shoulder. “We shall see you’re fed, bathed and have a good night’s rest. But I think we must hide you away from a Campbell keep.”
Helen didn’t like the sound of that at all. “Do you think it necessary?”
“I do. When Sir Aleck discovers you’re missing, there will be hell to pay, and the first place he’ll look is here and Kilchurn.”
“I hate this.” Wringing her hands, Helen clenched her teeth. “Where will I go?”
“I have just the place.” Gyllis held up a finger and waggled her brows. “On the morrow, I shall spirit you and Maggie to Sean’s hunting cottage in Fearnoch Forest. No one will ever find you there—and ’tis well provisioned for the season. There you can stay and await word from the Pope.”
“A hunting cottage?” Helen allowed herself to hope. “It sounds ideal.”
“’Tis a tad rustic, but you should want for nothing. And I can visit you often.” Gyllis chuckled. “When Sean first became chieftain, the forest was riddled with outlaws, but no longer.”
For the first time in years, the tightness in Helen’s chest eased. It was hard to believe that she and Maggie would be free at last. “I’d like to pen a missive to Sir Eoin. Are they still stationed at Dunstaffnage?”
“Unfortunately, nay. The king is amassing his army at Tabert.” Gyllis covered her mouth with a sharp inhale. “’Tis a big secret. My husband would be very upset to know I’d told you so freely.”
Helen’s heart sank—Dunstaffnage was only four miles north of Dunollie where it would be ever so easy to dispatch a message. If only Eoin were there. “Curses, if I didn’t have rotten luck, I’d have no luck at all. Tabert is quite far.” She knew of it only because the castle lay on Clan Campbell lands.
“But not for a galley.” Gyllis grinned, the same mischievous smile she’d had as a child. “A small crew could set sail in the morning.”
Helen gasped. “Honestly? Would they be able to take Mr. Keith with them? I would entrust a verbal message only to his care. I will not even venture to put quill to parchment.”
Gyllis patted her hand with a reassuring glint in her eyes. “Then we shall make it so.”
In the guest chamber, a wooden tub filled with warm water had been placed in front of the hearth, which already crackled with a hearty fire. Helen pulled the lace on her kirtle, untying the bow. “I cannot wait to be rid of this gown. It smells worse than a swine’s bog.”
“I shall have the maids clean it and bring you a fresh change of clothes.” Gyllis stood back and eyed her. “I’ve a kirtle that’s a wee bit too short. It ought to fit.”
“Thank you ever so much. I hope that one day I will be able to repay your kindness.”
“No my dearest.” Gyllis cupped Helen’s face with her palm. “We are family. Campbells take care of their own.”
“’Tis music to a lady’s ears.”
“Shall I ask Jinny to assist you?”
Helen glanced at the tub. It looked so inviting. “Honestly, I’d prefer to be left alone. I am ever so tired.”
“Very well,” Gyllis agreed. “I shall send up a tray later—and worry not about the bairn. The nursemaid will take good care of her until the morrow.”
“Are you sure?” A tightness gripped Helen’s chest. Though tired to her bones, she didn’t like being separated from Maggie all night. “Perhaps we should bring a cradle in here.”
“Let me help you this once.” Gyllis pulled Helen’s cloak from her shoulders and draped it over a chair. “You need a good rest before we head for the cottage. I’ll see to it plenty of stores are loaded on a pack mule and we shall haste away after we break our fast. Does that meet with your approval?”
“I don’t know what to say.” Helen clasped her hands together. “Thank you ever so much for your gracious generosity.”
“You are my dearest sister. If someone asked me to give you my right arm, I wouldn’t hesitate.”
Helen let out a lightheaded chuckle. “I hope we never have to go to such extremes.”
Stepping in, Gyllis grasped her elbow. “Are you certain you do not need assistance? You’re looking a bit pale.”
That didn’t surprise Helen in the slightest. “I’m sure my head will stop swooning just as soon as I can immerse myself in the tub.”
“Very well.” Her sister pointed. “If you should want for anything, my chamber is straight down the passageway.”
“Thank you.”
Helen waited until Gyllis left, then peeled off her