PLANS IN THE DARK
“...and so, I think the best way is to address them.”
“I too, sister.”
It was late afternoon, dusk settling on the castle. Amabel and Alina were sitting in the upstairs bedroom that was Alina's own. The long, arched window looked out onto violet sky where the flitting shapes of swallows darted fitfully.
They were discussing the plan.
Alina sighed. She leaned back against the wall, eyes closed. She looked tired. As Amabel watched, she raised a slim hand and rubbed her weary eyes.
“I would not let you go alone, sister.”
Amabel bit her lip. “I should. It is dangerous.”
Alina took her hand. “Which is exactly why not.”
Amabel sniffed and gave a giggle. “I suppose you're right.”
“Of course, I am.”
The two of them sat back together, thinking about the plan. When Amabel told her sister of her worry, she had consulted Aunt Aili. The older woman suggested inviting Bradley here. But Amabel could not imagine it.
“We couldn't invite them,” she said now to Alina.
“I am agreed. So, we go.”
That was the essence of the plan. They would ride to the Bradley stronghold. The other one, twenty miles from the fortress Broderick captured. There, they would confront them with their version of events. If they could gather proof that they played no part in raiding Dunkeld...
“He will have to believe us,” Amabel said strongly.
Alina nodded. “I am sure he will. But first, we need an excuse to go.”
Amabel bit her lip. She had not thought of that. A riding-trip would not take them several days, and she did not want the guard scouring the woods. They needed a reason for a week's absence from Lochlann.
“We could visit our cousin,” Alina asked. By that she meant Colla, Uncle Brien's daughter.
Amabel bit her lip. “We'd be away longer than a week if we did that. Someone'd guess.”
Alina nodded. “That is true, sister. Well, then. Any reason for us to leave? I could be gathering herbs, visiting the cottagers...”
Amabel thought about it. “Those would work. But what about me?”
Alina frowned. “Perhaps we are curing you?” she asked teasingly.
Amabel stared at her. “Alina? That's a good idea!”
Alina laughed. “Are you sure of that? Of what?”
Amabel could feel a plan taking shape almost right before her. She told Alina excitedly as it unfolded. “Broderick and I would like a child. I'm worried about it. So, the two of us visit Lochgrier Abbey.”
Alina stared at her. “That is an excellent idea!”
Amabel looked down, modest. “We go, saying that we want to pay our respects at the shrine there. To Saint Margaret. For a safe delivery.”
Alina shone with pleasure. “That is a wonderful plan.”
Amabel swallowed, feeling strangely shy. “Thank you.”
Alina laughed. “Well, then!” We should take ourselves downstairs to dinner. I find I am quite hungry after that planning.”
Amabel nodded. Her appetite returned. She had a plan. She and Alina would leave soon. They would find out.
Downstairs, Amabel and Alina slipped into the solar. Dinner was laid, but their uncle seemed to have left early, meeting in the hall with envoys from the east. Amabel took her place at the table, glancing across at her sister.
Alina sat beside Chrissie, who seemed to be engaged in telling riddles with Heath. The two of them were giggling like children.
Broderick, Amabel noticed, had also left. The place beside hers had been recently cleared and she could still see a slight damp where the wineglass had stood. Her heart thudded.
Is he discussing with Uncle? Are they planning some campaign?
She dismissed the thought, trying to remain calm.
Alina caught her eye. “Do try and eat,” she encouraged.
Amabel nodded. She reached into the center of the table for a crusty piece of loaf and crumbled off a piece, chewing absently as she listened to the conversation around the table.
“...and one day I'll be a lady and then I'll be able to dance as much as I like!” Chrissie was saying. Her laugh lit the small, cozy space and made it warmer.
Heath smiled. “My lady, it is shocking that anyone restrict that. You're a fine dancer.”
Chrissie dimpled. “Thank you, Heath,” she mumbled, looking at her dinner. “You're not bad either.”
Heath laughed and Alina smiled. Amabel caught her look and winked back.
If only life was always this peaceful. She absently passed a soup-bone to the hound that came padding in to sit behind her chair. So genteel and innocent, filled with simple pleasures.
As the candlelight flickered across the merry gathering, Amabel found herself memorizing everything. The way Alina's dark gown glowed in the flamelight. Her serene, angelic smile. Chrissie's lively giggle. Heath's reserved calm.
Stop it Amabel. You will return to them. But deep in her heart, she was not sure.