Page 44 of A Highlander's Bride

“That is where my sister and parents are right now.” She turned to her husband and frowned before turning back to Gregory. “Are they no’ there?” she asked.

He could hear the slight panic in the lass’s voice. Her husbandhugged her closer and said to Gregory. “Ye and yer men are welcomed into our keep.” Before they took one step however, he said, “Please leave yer swords here in the outer bailey. ’Tis a practice with everyone who comes to Castle Grant unexpectedly.”

Gregory nodded and he and his men all withdrew their swords and other weapons and handed them to two guardsmen who stood behind them.

They followed Laird and Lady Grant to settle at a large table in the great hall. Lady Grant called for a maid to bring food and drink.

“I am hardly able to control myself. The last I heard from my sister, she and my parents were headed to Castle Leod where there was a potential betrothal. Why do ye think she is here?”

Gregory went through the story of Lady Beth’s disappearance, the notes to Daniel and Lady Munro and the laird’s insistence Lady Beth had already accepted his proposal and would not have scurried off to her sister’s home.

“So what ye are telling me is my sister is missing,” Lady Grant said, raising her chin, reminding him of Lady Beth.

Gregory hesitated but there was no reason to falter. “Since Lady Beth is no’ here, then I’m afraid, aye, she is missing.”

The lass sucked in a deep breath and turned to her husband, tears beginning to run down her face. He reached out and gathered her into his arms.

Laird Grant looked at Gregory as if he was the one who had something to do with the disappearance of Beth. Hopefully the laird was not of the “kill the messenger” persuasion.

Mugs of ale and a platter of dried meat, cheese, bread and butter was placed in front of them by two serving maids.

The interruption gave Lady Grant a moment to compose herself, and she said, “How is my mam?”

Gregory shrugged. “Concerned. She also is of the mind that the notes were fake, but she agreed with Laird Mackenzie that someoneshould travel to Castle Grant and make sure.”

“What are they doing in the meantime?” Lady Grant wiped her nose on a linen cloth and shook her head when her husband pointed at the food.

Gregory and his men filled their metal plates with the offerings. “Laird Mackenzie was going to take the trip here, but since he was so convinced that Lady Beth would no’ be here, he asked me to take the journey so he and his men could do a thorough search at our own keep.”

Lady Grant looked over at her husband, determination in her face. “I am going to Castle Leod.”

He did not hesitate. “Nay.”

“Aye.”

The laird sighed. “Alisa, ’tis a two or three day journey. By the time ye get there, ’twill most likely be over and yer sister safe.”

The lass glared at her husband. “I am going. My sister is missing and my mam must be beside herself. And if all is well when we get there, which I pray it will be, we can attend her wedding.”

The laird’s tightened lips softened and he reached out his hand to cover his wife’s. “Aye. We will both go. The little ones will be fine under their nurses’ care.”

Lady Grant slumped in relief.

As much as Gregory didn’t wish to get right back on a horse, he knew Laird and Lady Grant would want to leave as soon as possible. “May we borrow a few of yer horses? Ours are all worn out.”

*

Daniel rode tothe village on Atlas as though the demons of hell were after him. He had to find Beth, and soon. Every time he thought about the missive Abraham had handed him, he grew angrier.

The king was at Invergarry Castle, home of the MacIntosh clan,where one of his sisters lived. His note said as long as he was this far north, he wanted to visit Castle Leod and congratulate the new bride and groom.

It was a three or four day trip, depending on how much equipment and supplies they carried with them and how many men rode.

Daniel had no doubt that the king was checking to make sure the wedding had taken place. The elders were pushing hard for him to marry Lady Alice. They intended to present the Laird and Lady of Mackenzie to King George II when he arrived.

If Beth was not found before the king arrived, there would be no Lady Mackenzie to present to the king. The man had given him a choice of two lasses, and he’d done what was commanded—he’d chosen one. ’Tis true he didn’t make the deadline of marriage by Beltane, but once Beth was found he would be sure to have an immediate ceremony.

His fear of the king’s wrath was nothing compared to his fear for Beth. Where the devil could she be?