Page 10 of The Curse of McMillan Castle
Rosie frowned at me, but said nothing as we watched Duncan approach.
“Thank ye both for yer kindness in allowing me to walk with ye to the castle.”
I gave him a curt nod and pointed to his horse.
“Just keep your horse behind us. I don’t want to step in its excrement.”
Rosie turned horrified eyes on me as we stepped away from Henry’s house to begin the short walk to the castle.
What the hell was wrong with me? I seriously needed to get a grip.
* * *
In complete contrast to the way I’d treated Duncan and completely in line with Rosie’s predictions, the first person we ran into at McMillan Castle after seeing Duncan’s horse to the castle stables—my stepmother, Kenna—greeted Duncan with nothing but warmth.
“Who do the two of ye have with ye? Have ye picked up a new friend?”
Duncan spoke up beside me before either Rosie or myself could answer her. “They were kind enough to allow me to walk with them after the rain. Me name is Duncan. Might ye be the mistress of this castle?”
Kenna blushed and waved a dismissive hand. “Nae, lad. No’ anymore. I am the laird’s mother. Might I be of assistance to ye?”
Duncan nodded. “Aye, mayhap so. I recently came into possession of something I believe belongs here. I have come to return it.”
Kenna cocked her head to the side in confusion before gripping his arm and pulling him further into the castle entry hall.
“Something that belongs here, ye say? How then did it end up in yer possession?”
“I am a stone mason, me lady. Recently, I undertook some work for a man back home. When I was finished, he couldna pay. Instead, he offered what I have returned to ye today. I doona ken how this item found its way to the man who gave it to me.”
“And why precisely would ye return something that was gifted to ye? And how do ye ken it originates from here?”
Before continuing, Duncan glanced cautiously over at my daughter. “Forgive me, but I doona ken if ’tis best for me to say in front of the child. I doona wish to scare her.”
Rosie wasted no time in speaking up for herself. “First, I’m not a child. Second, you’re worried about scaring me? Don’t be. I love being scared. Please don’t stop on my account.”
I nodded as Duncan’s eyes searched mine for permission. Rosie and I were both too intrigued to leave Duncan alone with Kenna without hearing the whole story.
“It’s fine. Go ahead.”
Duncan frowned, but said nothing as he returned his attention to Kenna. “Verra well then. Me lady, I carry with me a portrait of a lass I believe must be related to ye. This lassie’s soul has tormented me each night I’ve had this here painting in me possession. ’Tis me hope that returned to her home, she shall return to peace once more, and I might finally have a good night’s sleep.”
I watched as Kenna’s face paled even before Duncan moved to undrape the portrait. The moment the portrait was revealed to her, I saw her eyes begin to roll, and I rushed to catch her as she fell.
Chapter 7
Duncan
Lady Kenna had seen the portrait before—the way her face paled before she collapsed backwards into Madeline’s arms made that clear. He moved quickly after watching the Lady Kenna swoon, laying the portrait down on its back before hurrying to offer his assistance.
The woman regained consciousness quickly. Her eyes fluttered open almost as quickly as they’d rolled back into her head.
“Ach, me apologies. I dinna mean to upset ye so.”
Madeline placed one hand on Kenna’s cheek before looking up at him. “Help me get her into the sitting room. Her skin is so cold. Let’s get her seated by the fire.”
With a quick nod, Duncan lowered himself and scooped Kenna into his arms. The woman was petite and lighter than most children.
The old woman protested immediately. “I am fine, truly. Ye can set me down. Ye only took me by surprise is all.”
