Page 58 of The Ruthless Laird's Virgin
Someone she had never seen suddenly opened the door, stepping inside without announcing himself. The man was older than Callum, his dark hair streaked with grey, while his eyes were dark and wild. He was at least a head shorter than she was, with wrinkles around his eyes and mouth.
Panic suddenly filled her chest when he shut the door behind him, making her realise that she was all alone in the study with a strange man.
I have to do somethin’.
She looked around the room, searching for any object that could act as a weapon. Callum had warned her that nobody in the clan could be trusted.
Stepping forward, the older man began speaking in hushed tones. “Forgive me, Mistress. I didnae mean to frighten ye. I have somethin’ to tell the Laird.” His eyes moved around the room just as frantically as her own before settling on her once again.
“Then why nae go and tell the Laird?” She stepped back from him, trying to keep her mind sharp as she spotted the pitcher of ale on the desk. All she needed to do was make her way over, and she would have a heavy enough weapon to keep herself safe.
The man stopped moving and hung his head. “I cannae approach the Laird without bein’ seen. Ye are the Laird’s bride, and as such ye have his ear. I am beggin’ ye, Mistress, hear what I have to say and tell the Laird.” He looked up again, his eyes filled with sorrow this time.
Something in the way he looked at her made Eleanor want to hear what he had to say. She still did not trust him, but if there was even the slightest chance he had something that could help, she was willing to hear him out.
“I cannae speak very loud, Mistress, would ye mind if we moved over to the desk?” He glanced at the door behind him as if it were a snake that could strike.
Mimicking his motions, Eleanor quickly glanced at the desk to her side. At least there she would have the desk between them and the heavy pitcher of ale as a defence. Nodding slowly, she sidled toward the desk, never taking her eyes off the man. Before too long, she was safely away from him.
The man waited until she stopped before cautiously approaching with his hands in full view. He seemed to understand that she did not trust him, and he did not seem to mind either.
She waited with bated breath as he closed the distance between him and the desk, stopping short of bumping into the hardwood.
His voice was barely above a whisper when he spoke again. “I shouldnae be tellin’ ye this, Mistress, but there is somethin’ foul movin’ through this clan. Ye stand beside our Laird now, hewill listen to what ye have to say.” He nervously glanced over his shoulder again, seemingly not wanting to leave the door unguarded.
Our Laird?
Was the man genuinely loyal to Callum, or had he wanted Eleanor to trust him? Her heart still pounded furiously as she gripped the edge of the desk until her knuckles turned white.
Looking back at Eleanor, the man seemed to pale slightly as she swallowed hard. “The land agent carries the papers that could seize Fraser lands from Callum himself.”
“Donald Stewart?” Eleanor almost gasped as she lifted a hand to her chest. She had heard the name so many times that she could hardly believe that he really existed.
The man’s eyes grew even wider as he quickly shook his head. “Please, Mistress, daenae speak his name out loud. The castle walls have ears; none of us is safe.” He raised his hands, signaling her to be quiet as he looked over his shoulder.
He is tellin’ the truth.
Eleanor’s heart skipped a beat as the man kept his eyes on the door. Only someone who feared for his life would have turned away from someone they had just met. He had never said his name, but Eleanor could tell from his actions that he feared for his life.
Someone has infiltrated the clan. Callum was right.
Her very breath caught in her throat as a fresh wave of panic began to set in. She needed to find Callum and tell him what she had heard before it was too late.
Slowly turning back to her, the man tore his eyes away from the door and began to back away from the desk. “I cannae say any more, Mistress, but please, warn our Laird. He must ken the danger that lies in wait for us all.” His own breathing deepened as he turned around and hurried from the study, leaving Eleanor to take in all that he had said.
“I must find Callum at once.” Her body suddenly felt numb as her legs refused to move.
The man’s information meant so much. If Andrew had indeed met with Donald Stewart, then his life could be in danger at this very moment. Was he being held captive, or even worse, had he been killed for knowing too much? Emotions jumbled in her chest as she fought back the tears that threatened to spill over.
Using every ounce of strength within her, she forced herself to let go of the desk and hurried toward the door. Stepping out into the hall, she looked both ways before closing the study doors and bolting down the hall.
Her breath stung her lungs as she ran as quickly as she could, taking steps two at a time whenever necessary. She ran through the castle, checking in each room and every corridor in case she found him.
“Mistress, is somethin’ the matter?” Marion almost bumped into her as she rounded the corner carrying a tray of tea.
Breathing heavily, Eleanor leaned against the wall with one arm. “Have… have ye seen… the Laird? I must speak with him.” She fought for breath as her heart beat in her ears.
Looking shocked, Marion furrowed her brow before speaking. “Aye, his lairdship was in the stables with Iain. They were headed out for a ride, but ye may still catch them if ye hurry.” She gave Eleanor a quizzical stare before chewing the inside of her cheek.
