Page 42 of The Return of the Heir

Chapter Twelve

Alastair waited for Gwendolyn just outside of Arabella’s bedchamber. He knew her well enough to know that was where she would head after speaking with the kitchen staff. Her priority was to see her sister returned to full health.

At the sight of Gwendolyn coming down the hallway, Alastair straightened. “Did you discover anything?” he asked when she came closer.

She shook her head. “There are only two serving girls and neither fit the description given to us by the men.” Gwendolyn drew an unsteady breath. “What will we do now?”

“You will go inside and visit with your sister. I must think of some way to set a trap for our traitor, or traitors.”

The animation in her face vanished. “If you do not need my assistance any longer, then I will go see my sister.”

He reached for her chin and tipped her face to his. “I did not say I didn’t need your help. In fact, I would dearly appreciate your assistance tomorrow at the council meeting.”

“Why would you want me there?”

“The other clan leaders and I will be discussing what to do about the MacDonalds. Your experiences with Garrick MacDonald would be a valuable addition to our discussion. They need to know what he did to you and your siblings during your captivity.”

She hesitated a moment before nodding. “If you think I can be of assistance, then aye, I will attend.” She opened the door and stepped inside the chamber. “Until tomorrow then.”

“Until tomorrow.”

Alastair stood in the doorway watching as Gwendolyn and then her brother, who stood by the hearth, joined Arabella on her bed. Their expressions were filled with love, contentment, and ease.

Envy flooded him. They were at peace in each other’s company. But then again, he and Gwendolyn had shared a closeness today as well. Despite the passage of time, they’d fallen right back into that same old pattern of trust and companionship. He did trust her, and he liked being near her. She saw him in a way that made him feel solid and reliable—a way others did not. He’d come back to Dunvegan to be the man Gwendolyn saw.

He closed the door and headed down the stairs towards the great hall. He and Gwendolyn could go right back to the place where they’d left off, if that was what they both wanted.

But what did she want? She claimed she wanted to give him his freedom because he had moved on with his life. And he had. He’d allowed the Isle Council members to arrange his marriage to Beatrice to serve as a bridge between warring clans.

Alastair frowned. Was that enough of a reason to bind himself to the woman for the rest of his days? They were no love match. But peace amongst the clans was vital if they were to avoid the coming clan war and instead consolidate their effort towards fighting the English.

Alastair smothered a groan as he reached the great hall as he realised he was no closer to an answer. What he needed was to spend some time with Beatrice, alone. Perhaps then he might know what was best for all who were caught in this complex situation.

Determined to find some clarity, he entered the solar to find Beatrice and her father. Her father read from a book while Beatrice simply sat in a chair, looking uncomfortable and bored. At his entrance into the chamber, a smile came to her lips. “There you are. I was beginning to despair that I would ever see you today.”

“I came to ask you to take a walk with me.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Beatrice said as she leapt up from her chair. Laird Lamont set his book aside and rose as well.

“Might I have a short time alone with your daughter, Laird Lamont? You have my word I will keep her safe.”

Laird Lamont’s eyes narrowed as it shifted between Alastair and Beatrice. “Well, since you are getting married in four days, I suppose I could allow that.”

Alastair offered the man a bow as he took Beatrice’s hand and placed it on his arm, escorting her towards the door. “Do you have a shawl to cover your shoulders? I thought we might take a walk along the shores of the loch.”

She frowned. “Along the water? Won’t it be wet and dreary down there?”

“The sky is clear, and the tide is out. Get your shawl and I’ll show you.” Alastair couldn’t keep the excitement he felt from his voice. While the castle held many bad memories for him, the shores of the loch only held pleasant ones.

“If that is what you wish,” Beatrice said, releasing her grip on his arm to head upstairs. She returned several minutes later with a brown woolen shawl draped over her shoulders. “Let’s go see this loch of yours.”

Alastair ignored the irritation in her voice as he led her across the rear courtyard and to the sea gate. “So tell me, Beatrice, what are the things in life that bring you joy?”

At the question, her brown eyes lit up. “I love assemblies where you can socialise with other like-minded people and dance. There is a new assembly room being built on Ingram Street in Glasgow, and I simply adore shopping along Buchanan Street.” She frowned as they came to the rocky shoreline. “Must we really walk over that?”

He took her hand in his. “Let me help you.” Alastair assisted Beatrice along the rocky shoreline until they were once again on even ground. “Glasgow is far from here. Do you like any activities that are closer to home on the isles?”

“There is nothing remarkable about the Hebrides.” She frowned at him as she picked her way along the shore, trying desperately not to touch anything wet. “This is wretched. Why do you like it here?” She moved back to higher ground and glared at him.