Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

“Katherine?” Deep compassion swam in Marie’s gaze. “Are you all right?”


Numb, she nodded. “At least I now know who he’s meant for.” She knelt at Mary’s feet, her burgundy skirts billowing around her. “Tell me more about Madison.”

“I’ve no’ seen her in three years, but at the time I thought her a spritely lass with her wide smile and auburn hair. Being the eldest, she aids her mother with her younger siblings. She’ll make him a fine wife.”

Mary’s words roared in her ears. “I—I want him to have a fine wife,” she whispered.

“Katherine, you’re crying.” Marie wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Everything will be all right.”

“John is promised to another.” She wiped her wet cheeks. “He’ll never be mine.” Although maybe this was exactly what she’d needed to hear. The fae had given her a mission and she had to leave, and preferably before John returned.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Marie hugged her. “You want to leave, except you’re supposed to keep him close. The fae told you so.”

“Yes, but he’s made it abundantly clear he hates all things MacLean. I’ve no choice but to leave, and I’ll need your help. I can’t sneak out of here without aid.”

“You’ll always have my aid.” She breathed a long sigh. “I can’t believe I’m going to help send you away.”

“Allow me to aid you as well. I believe in your mission, Katherine.” Mary rummaged through the basket of clothing still needing repair. “You’re a MacLean and you wear my amulet. Once you reach Mull, tell the MacLeans I sent you. Many of the warriors we fought against at the Rhinns saw Marie and you’re her identical. Allow them to assume you are her. No one would harm one of the fae.”

“I can do that.”

“Good. Also, seek my brother’s wife out. Margaret cared for James and she has a kind heart.”

“I promise I’ll seek her out, only how do I get to Mull?”

“Make your way along the coastline to Ardbeg. The seaside village is close and once you reach it, you can hire one of the fishermen to sail you across the waterway. They willnae wish to make landfall for long, but I have my own coin and I’ll give you what you need to ensure your safe passage.” She hauled a lad’s fawn-colored tunic, breeches, and cap from the basket and passed it to her. “I made these for Hector, but he’s yet to grow into them. This clothing should fit you and provide an adequate disguise. We need to sneak you out of here.”

“Now, that’s a plan I can work with.” Excitement and trepidation rolled through her in equal measure. Leaving for Mull was right, the reason she was here. Quickly, she unlaced her gown, donned the lad’s clothing and bundled her hair up under the cap. Mary passed her a pair of socks and boots. She tugged them on and twirled around. “How do I look?”

“You’ll need a plaid to keep you warm, one that does no’ hold the MacDonald colors.” Mary searched inside her basket and grinned as she pulled out a black and white tartan. She wrapped it around her waist and secured it with a pin across her chest. “Now, you look perfect.”

“I’ll fetch supplies from the kitchen and pack you a bag.” Marie dashed to the door in a flurry of emerald skirts. “I won’t be long.” She snuck out.

“I’ll see to the fae’s mission. I won’t fail them, or you, Mary.”

“I know you willnae, but please, take care.” Mary crossed to her corner desk and opened a drawer. She returned and pressed several coins into her hand. “This should see you through.”

“Thank you. I’d like to write John a note.” She pocketed the coins then picked up a quill and a piece of paper from Mary’s desk. She explained to him her reason for going and that she hadn’t wished to leave under such circumstances, but she’d return, as soon as her mission was complete and that he wasn’t to worry about her. After signing her name, she blew on the wet ink and once it dried, folded the letter in three. “Could you give this to him for me?”

“Of course.” Mary slid it into her olive gown’s pocket.

“I’ve got everything you need.” Marie rushed back into the room, her cheeks flushed and a wooden pail in hand. “George just popped out to the bailey. He’s overseeing the change of guard so now’s the perfect time for you to leave.”

“I take it I’m to collect the fish for the day?”

“That you are.” She passed her the pail holding a brown canvas satchel hidden inside. “The cook’s son was about to head down to the bay to collect the fishermen’s catch. I told him I would ask another to see to the task. With Mary’s help, we’ll get you out of here, or at least that’s the plan.”