Her Highlander's Promise by B. J. Scott Page A

risky for you and Blair. I shouldna have agreed to see him in the first place. If Deirdre finds out, there is no telling what she might do.”
    “I believe the two of you are meant to be together. So whether you give me leave or not, I plan to meet with Lord Cameron on your behalf. Best you tell me what to say,” the maid replied adamantly.
    Laurel could almost picture her friend standing with her hands on her hips, the proud jut of her chin confirming her conviction. There was no mistaking the determination in Isla’s voice, so Laurel finally relented. “You’re a thrawn lass. If you insist on this fool’s mission, inform Blair that I have decided to marry Allan. Tell him he must forget about me,” she replied, but failed to hide the tremor in her voice.
    “Please dinna ask me to lie, m’lady.”
    “Deirdre threatened to punish me further if I chose to defy her. We both know she will make good on that promise. I care not what she does to me, but fear she might take her anger out on Blair.” Laurel began to pace nervously. “When last we spoke, she mentioned some things that left me wondering if she may have done something to harm my mother and father. While I have no proof, I willna risk putting anyone I care about in danger.”
    “Like you, I was a wee lassie when your mam died, so remember verra little about that day. However, I once overheard my own mother talking to another maid. She said that the mistress was born in the depth of the netherworld and practiced witchcraft. She claimed that anyone who had dared speak against her was sent away or disappeared altogether.”
    “Alas, I’ve heard similar rumors.”
    “When I questioned my mam, she refused to talk about what happened. Like most Highlanders, she is verra superstitious. And like many of the servants, fears the mistress’ wrath. Do you think your cousin’s wife was responsible for your parents’ deaths?”
    “I canna be certain, but my mam was a young, healthy woman. There was no reason she couldna carry a babe, in fact, many babes. Yet, she was as weak as a newly born colt when she passed. I’m told that on their wedding day, Deirdre made no secret of the fact that she thought my da should have married her instead. Because she dabbled in potions and called herself a healer, my father asked for her help when my mother experienced an upset stomach upon rising, as many women do when they are breeding.”
    “Some called her a healer, but others claim she is a sorcerous. Jealousy can be a powerful evil, but if your mother was no longer a threat, why harm your da?” Isla asked.
    “My father ignored her advances. Even when she offered to divorce Murray and marry Da. Everyone knows she only married him out of spite, what she thought was a means to get back at my parents. But when my father told her outright that he felt no attraction and never had, she was furious. It wasn’t long after he informed Murray that he thought it best they move out of the castle, then Da took ill.”
    “So you suspect Deirdre is responsible for his death?”
    “I dinna know what to think. Even if she were, I would never be able to prove it.”
    “All the more reason for you to leave. Once she sees you and Allan married, and has solidified her position within the clan, she might decide it is better to be rid of you as well. Please, m’lady, let me ask Lord Cameron for help,” Isla pleaded.
    “My mind is set. Tell Blair we can never see each other again.”
    “What are you doing here?” A deep masculine voice echoed in the hallway. “Weren’t you confined to the kitchen?”
    “I was on an errand for the cook and was headed there now,” Isla replied.
    “Then be off with you, before I tell the mistress,” the man growled.
    “Promise you will deliver my message, Isla, but dinna put yourself in danger,” Laurel muttered, but not loud enough for the man to overhear.
    There was no reply from her friend, only a heavy pounding on the door.
    “Who is it?” Laurel