Page 36 of The Return of the Heir

Gwendolyn looked at the pale faces before her and her heart tightened. “There is nothing to forgive. You did not imprison me. The MacDonalds did.” She lifted the toast to her lips and took a small bite, chewing carefully so that it did not turn into a lump in her throat.

Tears came to Callum’s eyes. “I failed you most of all, Gwendolyn. And for that I beg your forgiveness. I was here. I could have gone to investigate all the odd noises coming from the Fairy Tower at any time, but I did not because of my father’s dictate not to go in there.”

Gwendolyn set down her toast. “Please, all of you. I know you realise how much we suffered in that tower. We want nothing more than to put it behind us and move forward with our lives. We have warm beds, clean clothing, delicious food, and you are doing everything possible to bring Arabella back to good health. Even Samuel is thriving. He seems quite happy learning how to battle with the other young men.” She lifted her fork and took a small bite of her egg.

“And what about you?” Alastair’s voice was gentle, concerned. “What would make you happy?”

Gwendolyn set her fork down, unnerved by the direct question, yet determined to forge ahead with her plans. “I’ve given it some thought, and I would like to start searching for a position as a lady’s maid or a governess somewhere near Glasgow, but only in situations that would take the three of us. In my own time, I will continue to teach Samuel and Arabella what they need to know as they come of age.”

“You would work all day and then teach them at night?”

She straightened. “I am not afraid of the task ahead. And I am quite capable of continuing to educate them both as I did in the tower.”

“You know Latin? Mathematics? The history of Scotland?” Alastair asked with a frown.

“What. . .are you saying?” She stumbled over her words. “That I am unequal to the task because I was imprisoned for five years? You needn’t worry about me. I shall find a way to—”

Alastair surged to his feet and came around the table. “I’ll not have you working as a lady’s maid. I will find a way for the three of you to survive without you having to find employment.” He held out his hand. “Will you come with me to speak to a solicitor? He arrived not long ago and is waiting for us in the library.” He looked down at her plate, at the egg and toast with only one bite gone from each. He dropped his hand to his side. “We can wait until you finish your breakfast.”

She took a final sip of tea. “That is about all I can stomach for now.” She stood. “Callum told me that he’d sent for the man.”

Alastair nodded. “It was the right thing to do. ’Tis time to make certain you and your siblings are taken care of.”