Page 5 of Deception

Chapter 3

Lady Alison wasn’tat all what Jacob had expected. A decade had passed since he last laid eyes on her. She’d been but a babe of five. He’d heard stories of her beauty—and spoiled nature. But the dark-eyed woman who sat beside him was as gentle as a butterfly and as calm as a mid-morning breeze.

Her grandfather, Lyel, had fought alongside Jacob’s father many times and had saved not only Jacob’s father’s life, but Jacob’s, as well, when an enemy once tried to kidnap him. Jacob had agreed to marry the man’s granddaughter, despite reservations.

He covered her hand with his. “There is no shame in being afraid.” She jerked her head up and met his gaze. The pain in her eyes twisted his heart. “ ‘Tis a blow, I know,” he said, “losing friends in the accident, then arriving here to find your grandfather so near his end.”

“I am no’ his granddaughter,” she blurted.

Jacob stared. “I dinnae understand.”

“I am—was—Lady Alison’s maid. I didnae realize ye had mistaken me for her until we reached the courtyard.”

Jacob could scarce believe what he’d heard. “She died in the accident?”

She shifted uncomfortably and nodded. “I am sorry.”

He glanced at the door, then stood. “Ye heard Richard, Lyel has little time left. I willnae tell him that his only granddaughter is dead. Until he dies, ye will be Lady Alison.”

Her eyes widened. She cast an anxious glance at the door, then shook her head. “It must be a grievous sin to tell such a lie.”

“The truth will kill him.” Jacob extended a hand toward her.

“Others will know,” she insisted.

He took a deep breath. “Perhaps. But Lady Alison was but five when last she was here. Lyel isnae long for this world. We can fool everyone long enough to see him peacefully into death.”

He hoped.

The lass hesitated, then laid her small hand in his. He pulled her to her feet, wrapped an arm around her waist and escorted her to the door. Richard opened the door and stood aside as they entered. Jacob gave thanks for the darkened room.

“Who’s there?” Lyel demanded.

They reached the bed and Jacob said, “‘Tis your granddaughter, Lyel.”

“What? Alison?” He squinted at her. “Come closer, child.”

To Jacob’s relief, she knelt beside the bed. He glimpsed her biting down on her lip as the old man lifted a gnarled hand toward her

His eyes glistened with moisture. “Alison? My sweet Alison.” She grasped the trembling fingers. “Oh, my wee lass. It has been too long. Look at ye now, a grown woman. I am pleased ye are here.”

To Jacob’s surprise, she blushed.

“Thank ye,” she whispered. “We do no’ wish to stay long, Grandfather.”

Hearing her speak the word his old friend had longed to hear caused a lump to form in Jacob’s throat.

She gave Lyel a tremulous smile. “You must rest.” The words were gentle but firm.

“Och, I will rest when I’m dead,” Lyel grumbled.

Jacob resisted a smile. “She is right, Lyel.” Jacob laid a hand on her shoulder. “Too much excitement is no’ good for ye.”

“Ye are worse than a nursemaid,” Lyel muttered, but Jacob heard the fatigue in his voice. “Return after you have rested. I want to hear all about your tutoring and everything you learned while at the convent.”

She smiled and Lyel looked like a man who had tasted his first sweet roll. He could never know that his precious granddaughter was dead. Lyel pulled her close and hugged her. When he released her, his eyes closed. She looked sharply at Jacob and he was surprised at the concern in her eyes.

“He is only resting,” Jacob whispered. “Come.”