Page 6 of Deception

She glanced at the old laird, then rose and followed Jacob from the room. He cupped her elbow and guided her down the hallway, his mind numb. He hadn’t loved Lady Alison. In fact, despite his promise to marry her, he hadn’t relished the prospect. Still, it was strange knowing she was dead. If Lyel discovered the truth, he would die in sorrow. Jacob simply couldn’t allow that to happen.

He stopped in front of the bedchambers set aside for Lyel’s granddaughter and opened the door. The lass entered and came to such a sudden halt, he nearly bumped into her.

She whirled to face him. “This is too much.”

He closed the door. “Not for Lady Alison.”

Her head snapped up. “Ye are angry.”

“Nae. I am simply sorry for Lyel and the women who died.”

Moisture glistened in her eyes. “They were so young.”

Not much younger than her, he imagined, but she spoke as if she was their mother.

She hung her head. “Must ye send me away?”

“Send you away? Where?”

“Nowhere.” She shook her head. “I will work hard for ye, I swear. Please, I have nowhere to go.” She swiped at a tear.

“Easy, lass,” he said. “You have nothing to fear. For now, ye are Lady Alison—to everyone. Do you understand?”

She hesitated, then nodded.

“What is your name?”

“Linnae Donald.”

“Donald?” he blurted. “What do ye know about the attack on the carriage?”

Linnae gasped. “I wouldnae hurt Lady Alison—I loved her. Nor would I hurt the other maids.” Her expression darkened. “Just because I am a Donald, doesnae mean I hold with murder.”

Jacob lifted a brow. “Nae?”

“Nae.”

Jacob studied her. The lass had grit. In truth, he could see no reason for her to lie. She had been in the carriage when it went off the road. Not to mention, she could have let him believe she was Lady Alison.

“Everyone will expect ye to take the evening meal with me,” he said.

Her eyes widened. “It isnae proper.”

“It is not only proper, but expected of Lady Alison. Rest. I will send up a maid in a bit.” She said nothing, and he added, “Aye?”

“Aye,” she replied, and he strode from the room.

Jacob pulled the door shut behind him and released a slow breath before he started down the hallway. God help him, could he fool everyone long enough for Lyel to die in peace? He slowed. Everyone died, but the old chief was more like a father than a friend. Lyel had been present for every important decision of his life. Soon, however, he would be gone.

* * *

Jacob reached the great hall,where men had begun to gather in anticipation of the evening meal. He scanned the room, caught sight of his captain, Reams, and nodded for Reams to follow him. Jacob reached a seat at the table farthest from the hearth where they could talk without easily being overheard. With a sigh, he sat down and filled two empty mugs with ale. He drained half his mug by the time Reams settled beside him. Jacob pushed the other mug in front of him and took another swig out of his mug.

“Any news on the attack of Lady Alison’s carriage?” Jacob asked.

Reams shook his head. “Nae. We brought the bodies of the three maids. I noticed something interesting about the fair-headed lass.”

Jacob kept his expression neutral. “Aye?”