“Gold is a very heavy substance,” Father Gordon replied. “This little box is all a horse can carry, but there is more hidden elsewhere.” His eyes gleamed as he looked at the box. “This, however, is enough for our purposes. This will buy us an army. Your uncle wanted you to handle it. It is the last gold we have and with your leadership we will be able to put it in good use.”
But first we have to confront McElwee, Adam thought.
19
Robert McElwee opened the letter and gave a whoop of joy. The village of Inverinch had given in to his every demand, and before long he was making plans for his newly acquired wealth. He read the letter again while pouring himself a glass of whisky. It gave him a fierce glow of satisfaction.
M’Laird McElwee,
I trust you are well. Over the last few days we have suffered several attacks from bands of outlaws and robbers, with tragic results, and I have not been able to mount an effective defense.
After much thought, I have decided that it would be better that you should have the estate and village because I feel that you might defend it better than I can. Please come to the town square at noon tomorrow so that we can have a small ceremony.
Sincerely,
Adam Cameron
Robert penned a letter straight back. He was unable to stop himself from smirking.
Dear Adam,
It would be my honor to receive the keys to the castle and the estate. Thank you for your confidence in me. I will do my best to rid our village of these marauders once and for all. I will be there at the appointed time tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Laird Robert McElwee
Robert poured another glass of whisky to celebrate, and then went to the window. All the land as far as the eye could see was his, and all the livestock, crops, and—last but not least—women. He rubbed his hands together. He had plans to make.
Robert’s retinue rode into the village when the sun was highest in the sky. All the townspeople were in the street, cheering, and Robert graciously waved back, smiling. He loved every minute of this adulation.
At last!he thought triumphantly.All mine at last!
He dismounted from his horse and handed it to a groom, then Adam stepped forward and bowed, a flowery theatrical gesture. He wore a kilt, embracing his new role in his new home.
When he stood up he handed the keys of his castle to Robert, who accepted them with a gracious smile.
“Thank you all for your trust, good people of Inverinch,” he said solemnly, looking around them all. “I will do my best to be a good Laird to you and look after you as you deserve.”
Then he bowed to the crowd and they cheered even more loudly than before.
“There are heather ale and honey cakes at the door of the church!” Adam called, and then they laughed as they both watched the villagers rush up the hill.
Agnes McKnight had a second house in town that was mostly used as a meeting place for the ladies of the village to sew, gossip, and make music. It also had a beautiful upper room that was used for occasionally entertaining guests. Now, however, it was playing host to a man who was lower than a cockroach.
Agnes and Emilia found it almost impossible to be in the same room with him, but they pinned false smiles onto their faces and played their part in the deception.
The two men chatted inconsequentially about the price of cattle, the state of the sheeps’ feet, and the quality of their wool. It had been a hard year for everyone.
“Why do you not stay in the Highlands?” Robert asked. “There is nothing for you in England.”
“I think I will,” Adam agreed. “I have grown to love the place. Although I think it will be a while before it really falls in love with me!”
They laughed, but inwardly Adam was seething with rage.
At that moment Emilia appeared, holding hands with a beautiful little red-haired girl of around six years of age. Robert hated children, but something told him to be polite to this one. Adam Cameron could become an ally, so it was best to keep him sweet.
“And who is this?” he asked the child, trying to adopt a sweet smile but only achieving a sickly one.
