The Renegade's Heart by Claire Delacroix Read Free Book Online Page B

between Alexander and
Tynan. While Isabella did not doubt that Alexander was innocent in
any theft of the relics sold at Ravensmuir, it was clear to her
that he had not been surprised by the knight’s accusation.
    Alexander knew something .
    And he would never share his knowledge
willingly. Truly, Alexander had become so tedious since assuming
the lairdship. He was consumed with responsibility and duty, when
once he had been the troublemaker in the family. He kept all to
himself, especially now that Eleanor was so ill. Where would he
secure any secrets? Isabella got no further before Elizabeth
appeared suddenly beside her.
    “So?” Elizabeth demanded, fairly dancing in
her excitement. “Did you see him? Do you know why he came to
Kinfairlie?”
    For once, Isabella was not inclined to
confide in her sister. She felt protective of Murdoch and his
secret and realized Alexander would not be the only one in this
keep to hide knowledge.
    “Who?” Isabella asked, feigning
innocence.
    Elizabeth poked her. “You know who! The
knight! Is he not most handsome?”
    “He looks hale enough.”
    Elizabeth scoffed. “More than hale. He is
bold and brave. I can tell by one glimpse of him. He walked ahead
of Anthony in his desire to see Alexander. This is a man who sees
matters resolved.” Elizabeth shivered with delight. “Imagine what
tales he might tell.”
    “I cannot guess.”
    “Nonsense! What did you learn of him?”
    “Me?”
    Elizabeth folded her arms across her chest
and leaned against the table beside Isabella, fixing her sister
with a stern look. “You know everything that occurs in this
keep. And you did not come down to the hall after me.” She
grimaced. “I should have remained in our chamber, but I had been
sure he would come into the hall. What did you hear?”
    “I went to fetch the herbs...”
    “No. I was watching for you.” Elizabeth
leaned closer, conviction in her gaze. “You listened . You
know why he came. Tell me!” Isabella averted her own gaze, feigning
preoccupation in her herbs. “Did he come for a bride? Which one of
us? What did Alexander say?”
    “I do not know,” Isabella said. On one hand,
she did not wish to lie to her sister. On the other, it would be
unkind to encourage any idea that Murdoch had arrived to seek a
wife. She knew her sister well enough that she realized she would
not dissuade Elizabeth of that notion without telling her the
truth.
    And the truth was Murdoch’s to share – or
not.
    Elizabeth pouted prettily. “If you do not
tell me, then I will tell Alexander what you did.”
    “I did nothing!”
    “You listened. He will believe me and he will
not be pleased.”
    “You are right,” she conceded, trying to
deflect Elizabeth’s interest in another way. “I did try to
listen.”
    “Ha!”
    “But it seemed unfair to mention as much
because I heard nothing.”
    Elizabeth was incredulous. “Nothing?”
    Isabella shrugged. “They dropped their voices
too low for me to hear.” She smiled at her sister. “I tried, but it
was to no avail.” She grimaced. “Then I heard Moira so I had to
leave in haste, in case she came out of the solar and caught me
there.”
    “Secrets!” Elizabeth said with satisfaction,
surveying the bustle of activity in the kitchens. “Negotiations,
just as I suspected.”
    “You cannot be certain,” Isabella said. “It
could have been another matter they discussed.”
    “What other matter? He would have come to
Alexander’s courts, had he a complaint, and any less delicate
matter would have been discussed in the hall.” She brightened at a
thought. “Perhaps I can get the truth from Alexander.”
    “That is a good idea,” Isabella agreed
mildly. “Perhaps you can. He does favor you.”
    Elizabeth nodded. “And he has no right to
keep the truth from us, not if he is arranging our nuptials.” Her
eyes narrowed. “He did as much before with Madeline and
Vivienne.”
    “But he pledged not to do so again.”
    Elizabeth’s