Could he have that as a laird, of Clan Sinclair or any other? He wasn’t sure, and it was that which forced the slow, hesitant words from him. That, and the knowledge he’d gained of leadership and of himself, over the long years in exile.
“Truth, I’m too recently returned fer the clan tae ken or trust me, even if I wanted the position o’ laird.” He took a deep breath, trying to ignore the hurt and anger those words filled him with. For all it was the truth, it was a bitter pill to swallow. With an effort, he forced himself to continue, to give his cousin an honest and complete answer.
“I willnae say it doesnae a wrench me heart tae face that truth, but I’ve learned over the past years, and the past days even more so, that I dinnae really need a lairdship tae be happy, especially nae if Laird Gregor agrees tae me courtship with his daughter.”
Hutch blinked. “Ye’re thinking o’ pursuing the lass formally, then?”
“Aye.” Blake nodded. “I want tae wed her and give her children. As many as she likes. And I want tae give us both the peace tae raise those children.”
He took another deep breath. “That being the case, I dinnae need tae be trying tae claim a lairdship, especially when ye’re already confirmed by the Elders. And I ken ye’ll dae right by the clan as the laird. I’m willing enough tae step aside.”
Hutch frowned. “I confess, I didnae think that would be yer answer, when ye’re the rightful heir, in a sense.”
Blake winced, then shook his head. “I didnae think it would be me answer either, nae at first. ‘Twas a thought I wrestled with. But at the end, the man I want tae be prizes a life with love and peace in it over the power o’ a lairdship.”
“But ye were Murray’s second, and ye mentioned ye were set tae tak’ the lairdship if he died without issue.” Hutch prodded.
It was a fair question, but he’d thought of that too. “Aye. But I clung tae that because it was all I had. Nae kin, few friends, and me clan lost tae me, fer all I kent. The position and the title were the only consolation left, poor though it was. But if I had tae choose between a lairdship and having me family back and the woman I love at me side, I ken well enough which I’d choose, and it’s nae the lairdship.” He saw Hutch open his mouth and shook his head. “Enough, Cousin. I ken why ye have tae ask methese questions, but every word I’ve said it’s true. The lairdship has passed tae ye and yers, and I’ll nae fight ye fer it.”
“And I believe ye, and respect yer honesty, and yer position.” Hutch shook his head. “I’ll nae press ye further. I only wanted tae say that ye wouldnae need tae give up all claim forever. Nae completely. I can set ye as me heir until I’ve married and had a son. And whether that happens or nae, I’m happy tae offer ye a position o’ leadership among the warriors, and a position as head o’ a cadet clan branch, with a direct line tae succession in the future,” Hutch said.
It was the same arrangement Hutch’s father and his own had kept, as brothers. And it was one Blake could willingly accept, in good grace and good conscience.
He smiled, and tried to ignore the small voice that said he should have been the one making the offer, as laird. Even the faint tang of regret and bitterness didn’t change his conviction that he was choosing the proper path. “’Tis a good arrangement fer me. And I ken that ye’ll keep yer word, nae like Laird Murray.”
Hutch smiled. “I’m relieved tae hear ye say that.” He lifted his cup. “Tae many years o’ helping the clan prosper taegether!”
Blake raised his cup in agreement.
Reyna studied Hannah Sinclair’s face as the older woman led her back to a table in a secluded corner. Despite her kind smile, there was a sense of unease in her movements that put Reyna on edge.
“Lady Sinclair, what’s wrong?”
“I havenae had a chance tae speak tae ye or Blake fer long enough tae tell ye something ye need tae ken.” Hannah’s expression was grave, her eyes searching. “I havenae confided in anyone else because it’s too dangerous. I dinnae ken if he has anyone else helpin’ him.”
“Helpin’ who?”
“Hutch.” Hannah’s expression was tight with grief, anger and fear. “I wasnae sure afore, but I always had me suspicions about me husband’s death. I ken me Blake, he is nae the type tae dae what he was accused of. He likes tae challenge those he disagrees with. And the way everything seemed tae point tae him as the murderer was a wee bit tae neat. But if he had been smart enough tae successfully poison a laird and his faither, why would he be fool enough tae leave himself open tae such suspicion?”
Hannah shook her head. “Nay, I’ve kept me eyes open fer proof ever since me husband was killed. And after the death o’ the last laird, I was certain o’ it. ‘Twas Hutch. He’s the one who killed them both.” She shivered. “I dinnae have any proof, and what I ken now isnae enough tae challenge him afore the Council o’ Elders, but I’m certain it was him.”
Reyna felt as if she’d been struck. “Ye cannae be serious! The previous laird was his faither!”
“I ken. And I wish I didnae believe it meself. But…” Hannah clenched her hands together in her lap, looking near tears. “When me husband died, it was Hutch who found the body and informed the others, including his faither. I was tae distraught tae think straight at the time... but who kens what Hutch told his faither? By the time I’d come tae me senses, Leith was buried, and Blake was exiled. Everyone thought he’d killed his faither.”
Reyna swallowed. It did seem suspicious but… “Hutch was the one who came tae fetch Blake, that day.”
“Aye, but what did he tell me son? Whatever he said, Blake fled intae exile, instead o’ coming home and defending himself. That’s nae like me son.” Hannah looked at her. “By all accounts, the laird me son served was a vile one. Can ye picture a man who’d kill his faither as a boy being willing tae put up with such a laird, if he thought he could commit murder?”
That was true as well.
Hannah spoke again. “There’s more tae it than that. The day o’ his faither’s funeral, Hutch asked fer some time tae mourn in private. I thought tae bring him something tae eat and drink, tae see if he was ok and because I was someat suspicious. I found him in the library, and saw his face before he noticed I was there.”
Hannah’s voice cracked, and Reyna reached across to take her hands. “What happened?”
Hannah’s voice was barely a whisper, but the words made Reyna’s blood run cold. “He was laughing. Quietly laughing in the shadows as the rest o’ the clan prepared tae bury his faither and his laird.”
Reyna swallowed hard. Her mind was racing as she recalled what Blake had told her. “Did they ken it was poison at first? In the case o’ Blake’s faither?”
