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It was midnight when I returned to Mac’s. I considered going straight to Maitland House but Sir Alastair would probably have Justina locked up for the night. Tomorrow would have to do. If I got lucky I would find Justina in the wood

Chapter Seventeen

I set out before breakfast. The air was bitterly cold and I huddled into my jacket as I marched up the road. When I reached the track that led into the wood, I left the road and made my way to the clearing.

A thin mist wreathed the trees but it didn’t obscure my view of the clearing, which was disappointingly empty. Lady Justina must have opted for the full English breakfast before her customary spot of woodland dancing. Either that or the cold weather had put her off. Hoping it wasn’t the latter, I hunkered down in the bushes to wait.

I was beginning to wish I’d stayed at Mac’s for another coffee, when I heard the soft crunch of leaves underfoot. A moment later Lady Justina appeared.

She was wearing a tartan shawl over her dark ankle-length dress. Apparently oblivious to the cold, she took off the shawl and draped it over a low branch. She stretched her arms toward the sky and began to dance.

“Lady Justina.”

She jumped and whirled to face me.

“Please don’t be frightened,” I said.

“I’m not frightened of you, but I didn’t expect you to be here. What do you want?”

Touching her arm, I said gently, “I know you’re a selkie.”

To my surprise she burst into tears.

“You must not tell anyone. Please.” She actually fell to her knees and wrapped her arms around my legs.

Astonished by her overreaction, I tried to reassure her. “I promise I won’t tell anyone. I want to help you.” Her arms were still locked around my legs, throwing me off balance. If she didn’t let go soon we’d both end up sprawling on the ground. “Look, maybe you should stand up.” Helping her to her feet, I said, “I’ve spoken with your brother.”

Her eyes brightened. “Is he well?”

I thought about the naked male I’d seen in Scarlett’s garden. “He looked pretty well to me.”

She gave a little smile then more tears trickled down her cheeks. “I’m so lonely. I’d give everything I have to get back to my people.”

“You don’t have to give me everything,” I said lightly. “Your eternal gratitude will be enough.”

She looked confused.

I enlightened her. “I know where your skin is hidden.”

At first she stared at me in disbelief. Slowly her expression changed. I’ve never seen such joy. If I could’ve bottled it I’d be a rich woman.

“Are you sure you know where it is?” she asked.

I nodded. “It’s in the attic.” I explained about the carved chest that contained a fox stole, a mink coat and a strange skin that had never been made into a coat. “I should have realized immediately it was a selkie’s skin.”

“That doesn’t matter now.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “I must go to the attic.” Then her face fell. “But Sir Alastair’s staff watch me all the time. How will I manage it?”

“I’ll get the skin,” I said. “All you have to do is keep Sir Alastair occupied while I nip up to the attic.”

“I don’t know how to thank you, Allegra.”

I shrugged—aw shucks—and said modestly, “I’m a paranormal investigator. It’s what I do.”

We headed for Maitland House immediately, but right from the beginning luck wasn’t with us.

I had hoped to get inside without being seen, but as we approached the back of the house, Sir Alastair came out onto the patio. I guessed he had been watching for Lady Justina’s return.

He walked toward us but he spoke to me. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Allegra?”

Lady Justina said nervously, “I met her in the wood. I—I—she–”

“I needed to use the bathroom,” I said quickly.

“I see.” There was no way he believed me.

“Please, Alastair,” Lady Justina said. “She won’t take long.”

“I seem to remember,” he said dryly, “that last time she was here she spent quite a lot of time in the lavatory.”

“I promise I won’t be long this time.”

“Very well,” said Sir Alastair. “Do you remember the way or would you like Phillips to escort you?”

“I remember the way.”

“When you’re finished,” he continued,