‘He learned quickly that finding and using a person’s weaknesses and strengths was the way to survive. Brodie is a master.’ She’d watched him during the questioning and agreed. ‘Not to lean too heavily on his methods, but my parents did truly ask if we would marry here before we leave for Glenlui.’ He moved just enough then to take her breath away and to remind her what would happen when the words stopped.
‘Are you certain of this, Alan? Do you truly wish us to marry? I ken you have many questions yet to seek answers to about your parents and your life.’
‘Aye, my love. I have never wanted something or someone so much as I do you. No matter what else I seek in my life, I want you at my side.’ He paused and stared into her eyes. ‘In my heart. In my life.’
‘Aye.’
They did not speak words for the rest of the night. Within minutes they confirmed their choice and then allowed caresses, kisses and their bodies to speak of their love. By morning, she realised what she had already learned—that she had found what she’d always wanted in her life in Alan. A strong man who would protect her and love her and find her when she was lost.
* * *
Alan helped her dress and then led her down to the great hall where his parents were waiting. Brodie had negotiated with the elders over his fate while he had been in her bed and Alan was pleased with the arrangements his long-time friend had made for him.
With Sorcha’s knowledge of details and bargains made, Gilbert’s supporters seemed to fade away, some even disappearing from the castle while confusion reigned after the fight. Now, those who stood to lose the most from Gilbert’s treachery were safe, thanks to Alan and Sorcha. Any talk of charges against Alan quickly turned into accolades.
Robert Cameron took his place as chieftain of the clan with his son Robbie named tanist. Alan did not begrudge his father or brothers this and understood now why his father had not done it at Euan’s death. For him. For him and his mother. Now, Robert would lead the clan and the peace would be in place for years to come.
Within an hour, they’d spoken their vows before his family. After breaking their fast, Alan and Sorcha left Achnacarry with promises to return once Robert was settled in the chieftain’s seat and the elders who supported the new chieftain were in place on the council. Rob and Magnus accompanied them back to Brodie’s lands and his wife. Someone had to tell her the news that she’d missed their wedding and Brodie did not wish to be that person.
And over the months and years, Alan would often think on how he’d found the woman he loved by accident and in spite of the fact she did not wish to be found. Sometimes, his skills as a tracker left him unable to see that which was right in front of him all the time.
Epilogue
‘The midwife said you should remain abed,’ Sorcha warned as she entered Arabella’s chamber and found her standing at the window.
‘I will scream if I have to lie abed any longer, Sorcha.’ But Sorcha noticed that the lady did sit in the chair there instead of standing.
‘Here, place your legs on this,’ she said, tugging the cushioned stool from the corner and helping Arabella get more comfortable.
‘I ken that you are handling me,’ the lady said. ‘You have been watching my husband too much.’
‘Aye,’ she admitted. ‘I thought him so different from my father when I first arrived here.’ Sorcha pulled the other chair closer and sat down, her own body’s increase in size making her ungainly as she moved around now. And she tired more easily. And she wanted strange combinations of food. And she wanted...more. Her thoughts drifted away from Brodie to her husband’s attempts to appease the other appetite that had recently increased during her pregnancy. Arabella’s knowing glance brought her back to it. ‘Brodie gets what he wants, but uses completely different tactics to accomplish it.’
‘Beware, my friend, for Alan is his able student and he will use those same tactics on you soon.’
Almost as though called by Bella’s words, Alan entered the chamber. Both of them laughed and then again at his confusion. He kissed her and whispered a promise in her ear that made her blush and grow hot.
‘A letter from my mother,’ he said, holding out the folded parchment. ‘Would you like to read it to me?’
Elizabeth’s letters came regularly now and were filled with bits of information about Alan’s brothers and the changes in Achnacarry since Gilbert’s death. His mother had an amazing sense of humour and imbued her letters with it, leaving Sorcha laughing so hard that sometimes she cried from it.
Sorcha understood now that it was that sense of humour and inner strength that had seen the woman through her terrible ordeal those years ago. Now, no longer in fear of disclosure or retribution by Robert’s brother, she was a different person.
‘I would love to,’ Sorcha said, opening the parchment and flattening it on her shrinking lap so she could read the words. But, before reading it aloud, she quickly read bits of it to herself.
‘That is interesting,’ she said after seeing one part of it.
‘Interesting?’ Arabella asked.
‘Elizabeth speaks of a witch who lives on Cameron land north of Achnacarry.’
‘A witch?’ Alan asked, peering over her shoulder.
‘There have been stories of a witch who lives near the falls there.’ Arabella smiled at some memory. ‘Aunt Devorgilla used to tell us about her, but the details always seemed to change. In one story, she was old and wizened and in another she was young and comely.’
‘Us?’ Sorcha asked, looking at Alan who shook his head.
‘My brother Malcolm and I.’ A sadness entered her voice then, but Arabella shook free of it. ‘He was my twin.’ She brushed a tear away quickly, but Sorcha noticed it and realised of whom she spoke. ‘He used to claim he would find that witch and chase her from our lands. It was a challenge made to all the young men in Achnacarry—find the witch and be a hero. He was determined to be the one.’
