Page 77 of Intrigued By A Highlander

Knox stiffened. “What woman?”

“Name’s Autumn—or so folk say. Phelan got hold of her not far from the river crossing.”

Dru’s breath faltered.

“Was she alone?” Knox asked.

“Aye. Traveling on foot. Looked worn down but didn’t make it easy for them. Fought like she meant it, though once they had her bound, she kept saying they’d made a mistake. Denied being Autumn altogether.”

Dru exchanged a glance with Knox, her stomach coiling with unease.

“And Phelan took her anyway?” she asked.

The merchant nodded. “Didn’t seem to care what she claimed. Figured if he was wrong, no harm done. If he was right…” He shrugged. “There’s coin in it from what I hear.”

“Phelan is sure about this?” Knox asked, voice low and with a touch of annoyance. “Does he even know what Autumn looks like?”

The merchant held up both hands. “I only pass along what I hear. But aye, that’s the talk of it. She swore she wasn’t Autumn, but they took her all the same.”

Dru’s fingers clenched tight around Knox’s arm. “She could be anyone. Some poor woman in the wrong place, saying the truth and not being believed.”

“Aye.” The merchant’s voice softened. “That’s what has folks uneasy. Don’t sit right.”

“Do you know where he took her?” Knox asked.

“North. Toward the hills. But whether he means to hand her to Lord Torrance or the one who placed the bounty, no one can say.”

Knox gave a short nod. “Appreciate you sharing the news.”

The merchant lowered his voice. “That’s not all of it.”

“Please share,” Dru said eager to hear all he had to say.

“There is talk that Lord Torrance searches for a new wife.”

“Something happened to Lady Esme?” Dru asked. “They have been wed barely six moon cycles.”

“Tongues wagged before the victorious battle that Lady Esme has thus far failed to get with child and that Lord Torrance has no patience with her failures.”

“How can he search for another wife when his present wife is?—”

The merchant nodded. “You realize what most say… that Lady Esme will have a very short life.”

Knox bought two apples off the merchant before they continued on their way.

They rode in silence for several long moments.

Dru finally spoke. “It would be easy for some to let another suffer their fate. I can’t do that. I can’t let another suffer or die because she was mistaken for me.”

“I figured you would feel that way. But knowing Phelan, he will convince everyone that he is right. The bigger question is… who will he turn her over to? Alive and well to Lord Torrance or dead to the person who placed the bounty on Autumn?”

“We need to save her,” Dru said.

“I know what you’re thinking, wife,” he said worried. “You want to make it known who you are so no innocent women suffer.”

“What will stop others from doing as Phelan did, claiming that an innocent woman is Autumn to get the bounty or attempt to gain the land meant for you?” She shut her eyes briefly before turning sorrowful ones on him. “I cannot let that happen.”

“It isn’t only your decision now that we are husband and wife. It is one we make together, and it isn’t necessary to make that decision now. We’ll go see about this woman, but our top priority is to find out who put the bounty on Autumn and put an end to it.”

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