Chapter 126

Teárlag woke up the next morning and looked around the room. If Thorburn had slept there, he'd already gone and she hadn't heard him come in. This didn't surprise her she was so tired and emotionally worn down. She wanted to stay in bed and never get up, but she'd volunteered to help and if she was going to help, she had to see Blackthorne today. As disgusting as that task was, she wanted it to be over, so there was no point in lying about. She rang for her maid and prepared for the day.

After the maid helped her dress, brushed and fixed her hair, Teárlag said, "Have my carriage made ready. We're going to be leaving. Let the others know we're going. It's time to go to Tobermory." That was code for going to Blackthorne Manor.

"Yes, my Lady."

The maid left and Teárlag looked in the mirror before going downstairs, smoothing her dress. I hope this isn't the last time I look this good, Teárlag thought. If Blackthorne finds out what I'm doing, I'll soon look worse than Màiri.

When she finally went downstairs, Isobel and Frang were preparing to leave for Lady Luck Farm and Ailene was packed and waiting.

"You're going, with Frang and Isobel?"

"I'm still in training. I can't afford to stop working on my swordsmanship."

"Where's Stuart?"

"We already said good-bye," Ailene said. "He had some Keep business to look after."

Teárlag looked around for Thorburn, hoping she might at least see him one last time.

"If you're looking for Thorburn," Ailene said, "he had to go with Stuart. He's gone as well."

"It's probably just as well," Teárlag mused quietly. "He doesn't much care for me anymore."

Ailene gave her a sharp look. She hugged Teárlag, whispering in her ear, "Don't speak of such things around here. Assume someone is listening always. Treat everyplace as if you were at his. You know who I mean."

Ailene leaned back, looking into Teárlag's eyes. Aloud, she said, "Thank you for your visit, Teárlag. It's always a pleasure having you. I hope we'll be seeing much more of you in the future. Please be careful on the road. It's so dangerous out there now." She hugged her again. "Be safe," she whispered.

"Please have some breakfast before you leave. It's a long drive to Dervaig," Ailene said.

"I'm not going to Dervaig. I've decided to visit family in Tobermory," Teárlag replied.

"It's farther still. All the more reason to eat breakfast. Come, I'll sit with you. Isobel still needs to eat as well. She's feeding two now."

Ailene dished up a plate for Teárlag and Isobel sat down a moment later.

"How much longer do you think Isobel can keep fencing?" Teárlag asked.

Ailene looked at Isobel. "Well, she's healthy and strong. I think through the third month at least. After, we'll reassess. See how she feels and how big she's getting."

"I feel like a sow now," Isobel said.

"Nonsense, you're barely showing," Frang spoke up. "If I didn't know you were with child, I might not be able to tell. There's barely a bump."

"Thank you for that, Frang," Isobel said, "but I feel heavier and slower and like I'm getting in my own way. I'm definitely not the dainty lass you first met."

"You were starved," Ailene said, "much too thin for your size. Some of the poundage is getting you to the weight you should have been in the first place. Only a little is from the baby."

"I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful mother, Isobel," Teárlag added. "I'm sure you and Frang will have lovely children."

"Thank you, Teárlag."

There was a commotion at the door and Bjarkë came in, standing beside the table.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," he said, "but we've had a sudden bit of news."

Ailene looked up in terror, her heart in her throat. Pray God it wasn't news about Stuart and Thorburn. Bjarkë noticed the panic on her face and realized the source of her fear.

"It's about Abner McTavish," he said. "Apparently he was killed by a highwayman near Dervaig. They found his body on the road, robbed and murdered."

Ailene started to breathe again, adrenaline still coursing through her body. She took a glass of water and drank it all, silently giving thanks. Teárlag thought, even I believed it would take longer for Blackthorne to rid himself of McTavish.

"I know you were married to the man, Isobel, and the shock the news of his death might be. I'm sorry," Bjarkë added. "We can arrange for his body to be brought to Lady Luck Farm."

Ailene looked at Isobel. The news may not be a shock, but no matter how much she hated him, he was her former husband. "I'm sorry, too." She put her hands over Isobel's.

"Unless we're told he's made other arrangements," Frang said. "Bring the body to Lady Luck. We'll see he's buried with the rest of his family."

"Thank you, Frang," Isobel said. "It's very kind."

Teárlag looked down at the table. She'd predicted it would happen, and it happened faster than she thought.

Isobel pulled her hands from beneath Ailene's and put them over Teárlag's, making her look up. "You see how dangerous the road's become. Be very alert and extra careful."

"I will, thank you, Isobel," Teárlag said. She pushed her plate away. "I'm not very hungry anymore. I can't eat the rest of this. I'm sorry. I must be going. Be safe yourself on your way back to Lady Luck."