The Return of Black Douglas (35 page)

“There were also some items in the stone box that belonged to Elisabeth, but they are under the care of the current Earl of Kinloss in Moray. You mentioned you were going to visit there, so be sure you ask to see them.”

“Oh, we will,” Robert said.

“We normally don’t allow anyone to touch the items, but I think we can make an exception in your case.” She unlocked the glass case.

It was a moving experience to touch the familiar items belonging to her daughter, and Victoria took her time looking at each item. “Just think, Izzy was wearing this backpack a couple of years ago and yet it has been buried for five hundred years. Mind boggling, isn’t it?”

Victoria went through Izzy’s wallet. She looked at the photo on her license and passport and tested the breath spray, which did not work. And then she picked up the romance novel and laughed.

“Now, this is really spooky,” she said, leaning over to hold the book up in front of Robert.

“
The Bride of Black Douglas,
” he read.

“Izzy read romance novels for years. It’s almost as if she had a premonition, or maybe it was a sign of some sort. Whatever it was, I do not believe it was an accident that she picked this book to bring with her.”

Later, as they left the castle, she glanced at Robert. “I know they were happy. I just wish there was some way I could know that in the end they had a choice of whether they remained or came back to their time. If only I could have some sign,” she said, and turned away.

From somewhere deep within the castle came the haunting skirl of pipes.

Acknowledgments

A special thank you to John Everett, MD, for his patient explanation of wound infections and why garlic was a better choice than honey for my wounded character and time period. 

I just love it when I learn something.

About the Author

Since her first publication in 1988,
New York Times
bestselling author Elaine Coffman’s books have been on the
New York Times, USA Today
Top 50, and Ingram’s Romance bestsellers lists. They also have won four nominations for Best Historical Romance of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice, Best Western Historical, and The Maggie. She lives in Austin, Texas.