She smiled at them and left while they chorused their farewells.
“Whit a grand lady!” Geordie said, grinning. The others agreed.
“I always need good men,” Alex stated. “Come and work for me. I keep a whole wing of the castle for my workers.”
They were all elated, especially as Alex organized transport for all of them to move their belongings that very same day. By the evening they were all installed at Glengour castle and had become employees of Laird Alex Lindsay.
13
Ambush
Lockie Campbell seemed to be spending his entire life in a constant state of rage. When he had heard that not only had his plan been discovered, but his employees had been stolen from him, he was furious, and determined to have his revenge. It took him a while to work out a plan, but finally he felt that he had perfected something that would stop Alex Lindsay from getting in his way ever again.
Lorna did her best to be his friend, constantly soothing him and listening to all his many irritations and complaints. If she ever had any of her own she kept quiet about them, and tried to be the best wife she could be, which was not easy under the circumstances since she was constantly on edge. However, it was obvious that Lockie loved her, and he constantly apologized to her for his shortcomings. One of his biggest faults was his never-ending self-pity.
“If only I had the land that Alex Lindsay inherited,” he grumbled one evening as they sat drinking wine in front of a great log fire. “He has the kind of estate I always wanted, and his servants and tenants are loyal to him, unlike mine. I have heard that he gave all my men employment, even after they tried to steal his livestock!”
“Yes,” she agreed, “he is too soft.”
“He gets everything he wants!” Lockie growled. “Everything, without even trying!”
Lorna sighed quietly. When he was in this kind of mood, she knew it was best to keep quiet and let him fume. She stared into the fire and gradually, lulled by the flickering flames and the influence of the wine, fell asleep.
Lockie gazed at her, then a plan formed in his mind. Her birthday was coming up soon. A ceilidh would be just the thing!
The more he thought about it the more the idea grew on him, and he reasoned that perhaps he could kill two birds with one stone.
A week later, a letter was delivered to Alex from Laird Lockie Campbell. Frowning, he opened it and read:
M'laird Lindsay,
I am writing to you on two matters: first, I would like to humbly apologize to you for my behavior over the sheep. I have no excuse other than my anger over the duel, which of course you won honorably. If there is any way I can atone for my dreadful conduct over the sheep please tell me and I will happily do it or compensate you for any damage done.
Meanwhile, I would be very grateful if you and Lady Lindsay would come to a ceilidh I am having for my wife’s birthday on the 25th of this month, and perhaps we can discuss matters that concern us both.
Please reply at your soonest convenience.
Sincerely,
Laird Lockie Campbell
Robina had come into his office just as he was opening the note, and as she leaned over his shoulder to read it, her eyes widened in astonishment. “I cannot believe it!” she exclaimed. “He is actually inviting us to his castle!”
“This does not even deserve an answer!” Alex growled as he prepared to set light to the parchment with his candle. However, Robina took it out of his hands and scanned it for a moment.
“You know, sweetheart, I really do think he is trying to right his wrongs,” she said thoughtfully. “I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt. We can take some guards with us, and anyway, there will be a few hundred others there.”
“I am surprised at you, Robina,” Alex said frowning. “Why would you want to go and see a man who has embarrassed you?” He stood up and looked deeply into her eyes.
She sighed. “Because I believe in forgiveness,” she replied. “He has been embarrassed too, and I believe many people will be going merely for the free food! Perhaps we can build bridges, Alex.”
Alex laughed. “That could well be,” he replied. “Do you really want to go?”
“Yes, and if we do not like it we can leave,” she answered. “Besides, I have a seamstress working for me now and I need a new dress. She may as well earn her keep.”
Alex laughed, then kissed her and nuzzled her neck with his lips. “Go and tell her then” he ordered. “You bad woman, you are far too distracting! Go away and let me at least try to get some work done!”
She leaned down and gave him a smoldering kiss, then he stood up and strained her against him. When she broke the kiss, she looked up and his eyes were shining with love. “Now I will go,” she whispered mischievously, as she felt his arousal against her.
