“To incriminate ye wi’ the English, mistress?”
“Yes, Cathy, but it is also of value to the Prince. Could you find it, do you think?”
“I ca’ but try, mistress,” Cathy replied. “Her Ladyship’s maid is in the housekeeper’s room awailin’ to wak’ the deid, His Lordship’s valet is doonstairs the noo.”
“Then this is your opportunity. Oh, Cathy, please contrive to discover it – a small black book which has been used as a diary.”
“I’ll dae ma best, mistress!”
Cathy slipped from the room. Iona listened to the minutes ticking past. Soon the room would be empty and she would be gone. She felt her heart contract at the thought, followed by a pain like a physical wound beneath her breasts.
Then she no longer heard the clock, she was living again those moments when the Duke had told her of his love
