Extended Epilogues

“I do,” Shana said, her hands gripping Logan’s. She was lost in a dream as she stood before the minister who had taken residence in the village many years ago. “With all of me heart,” she added.

The minister stated the same words for Logan, and in his deep voice, he said, “I do. With everythin’ in me.” Shana smiled, wishing they could go home immediately and make love feverishly until they were too spent to continue. However, they would have to celebrate, and for that, she was grateful if not impatient.

“And so I now pronounce ye man and wife,” the minister droned on in his dull voice, and yet the words made Shana float on air. Her forever partner had been chosen. It began and ended with Logan. She couldn’t imagine loving someone as much as she loved him.

Logan leaned towards her, and she laid her lips on his, not wanting to end. But the cheery cries of their audience stopped them from continuing. Shana pulled back, smiling at her friends and family. The light was such that everything seemed touched by fire. The leaves on the trees seemed aflame, and she looked around, knowing that for so long, she had seen the village as a prison.

Yet, now, it felt like a warm and comfortable home, and when she left the next day for the keep, there would be sorrow in her heart. However, it would be a feeling of sweet sorrow, one that she could hold in the nights when she couldn’t sleep, thinking softly of the life she had thus far led. Home was always there, even when she had a new adventure ahead of her.

Gripping Logan’s arm, they left the ceremony, leading to where the celebrations would begin. It would be a feast with food and dancing. “What do ye think now, Shana? Are ye happy?”

“Each day brings me more happiness, Logan. I never kenned that it could be such. Are ye happy?”

“Ye dinnae even need tae ask. I have been happy from the first when ye were by me side.” The bagpipes began to play, and the crowd started to pair up, moving in rhythm to the music.

“Come and dance with me, Shana. We have never done so.”

“True enough, Logan,” she said with a smile and fell into his arms, laughing as he spun her around. Life is bliss, is it nae? She asked herself, knowing her innocence affected her thoughts and, at the same time, not caring.

***

Logan’s eyes missed nothing. He watched Shana’s smile, the way she laughed, the glint of her lovely blue eyes in the fading sunlight, as well as the gold flecks in her hair.

He loved everything about this woman, and he couldn’t imagine life without her. She was happiness personified, bringing her glorious cheerfulness into his life and pushing all the darkness aside. When Shana was present, there was no darkness, no grief, only light and joy. How could he have known that a woman he’d found in the woods while running from a false accusation would bring him here? He was a husband now, with a future.

And he wanted Shana to be as happy as could be. “Shall I tell ye now, Shana, where we are tae go tomorrow for our weddin’ trip?”

Shana beamed. “Please do. If ye would rather nae wait until we are in the actual location.”

“Nae, nae,” he said. “I dinnae think I could bear the questions on the ride there. We will take a carriage, of course. We will ride tae the Laird’s castle with Logan, and then ye and me will go tae Edinburgh.”

The sight of Shana’s surprised face was enough to reward him. “Truly?” she asked before wrapping her arm around his neck. “Logan MacNair, ye make me very happy. I cannae wait tae see it!”

He hugged her back. “I would do anythin’ tae make ye so, wife. We will enjoy ourselves before our return tae the keep. But,” he pulled back, “Ye must tell me whenever ye wish tae travel again. We will nae stay in that keep forever, rottin’ away. We will move, travel, learn new things. I want ye tae see the world.”

“Ye are me ticket tae the world, Logan MacNair,” she said, grinning. “And yet, I have found the world of love far more excitin’ than the actual physical world.”

“Have ye? Well, then I must show ye more of it, although I fear ye will be disappointed in me, then.”

“Never, dear Logan,” Shana said with a chuckle. “I could never be disappointed. Ye are perfect.”

Logan tapped the side of his head. “I will keep that in mind when ye are cross with me.”

“Do so,” Shana said with a wink. They continued dancing, moving through the other couples, following the beat of the bagpipe. At the end of the song, he pulled her close and hugged her.

“It is ye who have saved me, Shana. Never forget it.”

In his ear, Shana whispered, “Then let us save one another for the rest of our days, Logan MacNair.”

He grinned, tightening his grip on her. “Agreed.”

***

Orla could not believe the handsome man that had been thrown in her path. It was as if fate was listening to her and had simply given him to her. Killian MacNair was the most beautiful man she had ever seen or even imagined. And she’d imagined a lot.

How could one man be so well-put-together? It wasn’t fair, but he reduced his attraction by the way he was so sour, unwilling to smile, reluctant to be pleasant. Why, he had practically thrown her out of her aunt and uncle’s cottage with his rude words. It had been true that she should not have interfered, but after she’d first seen him, she didn’t want to leave his side. His beauty drew her to him, and she knew that she would have him from that first moment.

She didn’t know how she would do it or what it might look like, but she had to be close to him. He would fight her, but she would get him to see her as more than a nuisance. She would get him to see her as a woman. After the wedding, Killian stood on the outskirts of the crowd, partially hidden in shadow, and Orla strode towards him, having taken a large sip of ale to boost her confidence.

“Do ye nae enjoy the festivities?” she asked, her hands outstretched. “Why do ye nae dance or speak tae anyone? People are goin’ tae think that yer unpleasant, and that would be a shame.”

Killian bristled, and his light green eyes made her feel a little weak. She swallowed, trying to keep her strength. She would not let him see her unnerved. Her mother had taught her to be strong and not let men take advantage. Women had the true power anyway, and she put one hand on her hip, looking at him expectantly.

“I think ye make it yer goal tae irritate me, lass. Why nae just leave me be and dance with any of the other lads here who would gladly take a lass like ye in hand?”

“I dinnae want anyone else,” Orla said. “I have kenned these boys for all of me life. I dinnae want tae dance with them. I want tae dance with ye.” She moved forward, keeping her breath steady, hoping it would give her confidence, and put a hand on his chest.

Good God, this man is walking muscle.

Killian lifted a brow, but he did not smile nor react in any way. His eyes watched her intensely, but she had a feeling he looked at everything that way. She wasn’t special to him, but she would be. She would make it her goal.

“I want tae dance with a man, nae a boy. Will ye oblige me?”

“Nae,” he said, stiffening a little.

“Fine,” Orla said, enjoying the closeness with him. Her hand was still on her chest, for she hadn’t removed it. The darkness hid them partially, and for that, she was grateful, although she’d stopped caring about what her village thought. If Shana could bash boundaries, so could she. “Then, I will wait.”

“Wait for what, lass? I leave tomorrow with Logan and Shana.”

“And I am comin’ with ye.”

He froze, his eyes piercing her with something like anger, but she wasn’t sure. “What do ye mean? Why should ye come?”

Orla smiled her prettiest smile, still trying to convey the confidence that was slowly fading. “I was invited. I will follow them tae the keep when they are returned from their trip. I will stay in the keep until they return, preparin’ things tae be easy for them.” She had only just decided that and wasn’t even sure if Shana would approve, but at least she was leaving the village accompanied. Accompanied by a gorgeous Highlander who made her insides clench with longing.

Killian stepped back away from her grasp. “Well, then. I will return tae the castle and will nae see ye again, most likely. Keep yer distance, lass. Ye ken nae what ye do.”

He walked away and disappeared into the shadows. Slowly, Orla let her hand down to return to her side. She wasn’t sure why, but there was still a smile on her face. She was no stranger to angry heated men. Her father was always mad about somethin’, but her mother knew how to handle it. Her mother could turn her father into a lamb. She would do the same to this angry, prideful Laird who appeared as if he would rather be anywhere than in her presence.

She wanted him, and deep down, she felt like it was right. She would fight for it and do whatever was necessary. Orla Wilson was not one to give up on a fight. She didn’t understand Killian’s last words, but she felt the thrill of the chase.

Ye can try, Killian MacNair, but ye will love me in the end.

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Two Years Later…

He sat up in bed, watching Aileas stand out on the balcony that sat off their bedchamber. The early morning sun shone down on her, wreathing her in a golden aura that made her look even more ethereal and angelic than she usually did. He was amazed that two years after they had declared their love for one another and wed when he looked at her, he felt the same flutter in his heart he did when he’d first met her. Aileas was a special, unique woman, and Luke thanked God every day for putting her in his path.

Luke looked over at the black leather cuirass that stood on the rack in the corner. It bore an embossed silver wolf’s head in the center, the baron’s personal guard’s emblem. After healing and being initiated into the guard, he had risen through the ranks quickly, earning the respect of his sword brothers along the way. The shoulders of the cuirass bore a red stripe, marking his position, which was Captain Headen’s second.

Although he took great pride in his achievements, he often thought of Robert. The spymaster had not been seen in Sowkirk since the battle at Pringle’s keep. As Luke rose through the ranks and achieved more in his life－bettering, his position－he often thought back to the brief conversation they’d had in Pringle’s exchange. What Robert did was evil. Luke had no doubt. But the spymaster was simply trying to do what Luke was－better his life.

And Luke indeed had bettered his position. There had been enough of the foundation and framework of Aileas’ family keep left that they’d been able to rebuild it. It was hard, arduous work, but they had finished it. It was larger than her ancestral home had been, though still smaller than Cherrythorn Manor, but Luke believed it was no less grand than the baron’s residence. They had hired some of the best craftsmen in Sowkirk to add the touches and flourishes Aileas wanted. The things she remembered from her childhood.

Though, she was careful to avoid duplicating her home completely, adding things unique to them and put their stamp on their new home… the home they were soon to be raising their family in. The idea of being a father still made Luke shudder, though not in a bad way. Aileas insisted that he would be a good father, but the mere idea of it scared him.

He slipped out of bed and pulled a tunic on over himself. Though the sun was shining and the sky was cloudless, there was a crispness and a chill in the air still. Spring was still a ways off yet, and though things had been unseasonably warm, it was far from actually being warm.

Luke stepped through the arched doorway and onto the balcony, sidling up behind her. He wrapped his arms around Aileas, sliding his hands across her very swollen belly. She turned her head and smiled at him, so he gave her a peck on the lips as she melted into him, intertwining her fingers with his. He looked down at her belly, knowing he didn’t have long to get over his fears. Scared or not, he was going to be a father, and he was going to be a father very soon.

In the distance, the sun was just creeping over the horizon, sending out golden rays that reflected dazzlingly off the surface of the ocean. He watched the ships moored in the harbor and wondered what was going through her mind.

“Ye’re up early,” he said.

“Aye. Tis bein’ pregnant. It doesn’t let me sleep well sometimes.”

He nodded out to the ships in the harbor. “Dae ye miss it? Bein’ out on thae Selkie with yer crew?”

A faint smile curled her lips upward. “Of course, I miss it. I miss it almost every day. But do I regret it? Nae for a minute. Me life here, me life with you,” she started, resting her hands on her belly meaningfully, “Me life with our family is better than even thae best day at sea. I love what we’ve built here, and I love that we’re goin’ tae fill these halls with a family.”

He kissed the top of her head again, unable to keep the smile from stretching across his face. His heart swelled with his love for her and his burgeoning family to the point he thought it might burst. Aileas looked up at him again, holding his gaze firmly, an earnest expression on her face.

“I need ye tae ken that I daenae regret givin’ up me ship. There’s no place I’d rather be than here with ye and our wee one,” she said, rubbing her stomach. “And Dougal is a fine captain. I ken he’ll uphold thae lofty traditions and reputation of thae Red Selkie.”

Luke smiled at her and held her a little tighter. Though he believed Aileas, hearing it from her lips never failed to settle any sense of unease that lingered within him. He knew well what she had given up to be with him. She had given up her ship. She’d named her former first mate, Dougal, the new captain, and had gifted him with her ship. He remembered vividly the day they stood on the docks and watched the Selkie sail away without her. She’d had tears in her eyes and had been nearly inconsolable for a couple of days.

Luke knew that she’d given up her freedom and her life on the sea. For him. And because of that, because he remembered how hard she’d cried when Dougal sailed away, no matter how hard he tried to banish it, there was always an ember of fear that burned within him that she would come to regret her decision. But she seemed to sense that and always took care to reassure him, and he appreciated that.

He looked to the east and saw Pringle’s keep standing on the bluff, silhouetted in the early morning light. After the battle and everything had been settled, Baron Begbie gifted the keep to Dand… as a wedding present. Shortly after he and Aileas had wed, Dand had married Mira. They amazingly had two children already－twin girls－so. It was good they were given the keep since they needed more room than Dand’s home offered.

Luke had grown close to Dand and counted him among his closest and most trusted friends. It was surprising to him, given the start they’d gotten off to, but Luke was grateful for his friendship. At first, Luke had thought the pairing odd. Mira was a beautiful and refined woman. Cultured and well-spoken. She was educated. Dand was a fighter, grizzled and worn in some ways, and he wasn’t necessarily as educated or cultured as his wife.

And yet, somehow, the pairing worked. Dand adored Mira, and she adored him as well. They were happy together, and they were very obviously deeply in love. Luke was happy for the big man.

“What are ye thinkin’?” she asked.

“I was just thinkin’ about how happy I am.”

“Aye. I never thought I could be this happy,” she said.

“That makes two of us, me love,” he replied. “And I daenae ken what I did tae deserve it. Or tae deserve ye.”

She quirked a small grin at him. “I ask that meself all thae time.”

Luke laughed and shook his head. He loved the quick wit and smart mouth that Aileas had. He loved their banter and conversations together. She brought out a different side of him. He thought she made him a better man. Or at least, she made him want to be a better man for her and their child.

“Ye ken ye’re goin’ tae be a wonderful da, eh?” she said as if reading his mind.

“I sometimes wonder. What dae I ken about bein’ somebody’s da?”

She shrugged. “What did ye ken about bein’ somebody’s husband? But I think ye’re doin’ a pretty good job of it.”

He smiled at her. “Ye think so, eh?”

“Most of thae time, aye.”

“Most of thae time?”

“Aye. Ye dae snore like a beast.”

“Not nearly as bad as ye. Trust me.”

Aileas laughed as if it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard, then turned around in his arms and looked up at him. He loved the way she looked into his eyes. He never failed to see the depth and breadth of her love for him, and it filled him with that bright light of joy every single time.

“I feel like thae luckiest man in thae world,” he said.

“As ye should,” she replied with a smile.

“I love ye, Aileas. I love ye with thae whole of me heart.”

“Then that makes me thae luckiest woman in thae world.”

He leaned down and kissed her, pulling her to him tightly. As he pulled back, they kept their arms around one another as they looked out to the horizon, letting the sunshine rain down on them. And as he marveled at how amazing his life was turning out to be, he smiled.

It was a beautiful day indeed.

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10 years later

“Thomas!” “Celine!” Elizabeth called for her two children as they rushed out of the carriage on the shore of the Sound of Mull, chasing after each other in the woods. It had been a strange experience to have given birth to twins, but she was glad that the two children loved each other dearly, even though they were a boy and a girl.

“Yes, Mama! We are coming!” Thomas ran up to her breathless, his eyes shining with delight. “But you know that we must explore the woods before we are taken over to the Isle. It is our tradition!”

Elizabeth smiled down at her young son and daughter. “Is that so? Celine? When did you make this agreement?”

Celine said, “Well, since we cannot come as often as we used to, we must make the most of our time here when we can visit! It is the best place on earth.” Elizabeth took a deep breath and stared out to the waters of the Sound, its blue just as brilliant as ever.

“Dear daughter, I quite agree. I am sorry that your father’s employment has kept us away for so long.”

“Father!” The two of them cried and rushed forward to clasp Liam as he heaved them up easily into his arms despite their eight years of age.

“What is it, ye two? I was preparing us for transport.”

“Father, we have so much to tell you!” Thomas said. “You know there are ghosts in the woods. I saw them myself, just now!”

Celine frowned. “It is daytime, Thomas! You cannot see ghosts in daytime. But I did see fairies!”

Thomas and Celine had begun to argue, and Liam laughed, putting them down. “I shall come back tae ye two once ye have made yer decision about what ye wish to share with me.” They ran off, and Liam kissed Elizabeth lightly.

“We are home, me dear. Do ye wish tae stay longer this time?”

“Oh, could we? I would very much like to, although I know you are enjoying your profession in London. A shipping businessman. Quite distinguished.” She kissed him again, wrapping her arms about his neck.

“Och, so I do. But I enjoy seeing me homeland with me family just a bit more than business logs and accounting books.”

“I should hope so. And I hope that Charlotte will be very excited to see us!”

“Let us go then. I have sorted our transport, and the boatman should be here soon.”

In an hour or so, the small family arrived at the shores of Mull. It seemed an army of children and adults rushed towards them with arms open.

“Elizabeth! Liam!” Charlotte ran to them and crushed them into an embrace. “We had no idea you were coming! What a lovely surprise!”

“We hope it is not an inconvenience.”

“Of course not! Your house is always ready for you to return.” Charlotte smiled, and Elizabeth greeted Julia, Angus, and Calum warmly and the rest of their brood of little boys and girls.

“I see I must congratulate you again, Julia!” Elizabeth kissed Julia’s blooming cheek, for she was heavily pregnant with her third child.

“Thank you, my dear! You are most welcome!” Angus, Calum, and Liam were laughing together as they strode up to the castle. The large group of children had run off to the woods on the shoreline, and Elizabeth waved to them.

“It appears we are quite an army now,” she said to Charlotte.

“So we are. A delightful one.”

“And how is your father? Please, may we ask him to join us?”

Charlotte grinned and looked at Julia. “My father is now the happiest of men, thanks to dear Mildred. Did you not write to her that you were coming?”

“No, I wanted it to be a complete and utter surprise, and so we must ask them to sail over for dinner.”

“A celebration more like!” Calum said. “I know that we have spoken of it before, Elizabeth, but I am amazed at the union between your aunt and the General. Why, even after a few years of marriage, they look like young newlyweds, always smiling and happy. They have come to visit you often in London?”

“Yes, very often. We are most grateful for them. They dote upon the children, you see.”

They all filed into the hall, and Julia sent a servant to alert the cook to make a fine meal.

Mrs. MacLean entered the room to greet the guests, and Elizabeth pulled her into an embrace. “Mrs. MacLean, so good to see you again.” The woman was now much older and slightly stooped with age, but she was still sharp and smiled brightly.

“I cannae wait tae see yer little young ones, my Lady, once they return from all that playing in the woods. Liam, my boy!” She saw Liam, and he rushed to her to wrap his arms about her.

“Mrs. MacLean. I have missed ye so.”

“And I ye,” she whispered.

“Lady MacLean, donnae worry yerself. We shall have a fine celebration tae enjoy the return of Liam and Elizabeth. It will be a fine thing, indeed.”

“Thank you, Mrs. MacLean!” Julia called as the woman left to complete her duties in preparation.

Fergus then appeared in the doorway and hugged both Liam and Elizabeth in turn. “I see that ye still havenae left the man, lass.”

“Certainly not. How else would I be able to return to such a beautiful castle.”

Fergus winked. “Och, but ye’ve got yer wits about ye.”

The group of happy reunited friends spoke for hours of what had happened in the many months of their celebration, but soon after, Elizabeth and Liam begged leave to prepare for the evening in their home.

As soon as they were first married, the clan built them a home, just as they had done for Angus and Charlotte, so they could use it whenever they wish to come to Mull and stay for as long as they wished to stay. Liam’s old family home had not been large enough to occupy them all with their hopes for a growing family. It had been Elizabeth’s delight, for her times on Mull were always the happiest in her life.

Once they were dressed and ready, Liam and Elizabeth held hands as they walked back towards the castle, the breeze rushing past them. “Are ye happy, me love?”

“Very. You know that I am always happy to return to Mull. When we can all be together. You are all my family now.”

Liam’s face was lined with concern. “I am sorry that I have kept us so long away.”

“Not at all!” Elizabeth paused and kissed him on the cheek. “You have done just what you have set out to do. You have become a learned and very skilled man. I am proud of you.”

Liam hugged her. Thomas and Celine were skipping along in front of them. “And I ye, lass. Ye have been through much trouble, and yet ye carry strength. Ye have given it tae me, and ye have given it tae them.” He nodded to the children.

Elizabeth smiled, her eyes filling with tears. “Oh, come now, we must not have tears before a party to celebrate our return.” She clasped his hand again, and they kept walking. “I am glad you have worn your kilt, Liam. It suits you for dancing.”

“Aye, ye will try and have tae keep up with the Scottish steps. I have had far too many English dances now over the past years.”

Laughing, they continued on their way.

***

At the gathering, it was much busier than expected. Nearly all of Mull had been invited, and so the room was filled nearly to the brim with laughter, drinking, and food. Elizabeth smiled to see a happy, younger-looking Aunt Mildred pull her step-grandchildren and her grand-niece and nephew to her, kissing them each soundly. “I can never get enough of you, my sweets.”

Elizabeth walked up to her, kissing her on the cheek. “Dear Aunt, I hope you are not cross that we did not warn you of our arrival.”

“Not at all! We do love a good surprise to we not, General?”

An older, yet more distinguished General came into view, smiling next to his wife. “Why, yes, we do, Mildred.” Clasping Elizabeth’s hand, he said, “Welcome back, dear girl. I thank you for coming, for we have been searching for weeks for a good excuse to have a party.”

Angus laughed, “And so we have a good one now. I say we drink heartily for the occasion.”

Charlotte smiled. “I could not agree more and music, of course!” At her instruction, the bagpipers began to play, and soon the hall was filled with warm merriment, the children scuttling about, having their own adventures, and the adults clasping hands, kissing cheeks, and laughing over old times.

After a few hours, Elizabeth found herself on the edge of the room, savoring the scene as she sipped her wine. Julia and Charlotte sidled next to her. “I see we have all left our lives behind and come to this merry place. Do you have any regrets, my friends?” Julia asked.

“Not at all.”

“Not one.”

“Then, we have done better than many of our friends stuck back in London, I should think. Stuck married to old men, dull men, or evil men.”

“Or ugly men,” Charlotte snickered.

Julia rolled her eyes, and Elizabeth laughed, looking back at the three, strong Scottish men each of them had chosen. “Yes, Charlotte, I do believe you are right. An ugly man would have been a great trial, indeed.”

Elizabeth strung her arm through Charlotte’s, and Charlotte did the same with Julia. “So here we are, three Sassenachs, having charmed three Highlanders into matrimony who are not ugly, old, evil, or dull. What luck we have struck, ladies.”

Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes, and Charlotte turned to her. “My dear, what makes you cry? Is this not a happy occasion?”

“No, of course it is.” Elizabeth dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. “It is just that even after all this time, I can still say I am the happiest I have ever been. Each new day brings more happiness. I could never have imagined it.”

Charlotte grinned. “Well, imagine it. We have been given a fortunate life. I think there must be something magical about Scotland or the Isle of Mull in particular.”

The three men, seeing their wives in quiet conversation, approached them. Calum said to Julia, “My love, I would ask ye tae dance, but perhaps ye donnae wish tae?” He was smiling widely, and Julia said, “On my life, I will not be assumed to be without physical capabilities simply because I am with child. Besides, I have felt much better than the last two!”

She grasped onto his hand, and in tune with the music, they pulled out onto the dance floor. Angus lifted his brows to Charlotte, who leaped forward into his arms, kissing him on the cheek. “You know, Angus MacLean, that even though we have had four children together, and it has been many years, I see you as I did that first night alone together, here in the hall.”

“Is that so? When ye backed me up against a wall and forced me intae a kiss?” Angus was grinning, and Charlotte rolled her eyes back at Elizabeth. “Forced. What a terrible time for you.”

“Come, lass,” Angus said, laughing and pulled her away into his arms. Liam turned to Elizabeth with a smile. They could hear the children laughing and playing in the corner and moving through the dancing couples. Elizabeth could see Fergus taking a young maid in his arms around the hall.

“Now, I have been threatened with dancing this evening by ye. Will ye dance, bonny lass?”

She slid her hand into his. “So I will, handsome lad.”

“Good.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, and they twirled and swayed to the sound of the bagpipes. Elizabeth was amazed at how handsome Liam MacLean still was to her. And over the years, he had grown in confidence and strength, and she was still surprised at how good and kind he was.

“I see I am to tutor you, Sir. I think your Scottish steps are slacking.”

“Me? What about you with your tutored dance? I was about to say that Sassenachs have more rhythm than I expected.” He winked, and Elizabeth laughed, drawing his mouth to hers.

“I think you should know that well enough by now, and I do not mean rhythm on the dance floor.”

Watching his surprised, pleased face, Liam pulled her closer. “Mrs. MacLean, I do believe you are verging on becoming quite a vixen after all these years of marriage. I am looking even more forward to the years to come.”

“As am I, Liam. As am I.”

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Mid-Argyll, Scotland, Summer, 1668

Elaine was watching anxiously from her chamber window, looking out across the moorlands far into the distance. She had been waiting all day for a sign of Finlay and Andrew’s return, but so far, there had been no sign of them, and she was growing worried.

It was early spring in Mid-Argyll, the days still lingering with the shortness of winter, darkness closing in early, and the weather unpredictable. Snow still lay on the high mountain tops and a cold northern wind brought with it a chill that pierced to the bone.

She sighed, turning away from the window and shaking her head, as Carys looked up from her sewing with a questioning look upon her face.

“Nay sign of them, mistress?” she asked, and Elaine shook her head.

“They have been gone for three days, Carys. Each day I have expected them back, but nothin’ and nay message either. What has become of them?” she said.

“They will be all right, mistress. When has Finlay ever failed in battle?” she asked.

“There is always a first time, Carys, and he has Andrew with him, what if tis’ he who is injured? I could never forgive myself for allowin’ my firstborn to ride out like that on some foolish errand,” she said, slumping into a chair by the fire.

“Andrew is headstrong. He is nineteen years old, ye cannae stop him wantin’ to fight and follow his father into battle,” Carys said.

“Aye, but I can worry about him as only a mother can,” Elaine replied.

“Have faith, mistress. Come now, sit a while by the fire, and we shall talk of old times. Dae ye remember when we used to sit for hours by the fire at Carrick when we were young?” she said, and Elaine smiled.

“Aye, such carefree days they were, I should have enjoyed them more for now there always seems so burden upon us,” she said, sighing.

“But much happiness too, ye have three beautiful children and a husband who loves ye. Ye still have me at yer side and a home here at Kilchurn, ye are luckier than ye think, mistress and daenae forget, I await my husband too, Dougal is with them, but ye daenae see me worryin’ every moment for him,” Carys said, and Elaine nodded.

She was happy, for hers was a charmed and privileged life as mistress of the MacCallum clan. But at that moment, she could think only of Finlay and Andrew, worrying for their safety and praying for their swift return.

***

Later that evening, she sat at the table in the great hall. The wind was whistling around the castle, a draught causing her to shiver and the fire in the hearth to splutter and spit. On her right was Carys, and on her left were Margaret and Robert, her two younger children, both happily eating their dinner and oblivious to their mother’s worry.

“I cannae eat,” Elaine said, pushing aside her plate.

“Come now, mistress, ye shall make yerself ill if ye daenae eat,” Carys said, but Elaine shook her head.

“Somethin’ has happened to them, I know it,” she said, but at that very moment, a commotion came from outside the great hall, and suddenly the doors burst open, and a dozen clansmen entered bearing a stretcher.

Elaine let out a cry of horror at the sight, rushing forward to where Finlay lay wounded and bleeding before her.

“Elaine, tis’ nae as bad as it looks,” Finlay said, struggling to sit up and gasping for breath.

“What happened? I have been anxious all day, I have nae slept for waitin’ for ye. I thought ye and Andrew would return two days ago, and … Finlay, where is Andrew? Where is our son?” she asked, looking around her, panic rising in her voice.

“I am here, mother, I am quite safe,” came a voice from the door of the great hall, and Elaine looked up to see her soon, bloodied and bruised, standing before her.

“Oh, Andrew, ye have been injured? I should never have allowed ye to go,” Elaine said, rushing to her son and throwing her arms around him.

“I wanted to go, mother, I had to go. The honor of our clan is at stake, the enemy encroaches upon our lands day by day, and there is rumor of uprising and insurrection,” Andrew said, ignoring his mother’s concerns and going to his father’s side.

“Andrew fought bravely, Elaine, ye would have been proud of him,” Finlay said, helped from the stretcher and into a chair by the fire.

“But at what cost?” Elaine said, tears welling up in her eyes.

“The time for peace is at an end, mother. We cannae sit idly by and allow our lands to be overrun. John Erskine is raising an army to take the crown. This is our chance,” Andrew said, and Elaine shook her head.

“We have always worked for peace, Andrew. Yer father and I have sacrificed much to ensure it. We cannae throw that away now on some foolish errand. The Earl of Mar will never raise an army large enough to take on the crown,” she said, but Andrew shook his head.

“There are many who will rally to his banner, mother. I am one of them. I am old enough, and I have had a taste of war now. I am ready,” he said.

“I will nae hear of it. Tell him, Finlay, tell him he is a fool to think these things,” Elaine said, looking around her in desperation.

“Yer mother is right, Finlay. Ye fought these past few days bravely, but we cannae take on such a cause; it wouldnae be right. Ye still have much to learn,” he said, and Andrew cursed.

“Ye treat me like a child, but I am nay child; I am a man, and I know the cause of right and wrong. The crown has too long subjected us to its cruel rule, well, enough is enough, I shall join with the Earl of Mar and fight. There is nothin’ that ye can dae to stop me,” he said, and with that, he turned and marched from the great hall, the doors slamming behind him.

“We must talk some sense into him. He cannae plunge us into war,” Elaine said, as the servants brought hot water and bandages for Finlay.

“He is headstrong, but perhaps he will soon learn,” Finlay said, sighing and shaking his head.

“But the cause he speaks of, can it even be true? John Erskine is but one man, the Earl of Mar can never take on the crown in such a way,” she said, and Finlay shook his head.

“I fear that the Earl has already drawn many to his cause. Andrew is idealistic; he does nae know the horrors of war as we dae. I shall talk to him,” he said, sighing and shaking his head.

***

But there was to be no conversation between Finlay and Andrew, for his son was already making plans. He had left the great hall, angered by his mother’s refusal to allow him to fight for a cause he believed was right.

In his chambers, he cursed the foolishness of his parents and their timidity. Did they not see the need to act if the honor of the clan was to be defended? Andrew had long heard tales of the crown’s brutality and of how it had taxed and subjected so many into submission.

“I will not allow it,” he said, bringing his fist down hard upon the mantelpiece.

He had made his decision already, long before he and his father had returned to Kilchurn from their flight along the eastern border of their territory. Andrew had seen for himself the devastation wrought by those who supported the crown and believed they could take anything they wished.

Crofts had been burned, peasants terrified, lands seized, and all manner of wickedness enacted in the name of the king. He would not stand for it any longer, and now, he took up his meager possessions and wrapped his cloak tightly around him, his sword slung at his side.

He would not ask permission to go, for he knew his parents would never allow it. By the time they realized he was gone, it would be too late, and he would have disappeared into the night. He waited until the castle grew quiet, the night watch bell having sounded, and the torches on the gates extinguished.

Now, he made his way quietly downstairs, picking his way through the darkened corridors, and sneaking into the kitchen to steal food. He could picture his mother’s face if she knew what he was doing, the horror she would feel when it was discovered that he was gone. But Andrew knew his cause was right, and he slipped out of the castle by the side gate in the gardens, fleeing across the moorland to join the Earl of Mar and fight in his rebellion.

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★★★★★ 266 ratings

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“Ye’ve come back.” A surprised Liam stared back at Elizabeth Darling as she entered the large hall of Duart Castle.

She’d seen him instantly, and her heart began to flutter as she took in his strong form once more. It had been a dull time in England with her aunt. No man there had come close to heating her blood the way that Liam MacLean did. It was frustrating and unnerving.

She nodded as she approached him. “Yes, I had heard from Charlotte that her wedding would be a few weeks away, and I thought I would come for the festivities. My aunt lives not too far from the Scottish border. But I am late.” She frowned, and Liam took a step closer.

“But ye can celebrate now, lass.” He pulled a drink from a table and handed it to her. “I think ye must begin right away.” He grinned, and Elizabeth could feel her insides tingling at the sight of his beautiful smile. She took a sip of the wine and felt its heat pass through her with gratitude.

She had spent too many nights crying about her father and having to leave Scotland and her new friend, Charlotte. Her father had been put in prison. There was no death sentence as of yet, for which she was grateful, for the King had been in a pleasant mood, but that could change at any time. Elizabeth had decided to return to Duart, at least for a visit to take her mind off what she was to do next.

And now with Liam MacLean in her sight and a glass of wine in her hand, she wanted to forget the past. She wanted to put aside her nerves and her fears and just let go. Liam then asked, “Come and dance, lass, if ye Sassenachs know how to do it.”

She felt herself being pulled along by a smiling Liam, and she finished her wine quickly as she was led to the dance floor amidst quickly moving people and the cries of the bagpipe. She was swept into a dance, and she found herself laughing as Liam’s strong arms moved her this way and that. She was happy to come back.

***

Charlotte and Angus returned to the gathering, their bodies warm with contentment. Inside the quiet of the study, Charlotte remembered with bliss as Angus had thrust into her as she laid on the desk, spilling papers everywhere as her moans of pleasure had lifted to the ceiling. They’d readjusted their clothing and returned to the party, knowing their presence would eventually be missed.

Charlotte pointed into the crowd as she and Angus moved towards the dancing. “Angus, look! ‘Tis Elizabeth! She has come to see us wed!” Charlotte’s heart swelled, and she wished to run forward to grab her into an embrace.

Angus grinned. “And look at Liam, about as proud as a peacock as he moves her about the dance floor.”

Charlotte said, “Yes, I think that there is something there. I am so glad she has returned, for I wish to make her my project once again.”

“Yer project?”

“Yes! She has had a rough time of it. Her father’s unkind and a murderer, and she has been told her whole life to be a quiet little mouse. I wish to continue to awaken the energy in her.”

Angus laughed. “If anyone can imbue someone with energy, then ‘tis ye, Charlotte.” She felt Angus’ arm snake around her waist and rest on her backside.

John Campbell sidled up to them, his face reddened with drink and creased into a smile. He nodded to both of them. “Happiest of days tae ye both. Angus MacLean, ye’ve really found a woman here, ye know. Ye best be kind tae her and treat her well.”

Angus shook John’s hand. “Aye, so I have, Campbell. Ye are most welcome. We are also most grateful tae ye for yer kindness. I think the Campbells are in for a change in the next years.”

“Aye, that we are, MacLean.” He looked toward the dance floor and spotted Elizabeth smiling and laughing. “Is that the Lord’s daughter? What is her name?”

“Elizabeth. Yes, ‘tis her.” Charlotte watched as John watched Elizabeth with interest, and she felt a little excitement tingle in her breast.

John took another sip of his cup. “Things are about tae get much more interesting then.”

Charlotte laughed as John began to move through the crowd towards Liam and Elizabeth. She hoped they would, indeed.

If you want to stay updated on my next book, and want to know about secret deals, please click the button below!

If you haven’t already, please leave your review on Amazon

If you want to be always up to date with my new releases, click and...
Follow me on BookBub

Readers who enjoyed this book also bought

★★★★★ 266 ratings

This is the story of Gillian, an adventurous English lady who finds herself captured by a mysterious and alluring Highlander. This Highlander will do whatever it takes to save his people from hunger, even abduct the daughter of his enemy. But life seldom goes as planned. What will happen when the Highlander starts falling for Gillian? And will her feelings or her logic prevail in this peculiar turn of events?

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Read the book

★★★★★ 213 ratings

This is the story of Gale, an adventurous English lady who runs away to escape her murderous mother and finds herself in the company of an alluring Highlander. There she is called to change her ways, and he helps her see the world from a different point of view. But her past is catching up with her. How will she elude her mother? And will this be the only obstacle in their relationship?

Read the book