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

asked, thinking it best to act surprised.
    “I have brought you something to break your fast. May I come in?” the man asked.
    “I’m not hungry. Please take it away.”
    “I canna do that, m’lady. The mistress left specific orders for me to deliver your food at first light and to wait until you’d finished it.”
    “Verra well, you may enter.” She tugged the plaid around her shoulders before stepping back.
    The door swung open and a burly male servant she had never seen before stepped into her room. He carried a wooden tray containing porridge, a slice of bread, cheese, and a small tankard.
    Glancing past him to the hall, the thought of running immediately crossed her mind, but she figured she’d not make it to the stairs before he stopped her.
    “I’ve just awakened and have yet to wash and dress. If you would be so kind as to put the trencher on the table and return in a wee bit, I would be most grateful.”
    “My orders are to wait,” he replied gruffly. “I am not to leave until you’ve finished your meal.”
    “If you could grant me some privacy, I promise to eat everything.” She crossed her fingers behind her back.
    “The mistress gave me specific orders. I am not to let you out of my sight.”
    “I understand and respect your sense of duty. But my chamber is atop the tower. Unless I sprout wings and learn to fly, there is nowhere for me to go. If you remain outside the door, I dinna see a problem.”
    The man grunted, put down the tray, then headed for the door. “Be sure and eat it all. I will be in the hall making sure no one else comes along who isna supposed to be here.”
    “Thank you. I dinna recall seeing you in the castle before. Are you new here?” She nibbled on her lower lip while waiting for an answer. If she distracted him with conversation, he might not tell anyone he’d seen Isla. She could only hope.
    “My name is Andrew. I was passing through the area a few days ago when I happened upon the castle. I was looking for work and heard the mistress was in need of a few new servants. She offered me a position. So it is important that I follow her instructions.”
    “Aye, and I find it verra admirable. I will tell my cousin you did exactly as she asked.” She had no intention of heralding the man’s obedience, but hoped to get on his good side.
    He nodded and exited the room, locking the door behind him.
    Laurel examined items on the tray before bringing the spoon to her lips and tasting the porridge, but she had no appetite. Next, she raised the tankard to her mouth. She was thirsty, but hesitated before taking a sip. She sniffed the contents. After the discussion she’d had with Isla, she was not sure she should eat or drink anything sent by Deirdre. Deciding it better to err on the side of caution, she dumped the liquid into a vase near the window, then hid the food in scraps of linen. She’d dispose of it later.

Chapter 8
    The rustling of branches and crunch of leaves beneath approaching footfall disturbed the silence. Crouching behind a tree, Blair scanned the area. He couldn’t be too careful. When a petite figure stepped into a clearing near the postern gate of the castle, he blew out the breath he’d been holding.
    “Laurel, is that you, lass?” Blair could hardly contain his excitement at seeing her again.
    “Nay. Lady Laurel couldna come, so she sent me in her stead.” Isla lowered the hood of her cloak as she moved into the moonlight. Bringing her hand to her brow, she searched the bushes. “Show yourself.”
    He stepped out of the shadows. “Why did Laurel not come herself?” Blair asked, finding it impossible to hide the disappointment in his voice.
    Isla shifted her weight from one foot to the other and studied the ground before she answered. “My Lady asked me to give you a message. She canna see you again and thinks it best that you forget about her.”
    Her words hit him like a blow to the chest. He’d counted the minutes until he could hold her in