Down the Rabbit Hole

Maura cleared her throat and motioned for the women to leave. When the last one was gone, she paused, seeing the way the young woman and the laird were staring at each other with naked hunger.

The old woman was smiling as she silently closed the door and made her way along the hall.


*

Colin reached a hand from behind his back and handed Beth a nosegay of flowers. At her look of surprise, he touched a finger to her cheek. “I saw these in the garden and had to pick them. They reminded me of you, so sweet and so perfect.”

She buried her face in the nosegay and fought a sudden rush of tears. “Thank you, my lord.” She looked up. “Before we go to the banquet, there are things I must tell you. Important things that could—”

He gently shook his head and offered his arm. “There will be time later to talk. Now we must go belowstairs.”

Seeing the set of his jaw, she took a deep breath and placed her hand on his sleeve. And as she moved along by his side, she prayed that she could remain strong and vigilant. For there was evil here. She could sense it. Could almost feel it vibrating in the very air.


*

The great room was filled with voices and laughter as the men strutted about, boasting of their hunting prowess, while their ladies made a great show of displaying their finest gowns.

Giant logs blazed on the hearth, warming the room and perfuming it with the scent of evergreen. The tables were groaning under the many dishes prepared by Mistress MacKay and her serving wenches.

When Colin and Beth entered, there was a sudden silence as the men and women looked over at the handsome couple.

Edwina’s eyes narrowed. “Another of the Lady Catherine’s gowns? Have you nothing of your own?”

Beth gave a slight shake of her head. “I arrived at Stag’s Head with nothing but the clothes on my back.”

“Which, as I recall, were strange garments reminiscent of someone quite demented.” Edwina shot a quick glance at her friends, who looked embarrassed before laughing behind their hands.

A handsome young man stepped up beside Edwina. “Mind your manners, wife. I’ve only just arrived and already you’ve had your fill of ale.”

“Oh, I’ve had not nearly enough. But I’ve had my fill of you, Muldore.” At that, Edwina flounced away, leaving him staring after her.

Beth’s brow shot up as she turned to Colin. “That is Edwina’s husband?”

“Aye. Muldore Campbell. Poor fool. She cared not about his heart, but only for his gold. And he never looked beyond the pretty face to see into the soul of Edwina, so now he pays the price.”

He led Beth toward the head table. As soon as they were seated, the guests followed suit.

In no time, as servants scurried about filling platters and goblets, the noise level rose to a fever pitch.

More than a few of the hunters were staggering about, the result of too much ale. Their drunken laughter rang through the room.

As if to further taunt her husband, Edwina openly flirted with the men who returned her attention until they would happen to take note of Muldore Campbell seated to one side, glaring, his hand on the dagger at his waist. Then they would step back, leaving Edwina to seek out another conquest for her dangerous game.

Beth caught a glimpse of Ian pulling one of the serving girls close to whisper in her ear. Whatever he said had the lass blushing before she hurried away. With a laugh he turned to another, younger lass, and boldly ran his hand down the front of her gown, causing Colin to give a hiss of anger.

Beth turned to him. “Ian’s wife is not here with him?”

Colin’s voice was low. “She could not make the journey, since she is soon to deliver their first child.”

“Poor thing.”

“Aye. She had little to say about the matter of marriage. It was decided between her father and Ian, and I’m told he promised the old man a great deal of gold in exchange for his daughter’s hand.”

“I hope her father thinks it was worth making a bargain with the devil.”

At her words, Colin turned to her. “I see you are not deceived by Ian’s handsome features.”