The Viper (Highland Guard #4)(115)

She nodded. Though she knew it was ridiculous, and that every minute they lingered only added to the danger, she couldn’t help the irrational pang of disappointment in knowing that her daughter was so close.

But she might as well be a kingdom away. A kingdom separated by hundreds of soldiers and masses of thick stone walls.

If he guessed her thoughts, he didn’t say anything. Instead, he arched a brow. “Aren’t you going to ask how I escaped?”

She shrugged. “I figured you found a way to unlock the door.”

He shook his head. “You are a hard lass to impress. You do realize the door was more than three feet above my head—and the lock was on the outside.”

“You scaled the walls? Flew?”

He laughed. “Not quite. They came for me.”

She heard the note of pride in his voice and realized of whom he spoke. Their eyes met, and she smiled. “I’m not surprised.”

“Bruce will be furious.”

“Aye,” she agreed.

“I’ll probably have to work out a new agreement.”

Her heart thumped erratically—hopefully. “Does this mean you’ve decided to stay?”

He nodded, pulling her into his arms once more. “I meant what I said. I won’t leave you again. I’ll stay even if I have to fight for free.” She beamed at him, joy surging through every corner of her heart. “But don’t tell Bruce that.”

She laughed. “I won’t.”

He dropped a kiss on her nose and pulled her to her feet. “Good, then we’d better go. Someone is waiting for us.”

The dramatic turn of events could have been overwhelming, but as soon as they entered the corridor, danger and the threat of discovery became Bella’s immediate focus.

Good God, how did he do this all the time? Her heart was fluttering as frantically as the wings of a butterfly. Every noise, every flicker of light sent her into a cold panic that they would be caught.

Lachlan seemed two steps ahead of her. By the time she recognized the threat, he’d already dealt with it.

He didn’t need to ever worry about impressing her. She was in awe.

There hadn’t been an opportunity for her to question him about his plan, but she was surprised when after exiting the eastern tower, he led her around the barrack full of sleeping English soldiers to the castle church.

She tugged on his hand in question.

He shook his head, telling her silently not to worry, and pulled her through the back door of the small church. It was deathly quiet; a few candles flickered by the altar where they’d been left after prayers.

“Why are we here?” she whispered, sensing it was safe to talk.

“I’ve brought someone to see you.” Suddenly, he looked worried. “Listen to what she has to say, love. I’ll be here when you are done.”

The blood drained from her face, and her eyes widened with disbelief. My God! He hadn’t. He couldn’t. But he had.

Lachlan opened the door to the vestry, and there, standing in the middle of the room where the priest’s robes were stored, was her daughter.

Lachlan caught her from behind when her legs gave out. “Joan!” After three years, the soft cry was all she could manage.

The beautiful girl—nay, woman—looked back at her uncertainly. “Hello, Mother.”

Bella composed herself and turned to Lachlan, tears glistening in her eyes. He’d given her the greatest gift in the world. He’d given her back her daughter. Her heart squeezed. God, how she loved him! “Thank you.”

He nodded.

“Are you ready?” Bella asked excitedly, stepping forward but stopping when Joan took a step back. The subtle rejection stung. Give her time. It’s been so long. But Bella ached to take her into her arms. Covering her hurt, she asked, “Did you have time to gather what you needed?”

Joan exchanged a look with Lachlan over Bella’s head. He shook his head. “I’ll be waiting outside.”

Before Bella could construe what that meant, she was alone with her daughter.

“I’m not going,” Joan said.

Bella’s heart stopped. Her mind closed; she knew she didn’t want to hear this. “I know it’s been three years. I know you must think I left you—”

Joan shook off her attempt to explain. “I know you intended to take me with you. I don’t blame you for what happened. You did what you had to do. What you believed in. I could never blame you for that.”

Bella’s heart crumpled. Who was this quiet, self-possessed young woman? This stranger? Where was the girl who’d huddled with her in bed to hear stories, who’d run to her when she’d scratched her knee, who’d needed her?

“Then, why?” Bella choked. “Why do you not wish to come with me?”

Joan put her hand down on a small table as if to steady herself—the only outward sign that this might be difficult for her. Her expression was so composed and serene. So determined.

“My life is here in England now with my cousins and uncle.”

Bella felt her heart breaking. “But it could be dangerous for you.”

Joan lifted a wry brow, the movement so mature it cracked Bella’s heart a little more. “More dangerous than Scotland?” She shook her head. “I think not. MacRuairi told me what they threatened you with, but I assure you I’ve never been in any danger. King Edward favors me. I think …” Her voice caught a little. “I think he is ashamed of what his father did to you. Sir Hugh is fond of me as well. He’s promised to find me a husband soon. A powerful man who can help ensure my claim to the earldom.”