"He was crazed?"

"Yes," she answered impatiently. She stood up then and went to the door.

"Where are you going?"

"I asked Proster to accompany me to my sister's home, and I'm going to go get him."

"But you told me that Christen doesn't wish to see you again."

"Yes, that's true, but-"

"Then why are you going back?"

With a sigh she said, "I'm not really going to my sister's. Proster knows where the Drummonds live, and once we're on our way to Christen's, I'm going to insist that he take me on to Annie's instead."

"But why?" she persisted.

"Because Kevin and Annie know the way to the Len holding, and I know the way home from there."

Bridgid was stunned. "My God, you really are going back to England. You told me you were, but I didn't believe you."

"Yes, I am." When Bridgid ran to her, she hugged her farewell. "I want you to know how much your friendship has meant to me. I'm going to miss you."

"But I'll see you again, won't I?"

"No. I'm not coming back."

"What about Brodick? You love him."

"He doesn't love me. He used me, Bridgid, to get what he wanted. I meant so little to him that he couldn't…"

It was too painful to talk about. Straightening away from her friend, she said, "I must get going."

"Wait," Bridgid demanded when Gillian reached for the latch. "I'll go hunt Proster down while you change your clothes."

"I'm never wearing the Buchanan colors again."

"Be reasonable. Everyone will know you're up to something if you go outside wearing those clothes. You've got to change."

Gillian realized her friend was right, they would notice. "I wasn't thinking… I was so angry, and I… Yes, I'll change my clothes while you go get Proster."

"It may take me a while to find him, but you stay here. Promise me you'll wait inside."

"I'll wait. Remember," she warned, "Proster thinks I'm going to see Christen."

"I know," Bridgid said as she opened the door. She stepped out onto the stoop, then turned to pull the door closed. Still puzzling over the disappearance of the treasure, her mind raced with possibilities. "Could I ask you one more question?"

"What is it?"

"You said that Ector was crazed. Were you exaggerating because he was a little peculiar, or did you really mean it? Was he truly crazed?"

"Oh, yes, he was," she answered in a rush. "Now, please hurry, Bridgid. I must get going as soon as 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."