye find me?”
“It’s nae like ye hadanytraining in coverin’ yer tracks, lass. Lady O’Gunn forced all of the servants to learn basic tracking skills so?—”
Eileen knew what Piper was going to say; the rumors had already made their way to her ears before Piper was even hired. The O’Gunns’ servants were trained to track in the event a prisoner or captive escaped. Everyone was expected to aid in the search, especially if they had been specifically tasked with watchin’ the escapee. It was eithertheirhead or the captive’s.
Piper was a maid to Alba Kilmartin until she started caring for Eileen. She had come to McFair Castle following a trade deal that Eileen’s late father, Tavish Kilmartin, and the former Laird O’Gunn had made.
Tavish had recounted that Piper was clearly being mistreated and how he would not stand for it. Piper had been with the McFairs ever since.
“I ken, Piper. Sorry for bringin’ it up,” Eileen said quickly. “Anyway, I figured ye would try to talk me out of it.”
“Of course, I would! This is madness. And breeches! Ye actually put breeches on. I nearly fainted.”
“They’re surprisingly comfortable,” Eileen admitted, stifling a grin.
“Yer maither would scream herself hoarse if she saw ye like this.”
“Aye, and Thomas would lock me in the tower if he could find me,” Eileen muttered. They walked on a moment more before she added, her voice softer now, “But truly, Piper. Thank ye. For followin’ me.”
“Och! I didnae follow ye. I chased ye to talk ye out of this, but clearly, I failed. So, here I am.”
Eileen stifled another chuckle as Piper rolled her eyes, and the two women made their way through the woods.
They stepped into the village square, stone buildings nestled close, windows aglow with firelight. It smelled of peat smoke, roasted meat, and ale. A dog barked in the distance, and somewhere a door slammed shut. The world felt real again, grounded.
Eileen paused, glancing at Piper. “Go to the inn. Get us a room for the night—tucked away if ye can. I’ll head to the tavern. See what I can find out.”
Piper blinked, stunned. “Ye will go in there alone?”
“Obviously, Piper. Now, go. I’ll catch up.”
Eileen didn’t wait for the maid’s reply. She stepped into the tavern, pushing open the heavy door.
Heat and laughter spilled into the street, mingling with the clatter of mugs and the wail of a fiddle. The warm glow hit her face, making her squint after the cold outside.
The room was packed—with men. Locals and wanderers alike. Most wore travel-stained cloaks, their faces half-hidden in shadow. The stench of sweat and spilled ale clung to every surface. No one spared her more than a glance.
Her heart settled, for now. They believed her to be a boy.Good.
