Page 10 of Deception

Chapter 4

Linnae pushedthrough the postern door and rushed into the courtyard. She hurried past two maids, turned left, and entered a small grove of trees as tears pressed against the backs of her eyes. She slowed to a walk until the grove opened upon a cobblestone path, and drew a breath at sight of the sea of bluebells spread out before her. The need to cry proved too much, and by the time she reached the wooden bench in the center of the garden, tears streamed down her cheeks.

She dropped onto the wooden bench facing a tall standing stone that bore no markings, bowed her head, and cried. At last, the sobs turned to sniffles, and her head cleared enough for her to wonder if they’d brought Lady Alison, Dina and Rebecca’s bodies to the castle. It was her duty to take part in the burial preparation. Lady Alison would have wanted that. Tears threatened again. Lady Alison—

“I see ye found Lyel’s private garden,” came a deep voice behind her.

Linnae jumped to her feet and whirled to face Jacob MacKinnon.

A corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “I did no’ mean to frighten you.”

She wiped her cheeks. “What are ye doing here?”

“I just wanted to talk with you. May I sit?” he asked.

“Oh—aye.” Linnae waited until he’d settled on the right side, then she sat back down on the far side of the bench.

He gazed at the horizon. Dark clouds eased across the streaks of red and yellow in the sky. “You can see the entire Mackenzie border from this hill. All the way from the rolling hills in the east” –he drew an imaginary line with his finger across the horizon— “to the waters of Loch Alsh.”

“‘Tis beautiful. And the sunset is brilliant.”

“Like a golden apple. Are ye familiar with that story?”

Linnae shook her head.

“I traveled to Greece. They’re a wild lot, but their stories are among the most beautiful. There is one about the goddess of the sun. According to legend, she was entrusted with the care of a special tree that grew apples as bright and brilliant as the golden sun that shines in the sky. The tree became a symbol of the unity of love between the king of the heavens and his queen.”

Love.Had he hoped to love Lady Alison? She gave him a sideways look. “I am sorry your betrothed died in the crash.”

He didn’t look at her, just gave a slight nod. “She was young. It is sad.”

“Have their bodies been retrieved?” she asked.

“Aye.”

Her heart constricted. “I must take part in the burial preparations. Lady Alison would have wanted it.”

He looked at her. “You were her friend?”

“And she was my friend.” Linnae turned her gaze to the bluebells. “She would have loved this garden. She loved bluebells. Tell me, the stone—” Linnae nodded at the stone “—it bears no markings, but it must be significant to be placed in front of the bench and surrounded by a sea of bluebells.”

Jacob plucked one of the flowers. “The bluebells remind Laird MacKenzie of past battles. The stone signifies the memory of those he has killed in battle.” He handed her the weeping flower.

“Why would he mourn his enemies?”

“Men are honor bound to fight in battle. Though they are our enemies, most are no’ so different from us.”

She regarded him. “Rumor says ye have been in many battles. Is that true?”

“More than I care to admit,” he said with a sigh, then went silent.

She floundered for something to say. “Did I upset Lady Innis? I made a complete fool of myself.”

“You nearly died today, Linnae. Ye lost people you cared about. It is only natural you wouldnae be yourself. She understood.”

Linnae studied him. “You are no’ angry, then?”

“Nae, lass. I am no’ angry.” He paused, then said, “How long did you serve Lady Alison?”