Read Online Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) by Kara Griffin - Free Book Online

about that, do ye?”
    Her father scowled. “Nay, his
manner is that of Lord, as it should be. My people will look to him as their
lord when my time comes. I do not answer to you in these matters.” He walked to
the door, turned, and looked over his shoulder. “Be ready to leave at first
light.” He slammed the door behind him.
    Curse him. Why was she burdened
with such a wretched father? He didn’t love her, but to actually despise her… It
didn’t matter now. She would leave and never return. Pacing the room, she
waited for Russell. He took forever and she wondered if he would actually come.
    “God, please, I need him to get my
message to Candace.”
    Another hour passed, and she
continued to pace, expecting Russell’s arrival. Three taps came upon her door,
and she ran to it, whispering though the crack. “Who is it?”
    “’Tis Russell, open up, Issy.”
    Isabel opened the door slightly,
seeing her friend in the hallway. “Hurry, get inside.” She yanked his arm,
pulling him through the door.
    “What’s going on?”
    “I need you to deliver a message to
the Kerr clan, to my friend Candace. Do you remember her? She’s the girl I visited
when I went to Uncle Stan’s holding.”
    “You want me to ride to the Highlands?”
He had a note of incredulity in his voice.
    “You must find a way, Russ. It’s my
only hope.”
    “My lady, ‘tis a good distance, and
the Scotsmen might kill me, but I’ll go for ye.”
    Russell wouldn’t deny her request,
no matter what dangers he would encounter. She knew he had loved her since she
was young, but knew he could never pursue her. He’d sworn to protect her long
ago, and for that, she cared for him.
    Isabel hugged him. “Thank you, Russ,
and whatever you do, do hurry. It’s my only hope to escape. Give the message to
Candace, no one else. I’m being sent to Fairview Asylum, and I need her help.” She
handed him the rolled scroll. Though she wanted to escape this night, she wouldn’t
endanger him further. He’d put his safety aside just delivering her message,
and she wouldn’t ask more.
    “Asylum?” His eyebrows rose. “Ye
should come away with me now, my lady. I’ll get you to safety and then take
your message to Candace.” He took her arm, pulling her to the door.
    Isabel yanked her arm free. “Nay, I
cannot risk your being caught. Just get my message to Candace, that’s all I shall
ask.”
    Russ unwillingly agreed. “Very
well, I’ll get the message to her. Will ye be safe?”
    “Worry not, but if I’m not here
when the Highlanders come, send them to the asylum.”
    Russ nodded. “Aye, my lady, but—”
    Isabel opened the door. “Go, Russ.”
She pushed him through the doorway, and watched him hurry down the hallway. After
closing the door, she locked it, and prayed for his safe journey.
    She thought about her earlier
conversation with her father. Nathaniel was right about him being demented. He’d
send her to an asylum without reservation. She heard about those places. The
thought of being sent there frightened her. She must delay her father’s
decision, and get him to hold off sending her as long as possible. Russell
would deliver her message in time. Her fate depended upon it.
    She thought about Douglas too, her
mind envisioning her last sight of him. He would protect her, she was certain. Her
heart attested that he was gallant. Isabel hadn’t heard from Candace since
they’d parted two years ago. Candace must not have married, because she hadn’t
sent for her. Isabel didn’t worry, because she was certain that Douglas
wouldn’t marry Candace poorly. She didn’t know why she felt that way.
    Rubbing the back of her neck, she
looked at the bedding. She hadn’t slept much in the past weeks, and her eyes
showed the lack. She’d get rest once she was well away from this evil place,
that is, if Russ was able to deliver her message.

 
    Streaks of redness lined the night sky like
cobwebs spun by the nocturnal spider.
    The aura was a