By God's Grace by Felicia Rogers

dart.
    Unfortunately, the balcony was empty. Grant searched for signs, but there was no evidence in sight.
    Duncan sat beside the body. What did “wiss” mean? Was it a person? Could it be the poison?
    Although he might not know what “wiss” meant, one thing was certain. There was a murderer in the keep, and they had just taken the life of their second victim.
    ****
    â€œYe were right, Sori. He betrayed us.”
    â€œAye, men canna be trusted.”
    The covering was replaced as she plopped in front of the mirror. Cradling her face, she said, “I thought he loved me. He said he loved me, didn’t he? Now what will we do?”
    â€œYe will continue on. Ye must think of the child.”
    â€œAye, Sori, ye are right. I must continue on for the sake of the child.”

 
Chapter Fourteen
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    A few moments were spent putting away Arbella’s things. When Tamara and Arbella finished, they sat down in chairs facing the fireplace, kicked off their shoes, and warmed their toes until they were toasty from the roaring fire. Arbella giggled. Then Tamara joined her.
    â€œWhy — why are we giggling?” one of them managed to stutter out.
    â€œI don’t know.”
    â€œMe, either!”
    When they gained control, Arbella commented, “It’s nice to have a friend.”
    â€œYe consider me a friend?”
    â€œAye, I do. Probably my best friend — at least, my only friend.”
    â€œMy lady, I thank ye, but I don’t see how this can be. Ye came from one of the biggest, most prominent clans in all the highlands. Surely ye have friends.”
    A sad smile crept around Arbella’s dark brown eyes. “I wasn’t raised with the Kincade clan. In fact I spent more time here with the Sinclairs than I ever did with the Kincades. Come to think of it, my only other close friend was Alison Sinclair. I haven’t seen her in over ten years. Do you know how she fares?”
    â€œAye, I do. She married one of Grant Cameron’s cousins. I believe they even have a few children to speak of.”
    â€œChildren? What wonderful news. When my father perished and I moved closer to England with my Uncle Jonas and Aunt Martha, I despaired of ever hearing about Alison again.”
    As they spoke, the two women lounged. Her tense muscles were just starting to relax when there was a banging on the outer door.
    â€œMy lady, my lady!” came a shout.
    Arbella’s eyes widened. She rose, opening the door. Outside stood her escort from before. The man was at least a foot taller than her, causing Arbella’s neck to arch back when she spoke. “Aye, Bryce, is there a problem?”
    â€œAye, I believe there may be. I heard a commotion in the main hall, and —”
    Arbella interrupted, “And you believe you should go and check it out?”
    â€œAye.”
    â€œGo ahead. Tamara and I will be fine. We’ll lock the door.”
    The Scot nodded, spun around, and walked at a fast clip down the hollowed hallway. With a shake of the head, Arbella returned to Tamara.
    The maid asked, “What was that about?”
    Arbella shrugged. “I’m not sure. Something about a commotion. I’m certain we’ll discover the details later. Now what were we talking about? Oh, I remember. Allison.” She grasped Tamara’s delicate hands in delight. “Tell me everything you know about the Sinclair family.”
    ****
    Duncan roamed around the great hall like a caged tiger. Cainneach was murdered. The informant as much as said so before being murdered himself. Without knowing the cause of his brother’s demise, it would be impossible to decipher why he’d been killed. The informant’s death was done to protect the murderer. Could others within his protection be in danger as well? Perhaps even Arbella? As the thought crossed his mind, Bryce came into view.
    â€œWhere is she?” Duncan asked, worry lines creasing his