Thomas Blackwell arrived with his mother. He carried a basket of oatcakes, chicken pie, jelly and tea, which he handed to the maid as they all took seats in the sitting room.
“You’re very kind, Mistress Blackwell. Thank you,” said Mari’s mother.
“Not at all, Mistress Thomas.” She laid her hand on Rowena’s for a moment in silent sympathy. As she withdrew it, she said softly, “Reverend Blackwell is gathering men to go out after dark and bring Ellen and Jamie back home where they belong. They will wait until dark, to avoid suspicion. The Highland Host are all about us. No one is safe.” With a sharp intake of breath, she stopped, her eyes darting about before settling on her clasped hands in her lap.
Rowena nodded. “Aye, ‘tis a truth we ken well.”
Mistress Blackwell said, “Your Jamie was a
