Moray’s remark reminded him of what Margaret said. Men always have choices, though they may pretend they don’t.
They finished their drinks companionably enough. Finn had known from the start Moray was guided by interests larger than Finn’s fate, and the man held no true malice toward him. But for all his trouble, Finn had gained nothing and would have to go to France or Ireland after all. He should have known this was where it would end.
But this meant he would have to return Margaret first. He rubbed his hand over his face as he thought of the days and nights of temptation ahead. Still, it would be good to see the relief on her face when he told her she was going home.
Since his audience appeared to be over, he started to get to his feet, but Moray stopped him.
“Were you aware,” Moray said, “that, before yourunfortunatedecision to fight for the Sinclairs, your uncle the Earl of Sutherland intended to make you captain of the guard at Dunrobin Castle?”
Damn it.Would the consequences of that decision never end? Captain of the guard was a position of great honor and responsibility. Yet Finn had to admit that even if he’d known at the time, he probably still would have been fool enough to give in to the lure of lands on Orkney to fight with the Sinclairs.
“I received amessage from your uncle indicating he is most anxious for his son Alex Òg to return home,” Moray said. “I think it would be wise for you to be the one to take him.”
“I’m not certain I’d be welcome at Dunrobin,” Finn said. “Besides, his father would insist on an escort of at least ten men.”
“Sutherland was very particular in asking me to provide an escort of only one or two guards so as not to draw attention to his departure,” Moray said, tapping the tips of his fingers together. “In fact, he mentioned you by name, as he knew I expected you here, though I did not tell him why.”
“Is Alex in danger?” Finn asked, leaning forward.
“All I know is your uncle wants his son brought home as quickly and as quietly as possible,” Moray said. “If you want to persuade your uncle of your loyalty to him and your clan, you’ll take Alex Òg and make haste for Dunrobin Castle.”
How in the hell was he supposed to do that and return Margaret at the same time?
Moray drew out a clean piece of parchment, ink, and a quill from the drawer in his table.
“I’ll send a message with you advising your uncle,” Moray said, as his quill scratched across the parchment, “that you have my trust and, in my judgment, are worthy of serving on his guard.”
Moray was a powerful ally of the Gordons, and his endorsement would go a long way with the important men of the clan, particularly Finn’s uncle.
“I’m verra grateful for this,” Finn said.
“I know,” Moray said with a small, satisfied smile. “I may have need of you again.”
###
Finn caught sight of Margaret as he hurried up the path. Though time was short, he paused to watch her as she sat on a fallen log with Ella on her lap and chatted with Alex as if they were old friends. She’d shown such grace throughout their journey, despite being ripped from her home and family, dragged across half of Scotland, and forced to endure days and nights of rough travel.
After everything he put her through, Finn knew what he had to do. Before he took Alex to Dunrobin, he must give her back her life and return her home. He owed her that, even if it meant he lost the chance of gaining his uncle’s trust and a place in his guard.
Margaret smiled when she saw him and stood, waiting to hear his news.
“Mind Ella while I have a private word with Maggie,” he told Alex, then he led her a few steps away and explained the situation to her. “So ye see, you’re no longer needed as a hostage.”
“I’m not?” Her eyes were wide with alarm. “What will ye do with me?”
“Don’t fret,” he said, taking her hand. “I’ll take ye back to Edinburgh.”
“But I don’t want to go back to Edinburgh,” she said, and pulled her hand from his.
“Then I’ll take ye to Blackadder Castle or Tantallon,” he said.
“Nay, I don’t want to go there either,” she said, her voice rising. “I don’t want to go back at all.”
“What?” He thought he must have heard wrong, but she was stepping backward and shaking her head. “Why not?”
For a moment, the ridiculous thought entered his head that he—and those few moments of reckless passion against the tree—had something to do with her not wanting to leave. Even more ridiculous, the thought did not send panic rushing through his veins.
“Icannotgo back,” she said.
