Laird of the Mist (23 page)
―Yer grandda has been a longtime now,‖ Carrick said, tightening the makeshift bandage on his hand that Cat had torn from her petticoat. ―TheEnglish must bevery determined in their searchto besuch awhile.‖
―Aye,‖ Cat agreed, lifting her weary head from his shoulder. They had been sitting in the pitch black cave for hours. ―It must be nearly morning by now.‖ Her stomach gave a loud growl and she shifted next to him.
―Ye‘rehungry,‖heacknowledged the rumble. ―I‗ll peek out the entrance and see is it safe for us to go. Or me, at least.Ye and the babe need food.‖ He rose carefully, so as not to jar her.
―Carrick! No!‖ Cat stood quicklyand grabbed his arms. ―Ye mustna go! What if they are still there? What if they catch ye? We—the babe and I—we need ye safe!‖
Carrick kissed her quicklyand moved toward the entrance. ―I‘ll be safe, Cat. Dinna fash.‖ And he was gone.
Cat sat anxiously awaiting his return. A million thoughts, all horrible, flew through her mind in vivid color. He would be hanged for certain, should they capturehim. Weren‘t they rounding up and hanging every Jacobite they could find? And Carrick was laird of an enormous estate. They‘d want his lands, if nothing else.
A rustle in the brush made Cat stand abruptly and move back against the wall, deeper into the darkness. She held her breath lest they should find her.
―Cat?‖ Carrick‘s whispered voice called out. ―‘Tis safe, Cat. Come to me.‖
Cat slowly picked her way to him. She reached out her hand so that he could find her in the gloom. ―They‘re gone?‖
―Aye, they‘re gone.Come, Cat.‖
They made their way down the path toward the Inn, silent as they went. When they were almost there, Carrick stopped and turned to embrace her. Nuzzling her hair, he whispered,―There is a thing I‘d say to ye, Caitriona.‖
Puzzled, she answered, ―Go on, then.‖
―Ye love me no matter what, aye? And our bairn will be safe no matter, aye?‖
―Aye, Carrick. Of course.‖ She pulled back from him and stared intently into his eyes. Eyes that seemed to hold a mysterious burden. ―What is it, for God‘s sake?‖ she insisted.
―Come, Cat.‖ He turned and led her closer to the Inn.
―Oh,my God!‖ Cat cried, sinking to her knees in the dirt. ―Oh,my God!‖
Before her was the Inn with a parking lot full of shiny, modern automobiles.
Invergarry Castle is real, but has been in ruins since Cumberland destroyed it in 1746. The ruins are featured on the cover of this book. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, and I go there every chance I get. You can visit the website at
http://www.glengarry.net/castle.php
Invergarry Castle was the seat of the Chiefs of the MacDonells of Glengarry, a powerful branch of the Clan Donald, known as the Clan Ranald of Knoydart and Glengarry. Its situation on
Creagan an Fhithich
the Raven's Rock
- overlooking Loch Oich in the Great Glen, was a strategic one in the days of clan feuds and Jacobite risings.
About the Author
Foery MacDonell is an award-winning, published author of historical romance. Her passion for literature and history led her into writing at the age of ten. Foery has honorary degrees in British Literature, Philosophy, Metaphysics, and Scottish History.
She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Cactus Rose RWA.
[email protected]
or visit her web site
www.moongypsy.com
won the Covey Award, Second Place for the Best Historical Novel, 2010.
Also by Foery MacDonellThe Fool’s Journey
From the mysterious monasteries of Tibet to the sweeping vistas of the Caribbean and its pirates, two people find their destinies in each other. The first novel in the Infinity Series,
The Fool's Journey
is an epic historical set in 18th century England and the Caribbean and spans the lifetime of Lady Catherine Bramwell and the three men who love her.
Lady Catherine: framed for the murder of her husband of an arranged marriage. Jean-Philippe: the mysterious former English officer who wins her heart.
James: the loyal friend who loves her in silence
Artemus: the ex-pirate who wants to own her