The Highland Laird (Lords of the Highlands #8) - Amy Jarecki Page 0,26
you like me to have a go?”
Janet snorted. “I suppose Robert figured teaching you to pick locks would come in handy one day. Who kent it would be in my father’s writing table?”
“Robert thought it would keep me amused, especially since my hearing is so acute.” Emma held out the pin. “Which drawer is it?”
Janet guided her hand downward. “The top on the right.”
She rubbed her fingers across the keyhole. “Ah, yes, it shouldn’t take but a moment.” Emma loved picking locks. Robert used to bring her locks of all shapes and sizes for her to work with. While she was growing up, she learned to slip in her pin and gently move it until she felt a hint of a cog. And then she would listen, just as she was doing now.
Click, click. A bit farther. Click.
She tugged the drawer open. “There you are, my dear.”
“Thank you.”
“Only quills and ink pots still?”
“Aye. There was definitely no reason to lock it.”
“Unless your da kent how crafty I am with a hairpin.”
“Perhaps we ought not tell him.”
“Very well.” Emma picked up Albert’s lead. “’Tis ten paces from the writing table to the hearth and seven to the settee.”
“Impressive. You’re doing well with the dog. Or had you memorized the entire library already?”
This was the first time Emma had been in the castle’s library. “I’m still finding my way, but if I’m not wrong, Albert is helping. I think I’d like to pay Sam a visit in the stables and find out exactly how much my new pet has already learned. When we took our walk to the river, Dunollie mentioned it was clear the lad had done some work with him.”
“That’s a wonderful idea. Training Albert ought to keep you busy whilst we’re here. Let me finish this missive, and I’ll escort you.”
“I don’t think ’tis necessary.” Emma fluffed out her skirts. “I’d like to go alone.”
“Alone?” Janet asked, the surprise in her voice unmistakable.
Emma was surprised as well, but something had changed, and her confidence was bolstered. Perhaps she’d been at Achnacarry long enough to be more secure with her bearings. She positively hated to be a burden to anyone. “I’ll have Albert to help, and the library is just off the great hall, so there isn’t a labyrinth of corridors to negotiate. Once I’m outside I’ll be able to find the stables by the smell.”
The drawer closed. “Do you find stables foul?”
“Not at all. But horses and hay have an unmistakable scent. I can find a stable at fifty paces or more.”
“Well, I’ll say it is very brave of you to venture outside on your own.”
“I visit the stables at home, and since we’re going to be here a time, I may as well try.”
“But I’m not so certain you ought to be taking Albert. He could see a grouse and dart away. Why not leave him with me and use your cane?”
“Pardon, but he is why I’m paying a visit to the stables in the first place. Besides, this dog has stopped every time before my cane has touched each and every obstacle. I believe he is brilliant.”
“Perhaps he’s able in the library. But what if something distracts him? He might pull you into a hedge, or a stone wall for that matter.”
“That’s precisely why I need to speak to Sam about his training.”
“You can do that without the dog, dearest.”
“I think not.”
“Very well.” Janet groaned. “I’ll go with you.”
“No. I absolutely insist on doing this myself.” Emma had circumnavigated the chamber enough to find her bearings, and she headed toward the door. “’Tis the middle of the day. There are plenty of people about to ask should I lose my way.”
After all, she’d learned a great deal about Achnacarry since being lost in the middle of the night. All the bedchambers were above stairs, so she wasn’t likely to enter a room she shouldn’t.
“Come behind, Albert.” She gripped the latch on her first try, which made her grin. “We will find the stables if it takes us all afternoon. And if, perchance, I do not return by the evening meal, you may send a search party.”
As soon as she stepped into the great hall, a footman appeared. “May I help you, miss?”
“If you would point me toward the door, please.”
“A quarter turn to your right and straight ahead. Follow me.”
She and Albert followed the sound of the man’s footsteps and stopped with the creak of the door.
“Do you need assistance descending the stairs, miss?”