The Highland Laird (Lords of the Highlands #8) - Amy Jarecki Page 0,33
had slipped out of her bed and gone to the stables, all she’d had on her mind was finding a way to free Ciar. Obviously, pleading with the governor was at the top of her list. She was the first to admit it was a rather paltry plan and, though it might still be her best option, after four hours of riding, she’d decided that once she entered the fort, she must learn everything about the layout as quickly as possible.
Sam nudged her with his forearm. “Why do I suddenly have a feeling a guinea wasn’t enough?”
“Wheesht and listen.” She shifted against the lad, her backside already sore from sitting astride for hours. “Once we’re inside, I need you to be my eyes. Take note of where the sentries are posted, where the gates are, and especially if you see any…”
“What?”
“Well, Robert always says every fortress has a weakness.”
“Like the postern gate at Achnacarry?” Sam asked. “If I were to lay siege to the castle, I’d attack from there. ’Tis not heavily fortified, and there are more guards posted near the front gate.”
“Exactly. You will act as my footman, but in truth you will be my spy.”
“That sounds exciting, except I might remind you that you’re blind, and I’m no spy. Together we’ll be about as useful as Albert.”
“Albert is very useful.” She ran her fingers through the horse’s mane, letting the coarse hair slide over her palm. “After the dragoons take me to meet with Wilcox, I want you to learn all you can about Fort William’s weaknesses. Can you do that for me?”
He gulped. “I’ll give it a go, but they mightn’t like me wandering about.”
“I don’t think they can arrest you for that. If they give you a difficult time, tell them you were lost.”
They had no trouble being admitted by the sentry at the fort’s main gate, but gaining an audience with Governor Wilcox proved to be a challenge. They ate the biscuits Emma had brought while waiting on a bench outside the officer’s rooms.
Albert pawed Emma’s knee.
She gave him a nibble. “Forgive me. I suppose we should have stopped at the inn to break our fast.”
“This won’t tide me over for long,” said Sam with his mouth full. “For breakfast I usually eat three eggs and a helping of bacon and toast with Cook’s elderberry jam.”
Emma’s mouth watered for the delicious jam. If only she were sitting in the kitchens across from Ciar now. “We’ll eat after we’ve finished here.”
Two hours had passed when she was finally called. “Wait and observe,” she whispered.
“Excuse me, miss, but you cannot take a dog into the governor’s chamber.”
Affecting her most haughty expression, Emma gripped the lead in her fist. “I can and I shall.”
The sentinel grumbled something uncouth under his breath. “This way.”
“Walk on, Albert,” she said, urging the dog forward and stretching to her full height. If ever she needed to draw upon the Grant fortitude and tenacity, now was the time.
When the door creaked open, she moved through with an air of complete confidence, walking until Albert stopped. No matter how much she quaked on the inside, after years of studying Robert as he assumed and grew into their father’s role, she knew in her bones she must not cower in the face of adversity. “Good morning, governor. I am Emma Grant, sister to the chieftain of Clan Grant, and I am here on grave matter.”
A man cleared his throat to her left, and she immediately turned toward the sound. “I knew Dunollie was likely to have visitors, but a woman?” he asked. “And one with…”
“I assure you, sir,” she said, in a voice so confident, she had no idea from whence it came. In no way would she allow him to discredit her because she was unable to see. “My blindness has no effect on my mental capacity.”
“I rather doubt that,” he mumbled rather sardonically. “Won’t you sit?”
Since the man hadn’t the decency to touch her arm and hold the seat, she’d look even more inept if she fumbled around trying to find a chair. “I’d prefer to stand, thank you.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll take a seat and finish my coffee.”
Nodding her assent, she moved farther into the chamber and gave Albert a silent command to sit. “I understand Ciar MacDougall has been falsely accused of murder.”
“Hardly.” A cup tinked against a saucer. “There are three witnesses to his crime.”
“And these are honorable men?”
The governor groaned. “I cannot abide Scottish Highlanders and their all-encompassing