Free Beloved Stranger by PATRICIA POTTER Page B

family and had the respect of the border families.
    “I will take over the bay leaves,” she said. She fetched some that Audra had picked earlier in the day and tied them in a piece of cloth. “These are for you. And take a loaf of bread.”
    She realized she was almost shoving her friend out the door.
    After Jane left, she leaned against the door. She’d almost told Jane about her Scot until her friend explained the Charlton order to turn any over to the crown.
    She would not be able to go through Thomas Charlton for ransom.
    And if anyone discovered who he was, her Scot would die.
    She couldn’t bear that. Not after all the hours she’d spent trying to save him.
    But what now?
    She did not see too many choices.
    She could get him well, then help him escape from here and hope that he might be grateful enough to send her some money.
    But if anyone discovered that she harbored an enemy, she could be killed and Audra orphaned.
    How long could she keep his presence a secret?
    And how important was his life compared with her daughter’s? She had to think of Audra first. Even a heavy ransom or reward would not justify the chances she was taking.
    She fully realized now what a dilemma she had created for herself. She had no idea how to solve it.

Chapter 6
    Inverleith, Scotland
     
Rory prepared a troop to head south to search for his brother. Archibald, his captain of the guard, would accompany him. Douglas, his steward, would stay and protect the castle. And Rory’s wife.
    It had taken him several days to call in what few men were available. So many had gone with Lachlan.
    In those few days, he’d also delivered food and seed to those crofters who’d lost their men. He’d mourned with widows and their children and reassured them that they would always have a place at Inverleith. The most difficult visit was to Hector’s wife, Fiona, who was now probably a widow. Hector, with Archibald Maclean, had led Maclean forces for thirty years. Hector had left with Lachlan, and Archibald—who was nearing sixty years—had stayed at Inverleith to train more Macleans for battle.
    Hector had been as much a father to Rory as his own had been.
    “I will look for Hector on the border,” he told Fiona, “as well as for Lachlan and Jamie.”
    “God bless you,” Fiona said. “I knew you would no’ leave him there.”
    “I canna promise anything. Only that I will try to find your husband, but failing that, you will be cared for all your days.”
    Then he and Felicia visited Dunstaffnage, the stronghold of the Campbells and home to Jamie and Janet Campbell. He half expected the old chief, Angus, to have returned, but he had not. He surely, though, had heard about the defeat.
    Someone had evidently seen them coming, because the gate was up, Janet standing just inside. Felicia slid from her horse and embraced Janet. Not only was Janet her cousin by marriage, but they were very good friends. One of their joint adventures, in truth, had led him to Felicia. For that reason alone, he’d always had a soft spot for Janet.
    The sorrow on her face told Rory that she had heard news of the defeat.
    “Have you heard anything of Jamie?” Felicia asked.
    “Nay. His father said that King James had been killed and most of the army destroyed.” Her lips quivered slightly. “I know so many who went, and Jamie . . . and Lachlan . . .” She stopped. “Have you heard anything? Is there any news of Lachlan?”
    Felicia shook her head.
    “I am so sorry,” Janet said. “Come in and eat with me. I can barely stand being alone.”
    Rory and Felicia followed her into the great hall, then into a small, intimate room.
    “I have news,” Janet said after asking a servant to bring them refreshments. “I am with child.”
    Felicia hugged her again. “How long have you known?”
    “I knew before Jamie left, but I did not wish to worry him. Now . . .”
    “He’ll be back. So will Lachlan,” Felicia said.
    Rory wished he had the same confidence. He