Thorburn gave Stuart a quick glance and Stuart nodded and checked the upper rooms for anyone. He found a maid in his room and asked her to leave for now, go downstairs, and she could finish up later. When he was sure the rooms were empty, he stood in the doorway and watched the stairway to see if anyone else came up the stairs.

Stuart nodded to Thorburn and he asked Teárlag to sit down and tell him about her meeting with Blackthorne.

"I cannot sit, Thorburn. I may not be able to sit until tomorrow at least."

"Was the carriage ride that rough?" Thorburn asked.

"Nay, I was kneeling...