As they proceeded toward the stairwell, Gyllis’s limp was barely noticeable. Helen’s sister had suffered from a bout of paralysis before she had married Sir Sean MacDougall. The disease could have left her abed for the rest of her days, but Gyllis had been determined to walk again. Only through her determination and perseverance did she recover. Helen maintained the utmost respect for her sister—she proved herself the strongest of all the Campbell lasses. With hope, Helen had inherited some of that strength as well—no doubt she’d need it.
Once in the lady’s solar, Jinny arrived with Maggie’s milk in no time. Helen accepted the bowl and spoon. “Thank you ever so much.”
“My pleasure, m’lady. The lads will bring up the bath barrel and buckets as soon as the water has warmed.”
“Lovely, again, I cannot thank you enough.”
Jinny curtseyed and left them.
Helen cradled Maggie on her lap and spooned the milk in the bairn’s mouth. The wee one lapped it up like a greedy puppy.
Gyllis sat in the overstuffed chair opposite. “She has Aleck’s coloring.”
“Aye, but she’s fine-boned like me.” Helen tried not to show her irritation. She didn’t want Maggie to resemble Aleck in the slightest, but the lass did have black hair.
“Hmm.” Gyllis pursed her lips. “I can tell by your frown, my remark displeases you.”
Helen bowed her head. “Aye,” she whispered.
“Tell me why you’re here looking like a guttersnipe. Truly, Helen, your news must be deplorable.” Gyllis drew her eyebrows together. “What of Sir Aleck?”
Closing her eyes, Helen took in a deep breath. Where should she start? She gave Maggie another spoon of milk. There was no way to soften the news. “I have appealed to the Pope for an annulment.”
With a gasp, Gyllis slapped both hands over her heart. “Oh dear God in heaven, ’tis that grave?”
“I’m afraid so,” Helen said, blinking to allay her urge to cry. She stood and rested the bairn in the cradle. “I’ve been forced to flee my home with nothing but the rags I am wearing and my child.”
After Helen returned to her seat, Gyllis quietly listened while Helen divulged every sordid detail of her twisted marriage. It wasn’t usually like Gyllis to keep silent. Helen was the sister who always listened and consoled the others. But this time, Helen needed an impartial ear, and her dear sister rose to the occasion.
She omitted nothing. The disdain, the violence, her decision to send Eoin to Iona with her missive, her wrongful incarceration in that abominable dungeon, and further vile treatment whilst she remained locked in complete darkness.
When Helen finished, she pressed her face against her palms. “If it weren’t for Mr. Keith and Glenda, I’d still be rotting in the dungeon.”
Eyes wide, Gyllis looked completely stunned. “Your suffering is inconceivable. I cannot believe you endured his hostility for so long.”
“’Tis like I’m floating in a dream right now. I cannot believe I am finally free from him.”
“We must assure we remain discreet. Have you received word from the Pope?”
Helen rubbed her aching eyes. “Nay, and I’ve not heard from Sir Eoin since he sailed for Iona. He promised to bring me word, and now that I have run away, he’ll never find me even if the Pope does grant my annulment.”
“Oh, my heavens, you poor dear.” Gyllis crossed the floor and took Helen’s hands between her palms. “Your plight is far worse than anything I could have imagined.”
“I need a place to hide and, somehow, I must send word to Eoin MacGregor without anyone the wiser, especially anyone connected with the MacIain Clan.”
“Of course, of course. We shall see to everything.” Gyllis rubbed her fingers atop the back of Helen’s hand. “And what about the elderly guard who accompanied you here? Mr. Keith, is it?”
“Aye.” Helen nodded. “He can never return to Mingary. I owe him my life.”
“Rowing all that way? God bless him. He is a loyal soul, indeed.”
“There is none more so—he’s been incredibly kind. I promised him the protection of the Campbell Clan.”
“He’ll have the protection of the MacDougalls as well.”
“You are a jewel.” Though she wanted to sink into the overstuffed chair and close her eyes, another thing needed to be said. “I did not tell the guard my given name. I think ’tis best your servants remain unaware of which sister has come to call.”
“On that you needn’t worry. I shall ensure everyone thinks you to be Alice.” Gyllis laughed. “With our sister living in Perthshire, no one will have a clue as to her identity.”
“You are so clever. I still cannot believe I am here.” Allowing herself to smile, Helen peered into her sister’s caring blue eyes. “Oh, Gyllis I knew it was right to come to you.”
Reaching out, the Lady of Dunollie patted Helen’s shoulder. “We shall see you’re fed, bathed and have a good night’s rest. But I think we must hide you away from a Campbell keep.”
Helen didn’t like the sound of that at all. “Do you think it necessary?”
“I do. When Sir Aleck discovers you’re missing, there will be hell to pay, and the first place he’ll look is here and Kilchurn.”
“I hate this.” Wringing her hands, Helen clenched her teeth. “Where will I go?”
“I have just the place.” Gyllis held up a finger and waggled her brows. “On the morrow, I shall spirit you and Maggie to Sean’s hunting cottage in Fearnoch Forest. No one will ever find you there—and ’tis well provisioned for the season. There you can stay and await word from the Pope.”
“A hunting cottage?” Helen allowed herself to hope. “It sounds ideal.”
“’Tis a tad rustic, but you should want for nothing. And I can visit you often.” Gyllis chuckled. “When Sean first became chieftain, the forest was riddled with outlaws, but no longer.”
For the first time in years, the tightness in Helen’s chest eased. It was hard to believe that she and Maggie would be free at last. “I’d like to pen a missive to Sir Eoin. Are they still stationed at Dunstaffnage?”
“Unfortunately, nay. The king is amassing his army at Tabert.” Gyllis covered her mouth with a sharp inhale. “’Tis a big secret. My husband would be very upset to know I’d told you so freely.”
Helen’s heart sank—Dunstaffnage was only four miles north of Dunollie where it would be ever so easy to dispatch a message. If only Eoin were there. “Curses, if I didn’t have rotten luck, I’d have no luck at all. Tabert is quite far.” She knew of it only because the castle lay on Clan Campbell lands.
“But not for a galley.” Gyllis grinned, the same mischievous smile she’d had as a child. “A small crew could set sail in the morning.”
Helen gasped. “Honestly? Would they be able to take Mr. Keith with them? I would entrust a verbal message only to his care. I will not even venture to put quill to parchment.”
Gyllis patted her hand with a reassuring glint in her eyes. “Then we shall make it so.”