The tears were streaming down Iona’s cheeks as the Duke stopped speaking. Impulsively she swayed towards him, her arms outstretched.
“Thank God you can say that,” she breathed.
The Duke held her closely, but before he could speak, there was the sound of footsteps at the other end of the cavern and they saw the light of Raild’s lantern. They drew apart, but the Duke still held Iona’s hand in his.
“There be many a-comin’ the noo, Yer Grace,” Raild said.
Iona turned to the Duke, a question on her lips.
“Things have happened,” he explained quickly, “which have led me to think that my people will invite the suspicions of the English. Despite the most drastic penalties of transportation and death the majority of them still have weapons or articles of Highland dress hidden in their crofts. S
