Page 65 of Cottage in the Mist
“Well, no matter, I’m truly happy for you.”
“Thank you—she’s the light of our lives. And so, understandably, I cannot leave her. And seriously, you don’t have to worry about us. You have far bigger concerns. Even without Fergus, there are people here to protect us. And honestly he’s been chomping at the bit ever since Iain left. He’s not one to be left out of a fight.”
“Well, if we’re lucky, maybe there won’t be one.”
“So you have a plan?” Katherine’s skepticism belied the question.
Lily shook her head. “No. I wasn’t even sure I’d get this far. But I know I have to try. If I can find Bram and tell him what happens then maybe I can convince him to step down.”
Katherine laughed. “I wish I could be there to see you try.”
“I know it won’t easy. But it has to be done. Surely you see that.” Lily felt her throat tighten at the thought of what failure might mean.
“Of course I do.” Katherine was quick to console. “I just have firsthand experience dealing with pig-headed men. And despite the fact that you come knowing the truth of things, I fear that Bram and my husband will still want to proceed. They’re not foolish, but they are proud.”
Lily tilted her head defiantly. “If they won’t listen, I’ll just have to find another way.”
“And Fergus will be there to help you.” Katherine nodded, reaching into a trunk at the end of the bed. “I’m sending William as well. He’s loyal to me and will do what I ask of him. So you cancount on him no matter what.” She handed Lily a piece of folded linen. “This is an old shirt of Iain’s. From when he was younger. I wear it sometimes when I want to travel more easily.
“You’re smaller than me so it’ll be big, but you can use the belt to make it work over your leggings. And this,” she said, handing over a folded length of soft wool, “is a Mackintosh plaid. Drape it like a shawl over the shirt and secure it with the belt. It’ll keep you warm. And hopefully help you pass as someone from this century.”
“I don’t know how to thank you.”
“It’s simple.” Katherine’s smile didn’t quite carry to her eyes. “Watch out for my husband and brother.”
“I promise that I will.”
Katherine nodded, and handed her the belt as Lily struggled into the billowy shirt. “You can ride, I take it?”
“Yes. Actually, quite well. When I was younger I had my own horse. One of the privileges of wealth, I suppose.”
“I’m sorry about your parents,” Katherine said, reaching over to help Lily arrange the plaid.
“Thank you. With everything that’s happened, it feels so long ago. I know that you lost your parents when you were really young. That must have been awfully hard. At least I had mine as long as I did.”
“Well, I know it’s not the same, but now you’ve found a new family.” Katherine helped her fasten Bram’s pin into place as tears filled Lily’s eyes. “And I promise you that together we’ll see everything come out right.”
“Lily, are you ready?” Jeff stood in the doorway, looking very much a man for the ages. He, too was wearing a linen shirt and plaid over his jeans. But unlike her, his made him look fiercer somehow. Especially with the broad sword swung across his back.
“If the situation weren’t so serious, I’d say you were enjoying yourself,” Katherine quipped, smiling at her brother.
“I’m not relishing what we’re off to do, if that’s what you mean.” Jeff frowned. “But I will admit to being more comfortable with a sword than I was the first time I was here. I’ve been practicing.”
Katherine’s smile widened, love reflected in her eyes. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Lily suddenly felt very alone, but it wasn’t a new feeling. And she most certainly wouldn’t have anyone if she gave into her own insecurities. Squaring her shoulders, she broke the moment. “I can’t very well carry a sword like that.” She nodded at Jeff’s weapon. “But surely I’ll need something to defend myself.”
“Can you use a bow and arrow?” Katherine asked.
“I can actually.” It was Lily’s turn to smile. “Best in my class back in the day.”
“Great,” Jeff said, his grin infectious. “Nice to know you’ll have my back.”
Lily smiled, grateful again to have found such good friends. “And you’ll have mine.”
Bram pulled his plaid close around him as Iain’s men came to a halt in a small clearing in the woods. The mist had lifted, and a soft wash of orange above the craggy cliffs indicated dawn was well on its way. The bubbling burn they’d been following veered sharply to the left, taking the narrow valley with it. Straight ahead loomed the sharp rocks that led up into the mountains. Bram’s mare pulled against the reins, her eagerness to keep going echoing his own driving need.
“Why are we stopping?” he asked as Iain came up beside him. Ranald and Frazier reined in their horses as well, the three of them all looking to Iain who, as always, assumed the role of leader.
