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know, Highlanders are a verra superstitious lot. Most believe if they cross her, she will cast a spell on them or harm their loved ones. Lady Laurel has also been the brunt of her cousin’s ire on more than one occasion. This is one of those times.”
    “And Murray allowed this to take place? Would that I had but one minute alone with the spineless blackguard.”
    “He tends to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear when it comes to his wife’s behavior.”
    “I will speak to Murray and set him straight. Tell him I wish to marry Laurel and spare her any further grief.” He spun around, then headed toward the castle, but Isla rushed ahead of him, blocking his path.
    “Get out of my way, lass.”
    “Please, m’lord, you mustna rush in without giving this careful consideration. Murray and Deirdre willna give consent for you to see Lady Laurel, let alone marry her. They might take their anger out on her or see you imprisoned.”
    “On what charge? Love?”
    “They dinna need a good excuse to throw you into the pit. Poor Angus is there now because we were late returning yesterday from the festival. Besides, Lady Laurel told me to send you away. She would be furious with me if anything were to happen to you.”
    As much as he wanted to storm into the castle and demand Laurel’s release, Isla was likely right. He would not risk putting Laurel at risk. He threw his hands in the air in frustration. “I canna stand by and watch her marry Allan. Not unless she tells me to my face that this is what she wants.”
    “Why, that would be impossible, m’lord. There is no way for you to speak with her. Mayhap it is best you honor her wishes and leave.”
    “You dinna know me, Isla. I can be as stubborn and determined as Deirdre, more so. Where in the castle is her chamber?”
    He stared up at two tall, stone towers, surrounded by a curtain wall, and what he assumed would be a heavily guarded parapet. Getting into the castle unnoticed would be a challenge; locating Laurel without being caught, even more difficult. But he had to find her, and was prepared to die trying. “Either you tell me or I will search for her by myself.” He took a step in the direction of the keep.
    “Wait.” Isla scooted in front of him, blocking his way, again. “Her chamber is atop the north tower. But the guards have instructions to kill any intruders on sight.”
    “I am going with or without your assistance, Isla.” He cocked his head to the side and studied the young woman as she pondered his request. “What will it be?”
    “Verra well. I will get you inside, but you must do exactly as I say. No matter what. Is that clear? Lady Laurel is not going to be pleased with me. And I shudder to think what will happen if we are caught.”
    Blair nodded. “Understood. We will keep our heads on a swivel.”
    “You must also promise that if Lady Laurel tells you to leave, you will honor her wishes.”
    “Agreed. Let’s go.” While he had no intention of leaving without Laurel, he needed Isla’s knowledge of the castle to find her chamber. He hated to lie, but would deal with that if and when the time presented itself.
    Being careful to remain in the shadows, they made their way along the curtain wall, then entered the herb garden behind the kitchen.
    “Halt! Move one muscle and I will run you through,” the deep male voice rumbled.
    Blair stopped dead and looked at Isla. Then pulled her into an embrace before kissing her soundly. “Can a man not find a place to be alone with his woman?” he mumbled against her lips.
    “Show your face,” the guard demanded. But Blair kept his back to the man.
    Isla peeked over Blair’s shoulder. “It is I. Isla. Please dinna tell the mistress you’ve found me here with my. . .”
    Blair thumped his open hand against his chest. “Och, you wound me, lass. Do I mean so little to you that you are ashamed to let people know about our love for each other? You make it sound like a tottery tryst.”
    “Forgive me,”