With a pang of regret, she shook her head, changed, and raced after Ashk.

Ashk found Fiona sitting at the small work table in the kitchen. A cup of cold tea was pushed to one side. Her hands cupped a glass of whiskey.

“I made myself a cup of tea,” Fiona said, “but I was afraid to drink it.”

Ashk sat across from her. “That’s understandable.” She reached for Fiona’s hand. “I’m sorry to force something else on you, but it’s a decision I can’t make. We found a scent in one of the fields on Liam’s estate. I also picked up the scent of nighthunters. I won’t send men into those fields in the dark, Fiona. That I won’t do. But I’ll send pairs of riders out on the roads to the neighboring farms and estates and to the village to find out if anyone has seen her.”

“You’d send men out on dark roads for Jean?”

“No. I’d do it for you. For Breanna.”

The kitchen door opened. Selena walked in, closed the door, and came to stand near the table.

Fiona took a long swallow of whiskey. Then she pulled a bundled handkerchief out of her pocket. “After you left, I searched the drawers Jean was given for her clothes. I found this, tucked in the back of one drawer under the camisoles. I can’t identify everything she collected during her forays in the woods and through the gardens, but I do recognize foxglove. So, no, Ashk, I don’t want you to send your men out on dark roads to search for Jean. Because Breanna was right. If this is what was in the tea, then Jean did kill Nuala.”

Chapter 41

full moon

Ashk doesn’t avoid being around the gentry because they’re human, Morag thought sourly as Padrick escorted her off the ship. She avoids them so she doesn’t have to dress like a…lady. “I feel—”

“Lovely?” Padrick asked innocently.

“Foolish.”

“But you look lovely. And that split skirt with matching jacket and linen shirt is both practical and stylish.”

Morag slanted a look at him. “You’ve had this argument with Ashk, haven’t you?”

“Me? Never. But her lady’s maid has had this…discussion…with Ashk on several occasions and then vented her frustration over my wife’s stubbornness to my valet, who, of course, tells me everything. So I’m kept informed without ever becoming involved. An ideal solution for a husband when it comes to such matters.”