Ransom

possible.'

'But I was just wondering…'

'Now what?' she asked.

'Why would your father put a crazed man in charge of collecting the rents? That doesn't make any sense at all.'

'Ector wasn't crazy then. Liese told me it was cowardice that broke his mind. After the siege he was never the same. I know Ector was mean-tempered, cruel, and terribly greedy. Now, please go and get Proster.'

Bridgid finally closed the door. Gillian removed her gown and was reaching for the plaid when she suddenly froze and let out a loud gasp.

'My God, of course.'

Bridgid was gone a long time, and when she returned to the cottage, Gillian was frantic with worry.

'What took you so long?' she demanded as soon as her friend came inside.

'I had to do a few things first,' she said. 'Proster's here, and he isn't alone. He's letting Ker and Alan ride along. They're acting like they're escorting a princess. You should have heard them carrying on. They're honored that you asked a MacPherson.'

'They're young is what they are,' she countered.

'I've been thinking about your plans,' she said then. 'I don't think you should ride to the Drummonds because their home could be out of your way. Take a direct route to the Len holding. I'm sure Proster knows the way.'

'How can you be sure?'

'All the soldiers know the territory boundaries and where they can ride and where they can't. Their lives depend upon such knowledge.'

'But I don't know how I can convince the soldier to take me there. I was going to tell him I needed Annie's treatment for my leg.'

'Then do that,' she advised. 'But when we're on our way, then we'll tell Proster we must go to the Len holding.'

'We? Bridgid, you cannot mean-'

'I'm going to England with you. I've already packed my things and rolled them in a plaid so the soldiers won't be suspicious. It's tied behind the saddle of my mare. That's what took me so long.'

Bridgid's voice was calm, but her hands were fisted at her sides and she had a determined glint in her eyes. When Gillian began to shake her head, Bridgid hurried to convince her that her mind was made up and that nothing her friend would say could change her decision.

'There isn't anything for me here, and I won't stay and watch Ramsey marry Meggan. It would hurt too much. No, I can't stay. I won't. For God's sake, my own mother doesn't even want me around, and that's the truth of it. I don't know where else I could go. Please, Gillian. Let me come with you. I've always been curious about England, and you told me that your Uncle Morgan had Highland blood. I'm sure he'll let me stay with him for a little while… until I decide what to do.'

'I can't take you with me. You could get hurt and I wouldn't be able to protect you from him.'

'The baron?'

'Yes,' she answered. 'You don't understand what he's like. He's a monster.'

'How do you plan to protect yourself? You were ordered to return with your sister and the treasure, but you're going back without either. If anyone should be afraid, it's you.'

'I don't have a choice,' she argued. 'I have to go back home, and you have to stay here.'

'I'm begging you, Gillian. I accept the danger, and I take full responsibility for anything that might happen to me. Please reconsider. I have a plan in mind.'

'I couldn't live with myself if you were hurt.'

'Then let me ride with you as far as the Len holding. I can help you persuade Proster. I know I can.'

'And you'll come back here with them?'

'Yes,' Bridgid promised and immediately felt a wave of guilt for lying to her dear friend. She did have a sound plan and her mind was made up, and with or without Gillian's permission or approval, she was going to help her.

'We… that is, you… could run into Brodick and the others.'

'No, I don't think I will. They'll surely go to my Uncle Morgan's home first, and it's in the northwest of England, a remote area to be sure, and I'm heading east to Dunhanshire.'

'Where is this Baron Alford's estate?'

'Due south from my uncle's home. God willing, by the time they reach Dunhanshire, the ransom will be paid and it will be over.'

'What will be over?'

Gillian shook her head. She wasn't going to explain. Bridgid suddenly felt chilled to the bone. 'Shall we go then?'

Straightening her shoulders, Gillian nodded. As she walked through the doorway, she whispered, 'God be with us.'

Chapter Thirty-Six

It was a desperate race against time. She knew she would reach Dunhanshire well before the fall festival, but her fear was that Brodick and Iain and Ramsey would get there before her. And God help them then. As angry as she was at her husband for deceiving her and as determined as she was never to return to the Highlands, she was still terrified for his safety. He had broken her heart, but she couldn't stop loving him. If he and the others tried to breach Alford's fortress, there would be a war and they would all die.

She was certain Alford had split his ranks and sequestered soldiers at his estate and at her Uncle Morgan's holding. He had boasted he had more than eight hundred fighting men at his beck and call, and though Gillian doubted any of them were actually loyal or beholden to the baron, she knew they feared him. Alford controlled his troops with tyranny, using torture as his method to make examples of the men who dared to deny him.

Her blood ran cold thinking about Alford's sadistic lessons, and all she could concentrate on was finding a way to protect the man she loved.

She was a full day's ride away from Dunhanshire when she was forced to stop. Exhaustion had taken its toll, and she was actually light-headed from lack of food and sleep.

Proster, Ker, Alan, and Bridgid were still at her side. She'd tried several times to get them to go home, but none of them would listen to her. Bridgid kept insisting that she had a plan, but she refused to tell Gillian what it was, and no matter how much Gillian argued and begged her to go back, she stubbornly resisted. The young soldiers were almost as maddening. Proster explained over and over again that, since she wouldn't return to the Sinclair holding with him, he and his friends were determined to stay by her and do their best to protect her.

It was getting dark when Bridgid suggested that they stop for the night. Gillian spotted a thatched roof in the distance and insisted on gaining permission to cross the farmland before they rested. Ignoring Proster's vehement protest, she dismounted at the door.

A family of five resided in the tiny house. The father, an older man with skin so weathered his face looked like a dried riverbed, was at first suspicious of their motives, for he had seen the Highlanders put their hands to their swords, but as soon as Gillian introduced herself and formally requested to spend the night on their land, his demeanor softened.

He bowed to his waist. 'My name's Randall and the woman hiding behind me is Sarah. The land ain't mine, but you know that already, don't you? And yet you still ask my permission. I till the land for me liege lord, Baron Hardington, and I know he ain't gonna mind if you rest on his grass. I knew your father, milady. He was a grand man, and I'm honored to be of assistance to you. You and your friends are welcome to share our supper with us. Come inside and warm yourself by the fire while my boys see to your horses.'

Although they had little to share, they insisted that Gillian and Bridgid and the soldiers join them. Bridgid was unusually quiet during the meal. She sat beside Gillian, the two of them squeezed in between two of Randall's