Jack moved to close his study door, then he turned to Jamie and launched right into his plan.
28
Isla woke up alone in her chamber. She rolled around on her bed then sat up and pressed a hand over her forehead.
Her mind was a jumble of thoughts and it had been that way since the previous night. She kept thinking of Jack and what she needed to do to save his plan.
Isla’s had moved to the necklace he had gifted her, and she fingered it before she smiled. Being with Jack these past times had taught her a lot already. She had learned to enjoy people and care for them too.
I will forever cherish him and this gift.The bleakness in her heart overtook every other emotion. It did not seem like she would ever recover from missing him. Isla was still here, and it hurt this deep. What would it feel like once she returned?
After leaving her chamber, she noticed the Castle was a bit quiet as she walked toward the healing chamber in search of Moira. Isla ran into Penelope for the first time since the girl recovered.
She smiled, and Penelope curtsied. “How are you doing?” Isla asked.
“I am all right, My Lady,” she answered. Isla could tell she was better. Her complexion did not look as pale anymore, and she walked without touching her abdomen.
“And the pain?” Isla asked before reaching out to touch Penelope’s side.
“It is all right, My Lady.”
“I’m glad.”
Isla smiled at her, then looked around before asking. “Have ye seen Moira anywhere? Or the Laird?”
“The Laird rode out this mornin’, and I havenae seen the healer, My Lady.”
A guard walked up to them then and bowed to Isla. “The Laird has requested that ye dinnae leave yer chamber today, My Lady. Nay until he returns.”
Isla frowned as she heard the guard’s order. “What is happening?” she asked. “Where is the Laird?”
“He rode out to Onich this mornin’,” the guard answered.
“And he asked that ye guard me?”
“Aye, he did.”
Isla was about to argue with the guard when she saw Jamie walk into the Castle with some men. She instantly walked away from Penelope and headed over to him.
Jamie bowed his head once he saw her, then dismissed his men.
“What has happened in the village?” Isla asked. “Is Jack all right?”
“He is with his trusted men, My Lady, and he has asked me to stay back in the Castle to take care of thin’s here. Ye arenae to leave yer chamber until he returns. It isnae safe for ye after what happened with the Calloways.”
“It is not safe for anyone,” Isla replied. “I do not wish to be locked away like a child.”
“It is the Laird’s command.”
“I do not intend to obey it,” she replied immediately, then raised her chin defiantly. “I get that you do not like me, Sir Jamie, but I am worried about the Laird and this Clan just as much as you are. You do not need to like or trust me. But you must accept that I care for Jack.”
Jamie did not have the usual grim expression on his face or the frown he wore whenever he saw her. He simply stared at her for a while before he nodded softly and said, “I accept it, My Lady.”
Shocked, Isla arched a brow. She folded a hand over her chest, and waited for him to say more, but he didn’t.
“You do?” she asked when Jamie remained quiet.
“Will ye walk with me?”