Page 55 of A Matter of Time
“Mackall?”
“He is there, also.”
“Well then, will you come with us willingly, or must we force the issue? You are a good swordsman, perhaps one of the best I’ve seen, but you are no match for five of us.”
Richard knew the truth of Malcolm’s statement. He could see no way of getting out of this alive, other than accompanying them on their quest. He’d go, but he’d bide his time until he could escape them. “I see I have no other choice but to join you.” He reluctantly relinquished his weapons to Gabe.
“I like that. A reasonable man. I’m warning you though, don’t try anything or you’ll regret it immediately.”
Richard turned his horse back the way he had come and Malcolm’s men surrounded him once again. They rode off to the east, towards what Richard knew to be Campbell land.
Why couldn’tshe stop thinking about him? She’d tried everything to block Richard from her thoughts, but nothing was working. Angelina had watched from the doorway, hidden from his sight, when he left. She could still envision him, sitting against the castle wall, legs drawn up and his arms folded across his knees. He had looked so sad, so terribly dejected.
She shouldn’t feel sorry for him. He’d lied to her. Well, he hadn’t actually lied. He just hadn’t told her some very important information about himself. Information that would, if she’d had it, have prevented her from getting involved with him in the first place. Angelina wanted to be angry. She wanted to hate him for what he’d done, but somehow, she couldn’t see him as that awful man, the one who’d done such horrible things to Ashley. She knew him only as kind, caring, protective, honorable Richard Jefford. Maybe he really had changed for the better. Didn’t everyone deserve a second chance? Didn’t he?
Nick came out of the stable with his horse saddled and ready to depart. “Good morn, to ye.”
“Hi. Where are you going? I thought we were waiting for Edna and Angus, and then we were going to head off to find Malcolm.”
“There’s been a change of plans. Edna and Angus are going to see Tavish Campbell and I’m going to see if I can find Richard.”
“And what am I supposed to do?”
“You can stay and visit with Jenna and Ashley.”
It only took a split second for Angelina to make her decision. “I’m going with you.”
Nick smiled knowingly. “Are ye sure? I’m nae sure where he was headed, although I think I might have a good idea.”
Angelina nodded determinedly. “Yes. I have to see him. I should have given him a chance to explain himself.”
“All right then,” Nick said, leaning forward in his saddle and inclining his head towards the stable. “Ye’d best hurry, m’lady.”
Angelina ran toward the stable, just as one of the boys exited with her horse, already saddled and prepared to leave. She turned to Nick and narrowed her eyes. “You…”
Nick’s smile was smug. “Yes.”
“Never mind.” The stable boy gave her a leg up and she joined Nick.
“Thank you, for knowing me better than I know myself.”
“Ye may not know this about me, but I’m a romantic at heart, Angelina. Ye and Richard are my friends. I cannae bear to see either of ye so unhappy.”
They nudged their horses into a canter and hurried through the gates of Breaghacraig, heading south.
“So where are we going?” Angelina questioned.
“To England. To Richard’s home.”
A small thrill of excitement ran through Angelina’s heart at the thought of seeing Richard again. She wasn’t sure what would happen when she did, but she needed to confirm he was all right.
They rode hard and fast for two straight days, stopping only long enough to obtain fresh horses, grab a bite to eat and get some much-needed sleep. On the morning of the third day, they came upon a river and a beautiful castle nestled on the opposite bank. The gates stood open and Angelina could see people moving about in the courtyard. A tall young man on horseback exited the gates and Nick called out to him. “Edward!” He sat up tall in his saddle and waved at the other man.
“Nick?” the young man said. “Is that you?”
“Aye. ’Tis me, Nick Mackall.”
“Follow me down the bank. There’s a shallow spot where you can cross,” the other man suggested.
